Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.

The Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. program at Fresno Pacific University prepares you to make a lasting impact through evidence-based practices that transform lives.

Dive into a dynamic field where science meets compassion, transforming lives through evidence-based practices. Join a community of passionate learners and expert faculty dedicated to making a real-world impact.

In this 32-unit program, you will complete the coursework needed to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The courses are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

You will learn how to help people build new behaviors, strengthen positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors. The program prepares you to support individuals, families and organizations using practical, research-based strategies.

Program Highlights

• Small class sizes
• Evening classes
• Complete your fieldwork across the Central Valley, with placements ranging from Bakersfield to Merced—so you can advance your career without relocating.
  • Now offering select field placement opportunities along California’s Central Coast. Learn more at fpu.edu/centralcoast
• Coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysts International
• Click here for a detailed program brochure

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Azure Pellegrino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Overview

The 36-unit Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis includes the necessary coursework and supervision to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)®. The program contains behavior-analytic coursework meeting the Pathway 2 eligibility pathway to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements (e.g., supervision) before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.  The program offers the option to complete supervision with the university.

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.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program. The references should attest to your professional qualities and academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Basic Principles of Behavior: Candidates learn the basic concepts and principles of operant and respondent conditioning.
2. Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis: Candidates learn the underlying theoretical and philosophical foundations of behavior analysis (i.e., behaviorism).
3. Research Methods in Behavior Analysis: Candidates will measure, display and interpret data, single-case designs, intervention and program evaluation, and research ethics.
4. Behavior Reduction Assessment and Intervention: Candidates will select and implement behavior reduction assessment and intervention techniques and approaches from applied behavior analysis. Additionally, candidates identify and integrate client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
5. Behavior Acquisition Assessment and Intervention: Candidates will select and implement behavior acquisition assessment and intervention techniques and approaches from applied behavior analysis. Additionally, candidates identify and integrate client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
6. Organizational Behavior Management: Candidates will conduct performance analysis and management, supervision, staff training, behavioral systems analysis, organizational culture, and leadership. Additionally, candidates will identify and integrate client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
7. Ethics in Behavior Analysis: Candidates will adhere to ethical principles, the BACB's ethics codes and requirements, the BACB's code-enforcement mechanisms, and professionalism.​

Locations Offered

Synchronous Online

Program Start/Semester Length

Cohorts begin in Fall and Spring

Degree Pathway

Applied Behavior Analysis MA Degree Pathway  

Required Courses (36 units)

• PPP 741 - Basic Principles of Behavior Credits 3
• PPP 744 - Organizational Behavior Management Credits 3
• PPP 745 - Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis Credits 3
• PPP 747 - Behavior Interventions Credits 3
• PPP 771 - Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3
• PPS 772 - Issues and Values in Schools and Society Credits 3
• PPP 773 - Ethics and Professionalism in ABA Credits 3
• PPP 776 - Behavior Assessment Credits 3
• PPP 780ABA - Research: Single Subject Design I Credits: 2
• PPP 781ABA - Research: Single Subject Design II Credits 2
• PPP 782ABA - Research: Single Subject Design III Credits 2
• PPP 793B - BCBA Supervised Experiences Credits 1 - 6 *

• *Students have the option to register to receive remote concentrated BCBA supervision

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, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission for the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
    • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.

  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:

    Fresno Pacific University
    Office of the Registrar
    1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
    Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form(s) – Two references are required for the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program. The references should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work. After you submit your application, your listed reference(s) will be contacted via email with a link to provide their recommendation. 
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at here.

Office of Graduate Studies

Phone: 559-453-3690

Email: Graduate.Studies@fresno.edu

Cost & Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Phone: 559-453-2041

Fax: 559-453-5595

Cashier: 559-453-5586

Toll free: 866-321-7502

FAFSA code: 001253

Email: sfs@fresno.edu

Tuition & Fees

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 Center

Phone: 559-453-2073

Email: career.services@fresno.edu

Career Development Happens Here