Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Program
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Given that the number of Americans on the autism spectrum has increased tenfold over the last 40 years, there is a rapidly increasing demand for professionals trained in the science of human behavior and its impact on learning much-needed life skills. Drexel's online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis empowers you to help others succeed, while forging new career trails of your own, using well-established, evidence-based ABA principles, practices, and tools. Throughout the program you will have opportunities to experience hands-on learning through our partnerships with community organizations.
What is a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Designed to integrate scientific theory with proven behavioral strategies, the Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares you to promote positive change across a variety of settings. You will use functional analysis, social and adaptive behavior tools, and performance assessments that prepare you to care for and educate the growing community of children and adults with autism. Upon completing the coursework, you may be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination® (BCBA) exam.
This program is designed to meet the needs of such professionals as special education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, case managers, and those interested in other education and behavioral health disciplines.
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Features and Benefits
- Gain opportunities to participate in mentor-supported research projects
- Access interdisciplinary research and resources from Drexel’s academic canon
- Attend optional weekly virtual meetings to connect with professors and classmates
- Work with the same faculty and curriculum, and earn the same degree, as Drexel's distinguished on-campus program
Master’s in ABA Concentrations
You will complete core coursework as well as one of the following concentrations:
- Advanced Topics in ABA
You'll gain expanded education in the field of behavior analysis that will prepare you for advanced roles in the field or doctoral studies. This concentration provides an in-depth analysis of topics such as verbal behavior, behavioral economics, and equivalence-based instruction. - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Take a deeper dive into the study of autism by completing a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders, which emphasizes communication, language skills and research-based approaches. - Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness
Prepare to help address non-academic barriers to learning. You will learn the best techniques for building collaborative partnerships with families, patients, and the larger educational community, and developing evidence-based, age-appropriate strategies to support PreK-12 students.
ABAI Verified Online MS in ABA
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The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Drexel’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. |
Archived Webinars
- How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
- Online Open House: Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis?
The MS in ABA prepares you for a number of opportunities in research, education, and behavioral health. Graduates from Drexel’s program have gone on to successful careers as social workers, behavioral analysts, educators, program coordinators, senior clinical directors, and interventionists in public and private institutions, among other careers.
For example, two online students used their Drexel experience to help them find their dream jobs. See how Kelleen Corrigan and Sarah Chung have put their Applied Behavior Analysis degrees to work:
Related Programs
- Dual MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis - Hybrid
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
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The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Drexel’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. |
Applied Behavior Analysis Core Courses | ||
ABA 630 | Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
ABA 631 | Measurement and Experimental Design | 4.5 |
ABA 632 | Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
ABA 633 | Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
ABA 634 | Consultation, Systems Change, and Supervision | 4.5 |
ABA 635 | Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
ABA 636 | Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
Concentration Courses (select one concentration) | 9.0 | |
Autism Spectrum Disorders - Select three of the following courses: | ||
EDEX 555
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Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | |
EDEX 556
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Characteristics & Methods: Autism | |
EDEX 558
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Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | |
EDEX 560
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Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
EDEX 562
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Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness - Select three of the following courses: | ||
EDEX 580
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Social Emotional Wellness and Evidence-Based Preventative School Practices | |
EDEX 581
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Understanding Social Emotional Disorders | |
EDEX 582
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Evidence-Based School Interventions and Trauma Informed Education/Care | |
EDEX 583
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Collaboration and Community Based Practices to Promote Social Emotional Wellness | |
Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis | ||
ABA 640
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An Analysis of Verbal Behavior | |
ABA 641
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Therapeutic Approaches Using Principles of Behavior Analysis | |
ABA 642
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Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis | |
Capstone Courses | 6.0 | |
ABA 780 | Capstone in ABA I | |
ABA 781 | Capstone in ABA II | |
Total Credits | 46.5 |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay addressing the following:
- Why you’re interested in this field
- Why you’re interested in attending the program at Drexel University
- Your career goals and how Drexel’s program will help you achieve them
- How this program relates to your previous education and/or work experience
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1079 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1438 per credit)
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Contact Faculty
The following faculty members are available to speak to you about the program by phone or email. For a full listing of faculty, please visit Drexel's School of Education.
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Christina Vorndran, PhD, BCBA-D |
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James E. Connell, Jr., PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D |
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Amanda Lannie, PhD, BCBA-D |
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Bridget Sweeney Blakely, PhD |
Academic Calendar
2022-2023 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2022
September 19, 2022
December 3, 2022
December 5, 2022
December 10, 2022
Winter 2023
January 9, 2023
March 18, 2023
March 20, 2023
March 25, 2023
Spring 2023
April 3, 2023
June 10, 2023
June 12, 2023
June 17, 2023
Summer 2023
June 26, 2023
September 2, 2023
September 4, 2023
September 9, 2023
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