MS in Psychology: Behavior Analysis

Our Master of Science in Psychology with a major in Behavior Analysis leads to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) credential. This is a cohort-based, lockstep program in which students complete 45 credit hours of coursework over 18 months. There are two admission cohorts and a graduate certificate option. Please see description for each admission cohort and our graduate certificate on our Program page.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR Spring 2025.
New spring application deadline: August 15
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis applications have been suspended starting with Spring 2025.

More information here. Register for information sessions below.

The program focus is the understanding of human behavior through the scientific principles of behavior analysis and the application of these principles to improve the lives of individuals. Students are prepared to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts© (BCBA) upon completion of the program and required supervised experience.

Demand for individuals holding the BCBA© certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 5,852 percent increase from 2010 to 2021 and a 38 percent increase from 2020 to 2021. BCBAs are employed in various professional occupations including as behavior analysts, clinical supervisors, educators, researchers, program managers, autism specialists and clinical directors.

Please note, some states require licensure to work as BCBAs. For more information please visit the BACB's website.

The program curriculum includes a Verified Course Sequence, seminar courses, practical experience and BCBA© exam preparation. Students gain firsthand experience with local organizations that provide behavior analysis services. Participation in program events, professional organizations and behavior analysis conferences is highly encouraged.

Program Mission & Objectives

Behavior Analysis Master of Science (BAMS) Mission

The mission of the BAMS program is to produce graduates who promote the principles of radical behaviorism, demonstrate superior behavior analytic skills, and who engage in highly effective and ethical behavior analysis practice.

The program fulfills its mission by ensuring that students receive:

a rigorous, science-based curriculum that requires critical thinking and analytical skills.
a strong philosophical foundation in radical behaviorism.
a strong foundation in the principles and methods of the experimental analysis of behavior, with an emphasis on human behavior.
a strong foundation in applied behavior analysis principles and technologies.
training, guidance and mentorship necessary to conduct applied behavior analytic research.
training in the ethical and professional standards of applied behavior analysis through completion of an ethics course and infusion of the ethical and professional standards of the discipline across the curriculum.
practical experience delivering compassionate behavior analysis services to the local community that meets the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board ® .
professional development and services that help them progress toward employment and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® .
an inclusive, diverse, and culturally responsive learning environment that encourages respectful discourse and sharing of ideas.
training and instruction from faculty who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and who have extensive applied experience.

Students are admitted in the fall or spring. Please visit the Program page for information on the differences between the fall and spring admission cohorts, or learn about the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis option.

Please watch a recording of our August 2024 information session.

Please register for one of our upcoming virtual information sessions below.