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Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.

School of Education

Explore Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.

The 32 unit Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis includes the necessary coursework to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

The program courses are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

The program will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors and teach individuals when to use new behaviors. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization.

Program Highlights

  • Small class sizes
  • Evening classes
  • Coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysts International

Catalog

Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Overview

The 32 unit Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis includes the necessary coursework to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The program courses are a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The program will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors and teach individuals when to use new behaviors. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization. There is an increasing demand for BCBA certificate holders in the schools and the private sector working with adults and children in areas such as: behavioral treatment of autism, organizational behavior management, brain injury rehabilitation, behavioral sports psychology, and behavioral pediatrics. Successful completion of this Master of Arts degree and the required supervised hours prepares you to sit for the BCBA examination.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Philosophical Underpinnings: Candidates will apply the philosophical underpinnings of applied behavior analysis in the effective use of research, data and scientific reasoning. 

  2. Concepts and Principles: Candidates define and provide examples of the concepts and principles of behavior analysis. 

  3. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation: Candidates will use the tools effectively as they use measurement, data display and interpretation.

  4. Experimental Design: Candidates engages in experimental design processes such as external and internal validity, dependent and independent variables, features of single subject experimental design, etc. They will demonstrate skills using a single subject research design.

  5. Ethics: Candidates will apply the ethical standards of the behavior analytic discipline to decisions about their practice and articulate the basis of that reasoning to clients, staff, community and the BACB. Candidates will behave in accordance with the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.  

  6. Behavior Assessment: Candidates will apply knowledgeable skills in behavior assessment in their work. They will effectively conduct functional behavior assessments, preference assessments,  skill strength and deficient assessments, and descriptive assessments. The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the prioritization of socially significant behavior change goals as they determine the needs for behavior analytic services.

  7. Behavior Change-Procedures: Candidates will effectively use proven intervention strategies and behavior change procedures They will use a wide range of behavior change strategies and techniques. 

  8. Selecting and Implementing Interventions: Candidates will select and implement behavior interventions with integrity and skills using data to make decisions about services. They will collaborate with others who support those services. 

  9. Personnel Supervision and Management: Candidates will demonstrate leadership in the field of behavior analysis, guiding practitioners in supervision and management in their daily applied work. They will effectively evaluate, train, monitor, provide feedback, and reinforcement to support improvement of personnel performance. 

Locations Offered

Bakersfield, Merced, North Fresno, Visalia, and Synchronous Online

Program Start/Semester Length

Cohorts begin in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Degree Pathway

Applied Behavior Analysis MA Degree Pathway  

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward 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.

Required Courses (32 units)

  • PPP 770 - Introduction Concepts and Principles ABA Credits 1
  • PPP 771 - Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3
  • PPP 772 - Advanced Concepts and Principles of ABA Credits 3
  • PPP 773 - Ethics and Professionalism in ABA Credits 3
  • PPP 774 - Personnel and Supervision and Management Credits 2
  • PPP 775 - Philosophical Underpinnings of ABA Credits 2
  • PPP 776 - Behavior Assessment Credits 3
  • PPP 777 - Behavior Change Procedures Credits 2
  • PPP 778 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions I Credits 1
  • PPP 779 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions II Credits 1
  • PPP 780ABA - Research: Single Subject Design I Credits: 1-3

  • Must complete 3 units total

  • PPP 781ABA - Research: Single Subject Design II Credits 1
  • PPP 782ABA - Research: Single Subject Design III Credits 2
  • PPP 793B - BCBA Supervised Experiences Credits 1 - 10 *

  • Only 2 units required for master's degree

  • PPS 772 - Issues in pk-12 Schools and Society Credits 3

  • *Or approved elective 

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
    These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Include statement of intent.
    You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

State Authorization

State authorization is a federal requirement in the HigherEducation Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but six states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500
2022-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $705
Teacher Education $705
MBA $757*
MSN and LEAD $720
KIN $570
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

View Graduate Private Scholarships

Career Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for BCBA certificate holders in the schools and the private sector working with adults and children in areas such as: behavioral treatment of autism, organizational behavior management, brain injury rehabilitation, behavioral sports psychology, and behavioral pediatrics. Successful completion of this Master of Arts degree and the required supervised hours prepares you to sit for the BCBA examination.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center