The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (MA-ABA) program at Michigan State University prepares students to be highly competent behavior analysts in educational settings and to develop and deliver educational and behavioral programming to children with autism, intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Students will develop in-depth knowledge and applied competence in the delivery of behavior analysis to improve the quality of life of consumers in various service settings. Students who complete the MA-ABA program at MSU will be eligible to take the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Are you interested in a fully online program in Applied Behavior Analysis? For additional information please contact Tiffany Joy, MA Coordinator at kaidtiff@msu.edu.
Program Overview
The MA-ABA program is intended to provide students an opportunity to develop and grow in the skills of behavior analysis to ultimately help improve the quality of life of their consumers in a variety of settings. This program is relevant for persons interested in pursuing careers in behavior analysis that require the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. This is a hybrid program, offering the convenience of online coursework combined with on-campus instruction and a small cohort. Practicum fieldwork is supervised directly by MSU faculty.
Project FOCCUS³ Fellowship: 2024-25 Funding and Training Opportunity
Read about the new Project FOCCUS³ fellowship opportunity, which will provide funding for selected graduate students to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or an educational specialist degree in School Psychology from Michigan State University. Fellowship graduates will prepare to be school psychologists and behavior analysts who support the academic and social-emotional functioning of children with high-intensity needs.
Scholars will complete their respective coursework along with specialized opportunities specifically for Project FOCCUS³ participants. This includes collaborative coursework with fellow cohort members, guest lectures and a summer intensive training institute to bolster learning and training.
Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Project FOCCUS³ scholars will have tuition coverage and support for travel and materials each year in the program. Fall 2024 applicants to the M.A in ABA program are eligible to be considered for Project FOCCUS³. For more details, visit the Project FOCCUS³ website.
Program Goals
Become Scientist Practitioners
Learn to use data to inform intervention decisions.
Support Meaningful Change for Others
Create socially significant growth for children and families.
Become a Leader in the Field
Participate and lead our professional communities.
Concentrations in Your Studies
With the MA-ABA, there is a fusion of fieldwork experiences with coursework to create learning opportunities in behavior analysis across all aspects of the program. The cohort model takes advantage of working your way through the program with a peer network for additional support and learning.
These high-quality learning experiences can lead to success in and out of the classroom.
By The Numbers
85%
Time Pass
Rate,
BCBA® Exam
All Students
Advised
by
Doctoral
Level
BCBAS
1:2
Student to Faculty Ratio
37
Credit Program
For me, the best part of the MA-ABA program at Michigan State University is the amount of access we have to our professors, and the amount of supervision, feedback and support we receive within our practicum placements as well as within our courses. All of the faculty are outstanding, very personable people who are always willing to offer advice or support.
- Kenzie Gatewood, MA-ABA Student, Lead Behavior Technician
Meet Professor and Program Director, Tiffany Joy