Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The master's program in Applied Behavior Analysis is ideal for individuals passionate about understanding and modifying behavior, preparing for careers in autism intervention, behavioral consulting, or special education. This program is also valuable for those pursuing roles as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), program directors, or researchers focused on applying evidence-based strategies to improve individual and group outcomes in diverse settings.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MS in ABA) is an on-campus only degree program that will train graduate students to provide behavioral consultation, support, and training to teachers, staff, parents, and individuals with challenging behaviors and/or intensive training needs. The MS in ABA will provide opportunities for graduate students to work within schools, homes, and/or other facilities that serve individuals with unsafe or interfering behaviors. In addition, graduate students will be exposed to individuals from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, and disability backgrounds.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
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What You'll Learn
Our curriculum begins with foundational concepts and principles of behavior analysis, establishing a strong scientific base before progressing to application in assessment and intervention. Practicum experiences are integrated throughout to support skill development in real-time. In the final semesters, students deepen their analytical skills by exploring advanced behavioral concepts and learning to rigorously evaluate interventions using single-case research designs. Each student designs and conducts an independent thesis project.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
- CV/Resume, including degree(s), relevant work history, service to the community, honors, membership(s), organizations
- Personal Statement describing previous experiences that led to this career goal
- Writing sample: a research, literature review, or professional paper from a previous college course.
- Three letters of recommendation: ideally one from a previous faculty member, and at least one describing your interactions with individuals with disabilities.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
Students in the ABA master’s program may be eligible for funding through federal personnel preparation grants. Interested applicants are encouraged to review current opportunities listed on our grants webpage (https://education.uky.edu/edsce/eds/degrees-programs/aba/grants) and reach out to program faculty for more information.
Some required practicum placements are paid experiences, with students receiving hourly wages while applying their skills in supervised, real-world settings.
Expand Your Learning
During the course of the program, students will participate in a variety of practicum experiences. These experiences intended to expose students to the variety of settings in which a behavior analyst might work. These activities will result in students accruing the necessary field experience hours to sit for the BCBA examination.
- UK Center for Applied Behavioral Supports: A student-led facility focused on training caregivers to implement effective strategies to manage challenging behavior and increase social and communication skills.
- Faculty Research Teams: An opportunity to dive into the research literature and conduct single-case research under the mentorship of ABA faculty.
- School Consultations: Placement in schools in which you use the principles of ABA to improve child, teacher, or classroom performance.
- Grant-related Activities: Varies based on current grants. Past experiences have included interdisciplinary practicum placements in schools and early learning centers.
- Community Partnerships: Students may apply and earn the opportunity to gain fieldwork experience with one of our established community partners.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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