A degree in educational leadership can prepare you to advance your education career into an administration role such as principal or superintendent.
DEGREE TYPE
Master's Degree
PROGRAM TYPE
Graduate
LOCATION
Online
Online M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
MA
Online
Online
DEGREE TYPE
Master's Degree
PROGRAM TYPE
Graduate
LOCATION
DEPARTMENT
If you're passionate about making a difference for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities, this program is crafted for you.
The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis at SEMO prepares students to become skilled behavior analysts through a comprehensive curriculum focused on theoretical foundations, ethical practice, and practical applications. ABA techniques are applied in schools, clinics, and workplaces to promote positive behavior change.
Courses for SEMO's applied behavior analysis program have been designed to meet the Sixth Edition Task List issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Graduates currently pursue BACB certification through Pathway 2. Information about Pathway 2 can be found at www.bacb.com.
Where Bold Ideas Take Place
In your second year, work first-hand with clients with the support of a Behavior Analyst Certification (BCBA) supervisor. You choose your practicum site, giving you flexibility to work in an area of your interest. Through coursework and training, you’ll find your fearless:
- Get personal attention from a faculty advisor with expertise in your field.
- Complete the program within two years.
- Access online study modules and other tools to help prepare you to pass the BCBA exam.
What Can You Do with an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis?
Earning a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis opens doors to impactful careers, helping individuals with behavioral challenges, such as autism, improve their skills and quality of life. Behavior analysts assess, analyze, and modify behavior using evidence-based strategies to create personalized treatment plans. With the growing demand for ABA professionals, job opportunities are abundant in schools, clinics, hospitals, and community organizations.
Other opportunities in this field include working in parent training, behavioral pediatrics, child welfare, and brain injury rehabilitation.
Career Opportunities
- Counselor
- Psychological Assistant
- Special Education Assistant
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Social Work
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Applied Behavior Analysis by the Numbers
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$93K
School and Career Counselors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for school and career counselors is $93,610.
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$80k 
Human Resources Specialist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a human resources specialist is $79,730 per year.
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$111K
Psychologists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary for psychologists is $111,340.
Applied Behavior Analysis Curriculum
The program has a cohort model, so students will take classes with the same group of students throughout both years, helping to build a life-long behavior analytic community. Students may apply for admission for Summer or Fall; however, only electives are available during the first summer semester. ABA classes always begin in the fall.
Admission is considered only for the summer and fall semesters. In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following:
- 1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale or 6 hours of graduate-level coursework with a 3.0 equivalent in each course
- 2. Letter of intent addressing preparation for graduate study, ability to succeed at the graduate level and professional goals and objectives. The letter should address what the applicant expects to achieve through graduate level study. The letter of intent should be typed and a maximum of 750 words in length.
- 3. Two letters of recommendation
- 4. Identification of potential site to obtain supervised experience
- AB531 Basic Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- AB532 Methods for Studying the Behavior of Individuals (3)
- AB533 ABA I: Skill Acquisition and Assessment (3)
- AB534 ABA II: Function Based Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior (3)
- AB535 Principles in Psychopharmacology (3)
- AB537 Behavioral Consultation & Management (3)
- AB601 Conceptual Topics in Behavior Analysis (3)
- AB603 Ethics, Disciplinary Systems, and Professionalism in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- AB605 Research & Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – I (6)
- AB607 Research & Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – II (6)
- AB608 Research & Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – III (3)
- GR698 Masters’ Final Project (0)
- CE614 Family/School Partnerships in Early Childhood (3)
- CF520 Professional Ethics and Practice (3)
- CF602 Trauma-Informed Care (3)
- DS618 Environmental Design for Human Services (3)
- ED535 The Trauma-Informed Professional (3)
- EX507 Family and Child with Exceptionalities (3)
- EX555 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3)
- EX601 Educational Assessment Techniques (3)
- EX693 Special Education and the Law (3)
- PY555 Health Psychology (3)
Because of the intensive workload for this program, all courses must be completed in order with the exception of the approved elective that may be taken during any semester, though is recommended to be taken during the first summer semester.
Individuals seeking to sit for the BCBA® certification exam after January 1, 2022 must complete either 2000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork or 1500 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Supervision by SEMO Faculty is limited. Potential students should contact the SEMO Applied Behavior Analysis Program Coordinator prior to beginning the program if they do not have access to a qualified ABA Supervisor locally.
The accelerated Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program allows undergraduate students to take classes in their senior year that count for both undergraduate credit and graduate credit. Students majoring in Education, Psychology, Child Development, Communication Disorders, or working towards an Autism Studies Certificate could benefit from this opportunity.
Program Requirements:
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Program Requirements:
- Junior Standing with at least 75 credit hours completed
- Limit of 12 hours (500 level)
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Must be admitted to the accelerated graduate program prior to taking courses
- Course fee will be at undergraduate rate.
- Course will be initially recorded as undergraduate class at the end of semester.
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What will it cost?
Laura Stroud
Class of ‘17, Applied Behavior Analysis
It was easier and more convenient because everything was online. I really like how Southeast offered the supervision for my practicum as part of the curriculum. It has better prepared me to take the state exam.
Read Her Story
College of Humanities and Social Sciences 
This degree is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The College prepares students for lifelong careers. We boast programs that train students in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, and adaptability. Skills employers value, so we prepare you for basically any career field.
Earn Your Degree on Your Schedule.
Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.
Online Learning at SEMO
When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at SEMO takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.
Getting the Job
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, and sell your knowledge and experience—if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. Our boldly supportive faculty will provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
Accelerated ABA
You can begin taking courses for your ABA while working on your bachelor’s degree, saving you time and money. Students majoring in education, psychology, child development, communication disorders, or working towards an autism studies certificate could benefit from this opportunity.
Additional Resources
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DEGREE TYPE
Certificate
PROGRAM TYPE
Undergraduate
LOCATION
Online
DEPARTMENT
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701