Program Description

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of scientific principles taken from behavior analysis to socially significant behavior change. The goal of ABA is to improve learning and decrease challenging behavior, which may impact the individual’s quality of life. ABA is an effective intervention for many problems and populations, including those with and without specific diagnoses, across settings.

The program consists of 33 hours of coursework which will allow students to obtain a Master of Arts Degree in ABA. Completion of the course work will allow students to qualify to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and, where applicable, licensed to practice. Marshall University psychology, special education, counseling, school psychology, business, and social work students may want to seek this additional degree to enhance their employment options. Students pursuing graduate degrees related to rehabilitation services (e.g., communication disorders, counseling, nursing, and social work) or business may want to complete coursework in the area to learn more about evidence-based practices derived from ABA.

Admission Requirements

All applicants (including those seeking admission as professional development (certification only), should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.

In addition to Marshall University’s requirements for admission, applicants must have:

• An undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.80 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or a graduate degree from an accepted, accredited institution; and
• Two letters of recommendation from professionals who know the candidate well.

Students currently enrolled at Marshall University:

Students currently enrolled at Marshall University as a graduate student and who are in good academic standing may complete courses in ABA as electives by adding them to their Plan of Study.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
ABA 600	Basic Princ of Behavior	3
ABA 610	Theory Phil Behavioral Anal	3
ABA 620	Research Meth Beh Analy	3
ABA 630	Beh Assess Intervention I	3
ABA 640	Beh Assess Interv II	3
ABA 650	Beh Change in Systems	3
ABA 660	Ethics in App Beh Analy	3
ABA 670	Sup Fieldwork in ABA	9
ABA 690	Research in App Beh Analy	3
Total Credit Hours		33