Applied Behavior Analysis, MS
Apply evidence-based principles through supervised fieldwork in hands-on settings. You benefit from a supportive learning environment, gaining the skills and clinical experience needed to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® and pursue state licensure.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Applied Behavior Analysis master's description
The Master of Science program in applied behavior analysis is a full-time, two-year program designed to align with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's current test content outline, encompassing 345 classroom hours and 2,000 hours of supervised practicum fieldwork.
You develop skills with a primary focus on three areas delineated by the certification board: foundational behavior-analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities and the accumulation of essential knowledge.
Within this program, you are immersed in the intricacies of behavior-analytic principles such as positive reinforcement, shaping and communication training. You gain a strong foundation in effecting positive behavior change, addressing behavioral excesses and deficiencies, and challenging behaviors through evidence-based interventions.
This advanced degree program places an emphasis on the ethical conduct of applied behavior analysis, preparing you to navigate the field with integrity. You also have the opportunity to enhance your communication and leadership skills while training others on applied behavior analysis.
Mastery of behavioral measurement techniques is central to this program. You learn to collect and interpret data effectively and develop proficiency in understanding experimental designs to uncover relationships among measurements, relevant variables and behavior.
Why study applied behavior analysis at ASU?
Housed within ASU's Department of Psychology, this degree emphasizes practitioner-scientist training rooted in the scientific study of learning and behavior. Through ASU's Department of Psychology, you can pursue professional development, collaboration and engagement in organizations such as the Psychology Graduate Student Association.
The program's cohort-based structure fosters collaboration, mentorship and professional development as you progress through a carefully sequenced curriculum together. You also benefit from dedicated support in securing practicum opportunities, including networking events that connect you with potential fieldwork sites and supervisors.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
46 credit hours including the required applied project course (PSB 593)
Required Core (27 credit hours) Electives or Research (5 credit hours) Other Requirements (9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (5 credit hours)
PSB 501 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSB 510 Basic Principles of Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)
PSB 511 Advanced Research Methods (3)
PSB 520 Ethical Issues and Professional Standards in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSB 530 Behavioral Observation and Functional Assessment (3)
PSB 540 Development of Applied Behavioral Intervention Programs (3)
PSB 563 Basic Principles of Organizational Behavior Management (3)
PSB 573 Advanced Principles of Learning and Analysis of Behavior (3)
PSB 578 Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disorders (3)
PSB 591 Seminar (2)
PSB 598 Special Topics (3)
PSB 580 Practicum (5)
PSB 583 Fieldwork (4)
PSB 593 Applied Project (5)
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate data to determine treatment efficacy in course projects.
- Design behavioral assessments in course projects.
- Develop an organizational behavior management (OBM) project and intervention.
Evaluate data to determine treatment efficacy in course projects.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, sociology or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The application is completed online through the ASU Admission Services website. Applicants should upload their unofficial transcripts to the application before submitting. It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print the MS in applied behavior analysis admission checklist from the Department of Psychology website to ensure completion of the application process and inclusion of all the required supplemental forms. The statement of purpose form should describe professional and academic aspirations. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professionals or faculty members who can speak to the applicant's abilities.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The MS in applied behavior analysis program requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 4.5, or 90 (taken at a testing center) taken before January 21, 2026, with Speaking and Writing portions in high "Fair" to "Good" range (21-30), or a PTE score of 62 or higher. IELTS scores must be 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in the speaking and writing portions.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 02/01 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this applied behavior analysis master's degree prepares you for
With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, graduates have obtained the essential knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue state licensure and establish themselves as proficient Board-Certified Behavior Analysts®. This program prepares students for highly sought-after roles within the human services sector, and upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers such as:
- assistant clinical director
- behavior specialist
- clinical director
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Department of Psychology
|
PSY 201
msabapsych@asu.edu
480-727-4561
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
