Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education – Applied Behavior Analysis

About the Program

The program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed to prepare educators and human service professionals to implement behavior strategies that will support children, youth and adults in a wide array of environments.

 

Students will learn to build skills, reduce challenging behaviors and improve the quality of life for children and youth. In addition, students who successfully complete all of the course work requirements will be prepared to sit for the Certification Examination of the National Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This national certification will expand the graduate's employment options as a behavior consultant or behavior specialist in a community, school, vocational or residential program.

 

Students must enter the program with a given cohort and register for classes in the prescribed sequence. Courses may be held at various locations on and off campus, and although faculty will consider the most common geographic location of the given cohort, students will be expected to commute to various locations when needed. Students who complete the program will need to find a BCBA-approved supervised mentorship. Admittance to the program does not guarantee an internship; however, the program will adequately prepare students for internship and to sit for the BCBA certification exam.

 

Students who already possess a master's degree in a field of behavior science and are just seeking a BCBA license must complete six designated courses needed for licensure. Those without a master's degree must complete the entire sequence of courses to be considered for licensure.

Applied Behavior Analysis Plan of Study

Fall Semester I
EDU-XXXX: Graduate Intro Seminar 3 Credits
EDU-6235: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities 3 Credits
Spring Semester I

*EDU-5371: Applied Behavior Analysis I
3 Credits
*EDU-6390: Discrete Trial Learning (Instructional Methods in ABA) 3 Credits
Summer Semester I  
EDU-5360: Origins of Human Development 3 Credits
Fall Semester II  
*EDU-6150: Research Methods 3 Credits

*EDU-6372: Applied Behavior Analysis II
3 Credits
Spring Semester II
*EDU-6373: Applied Behavior Analysis III 3 Credits
EDU-6330: Evaluating Academic Characteristics 3 Credits
Summer Semester II
*EDU-XXXX: Ethical Considerations of ABA Principles 3 Credits
EDU-XXXX: Capstone Seminar 3 Credits
  33 Credits

*Courses needed for students who already possess a relevant master's degree and are only seeking BCBA licensure.

Student in Education

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the Graduate Catalog for program requirements and course information.

 

Visit the Teacher Education Programs for additional information about obtaining a Vermont Level I Educator's License.

ADMISSION & Requirements


  • • Application for Graduate Admission
    and $40 application fee
    • Cover letter expressing reasons for graduate study
    • Statement of philosophy on working with children or youth
    • 3.0 undergraduate GPA (or most recent graduate experience)
    • 3 letters of recommendation
    • Campus interview (if necessary)
    Applications due by June 1. All programs begin in the fall.

    Send Completed Applications to:

    Office of Graduate Admissions

    c/o Cathy Higley

    Johnson State College
    337 College Hill
    Johnson, VT 05656

    Phone: 1-800-635-1244

    Fax: 802-635-1230

    Email: Graduate Admissions