<iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MVGWBW" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) | Drexel Online

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  • 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

    Verified Course Sequence Behavior Analysts Certification Board badge

    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

    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:

    Kelleen Corrigan – Online Grad Working at A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

    Kelleen Corrigan – Online Grad Working at A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

    "I had reached a point where I was wondering what more I could do. I was directly influencing a small number of students' lives, and I wanted to expand my reach." Read more.

    Sarah Chung – Drexel Grad Uses ABA Degree to Better Lives

    Sarah Chung – Drexel Grad Uses ABA Degree to Better Lives

    “The concepts I learned, we use them every day here. I teach them every day with new therapists. I learned everything from my courses. The program really prepared me for my job.” Read more.

    Related Programs


    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.

    Verified Course Sequence Behavior Analysts Certification Board badge

    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
    Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder  
    EDEX 556
    Characteristics & Methods: Autism  
    EDEX 558
    Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism  
    EDEX 560
    Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders  
    EDEX 562
    Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders  
    Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness - Select three of the following courses:  
    EDEX 580
    Social Emotional Wellness and Evidence-Based Preventative School Practices  
    EDEX 581
    Understanding Social Emotional Disorders  
    EDEX 582
    Evidence-Based School Interventions and Trauma Informed Education/Care  
    EDEX 583
    Collaboration and Community Based Practices to Promote Social Emotional Wellness  
    Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis  
    ABA 640
    An Analysis of Verbal Behavior  
    ABA 641
    Therapeutic Approaches Using Principles of Behavior Analysis  
    ABA 642
    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

    View Course Descriptions

    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 AlumniMilitary 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.

    Christina Vorndran - Director of the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Associate Clinical Professor

    Christina Vorndran, PhD, BCBA-D
    Director of the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
    Associate Clinical Professor
    cvorndran@drexel.edu
    215.571.4560

    James E. Connell - Associate Professor, Clinical Director and Research Fellow A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

    James E. Connell, Jr., PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D
    Associate Professor
    jec338@drexel.edu
    215.895.2426

    Amanda Lannie, PhD, BCBA-D

    Amanda Lannie, PhD, BCBA-D
    Assistant Clinical Professor
    all354@drexel.edu
    215.571.3827

    Bridget Sweeney Blakely, PhD

    Bridget Sweeney Blakely, PhD
    Assistant Clinical Professor
    bsb62@drexel.edu
    215.895.2243

    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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