Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Coursework

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Our 21-credit (7-course) option prepares you to work with individuals who have diverse academic and behavioral needs. We offer an ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS), which has been developed to meet the coursework-specific requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Examination. The verified course sequence will equip you with the academic requirements to take the exam and is pre-approved coursework through the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
(ABAI).

Additional fieldwork and passing of the exam are also the minimal requirements for becoming fully certified as a BCBA®. You will learn to conduct functional behavioral assessments, functional analyses design, conduct behavior analytic interventions and implement assessments and interventions for persons with or without disabilities. An emphasis on of the use of compassionate care in ABA-based treatment and trauma-informed practices is a core framework for all courses in the series.

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Accelerate Your Career with a Master's Degree

The M.S.Ed. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively with individuals with diverse academic and behavioral needs. As a graduate of this program, you will be qualified for employment in school, community or clinical settings. You may also apply for the Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) offered by the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine. 

M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Program Information

Our ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) will equip you with the academic requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Examination.

Academic Department

Educational Foundations and Leadership

Duration

Course Sequence Completion

Required Credit Hours

21

100% Online Curriculum

Our BCBA® Verified Course Sequence is offered fully online, allowing you the flexibility you need to complete your degree.

Advance Your Career and Make an Impact

Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®)

20%Job Growth Rate

BCBA® job growth is expected to increase by more than 20% in the next eight years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

1,942%Increase in demand for BCBA®s

The demand for BCBA®s increased by 1,942% from 2010 to 2018. Between 2017 and 2018, demand increased by 127%. This increase has occurred in all 50 states (BACB®).

CareerOpportunities

Graduates have multiple career opportunities in various ABA subspecialties. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) provides a summary of these options from behavior analysis in education, health and fitness, environmental sustainability and more.

23%Increase in demand for behavior analysts

The demand for behavior analysts is increasing: Annual nationwide demand for individuals holding BCBA® certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 23% increase from 2021 to 2022 (BCBA®, 2022).

Application Process

Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA*

For admission to this graduate program in Special Education meet the minimum GPA requirement (3.0) for their previous coursework as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), although some exceptions may apply.

Due to higher education regulation changes, Duquesne University is unable to accept applications for admission to online programs and courses from students residing in certain states. Before applying, please review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

*Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.

International Applicants

Effective January 1, 2023, initial BACB® certification applications will no longer be accepted from individuals who reside outside of the US, United Kingdom, Canada & Australia. FAQs About the 2023 International Changes.

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Rolling Admissions

Our BCBA® Verified Course Sequence has a rolling admissions process. This means you can apply anytime throughout the year.

Materials

  • Graduate Application 
  • Official transcript(s)
    • International applicants, please read the information under Transcript Credential Evaluation section in the Admissions Requirements section above. 
  • Personal Statement
    • Prompt:
      Describe any previous academic, professional or volunteer experiences that have prepared you for this program and the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). How have these experiences shaped your understanding and interest in applied behavior analysis?

Process

Send official application materials to:

OR

  • Duquesne University 
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    600 Forbes Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Student Perspective

M.S.Ed. ABA student Katelyn Niggemyer outside on campus with trees and water ountain in background

Learning how to implement compassionate care throughout my coursework has been indispensable to my career. It has greatly improved the level of rapport I am able to establish with clients as well as the quality of services I provide.

Katelyn Niggemyer M.S.Ed. ABA '25 | BCBA® Verified Course Sequence

Our Faculty Experts

Reva Mathieu-Sher

Reva Mathieu-Sher

BCBA® Program Director, Assistant Professor

Xiuchang Huang

Xiuchang Huang

Associate Professor

Liz McCallum

Liz McCallum

Professor

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Our Mission

Since its inception in 1964, the philosophy of Duquesne University's Special Education program has been one that acknowledges the dignity and uniqueness of each individual. Our mission is to prepare skilled educators who will maximize the potential for achieving a meaningful quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Verified Course Sequence ABAI logo that reads Verified Course Sequence VCS Program ABAI Association for Behavior Analysis International

VCS Program

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.

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