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The 32 unit Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis includes the necessary coursework to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

The program courses are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

The program will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors and teach individuals when to use new behaviors. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization.

Program Highlights

• Small class sizes
• Evening classes
• Coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysts International
• For a detailed program brochure click here

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Faculty

Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Associate Professor of School Psychology

Educational Leadership & Support, Department Chair

Gerald Lavarias, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Education, Applied Behavior Analysis

Catalog

Program Director: Azure Pellegrino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

The 32-unit Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis includes the necessary coursework and supervision to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)®. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements (e.g., supervision) before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.  

The program will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors, and teach individuals when to use new behaviors. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

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Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program. The references should attest to your professional qualities and academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Philosophical Underpinnings: Candidates will apply the philosophical underpinnings of applied behavior analysis in the effective use of research, data and scientific reasoning. 

2. Concepts and Principles: Candidates define and provide examples of the concepts and principles of behavior analysis. 

3. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation: Candidates will use the tools effectively as they use measurement, data display and interpretation.

4. Experimental Design: Candidates engages in experimental design processes such as external and internal validity, dependent and independent variables, features of single subject experimental design, etc. They will demonstrate skills using a single subject research design.

5. Ethics: Candidates will apply the ethical standards of the behavior analytic discipline to decisions about their practice and articulate the basis of that reasoning to clients, staff, community and the BACB. Candidates will behave in accordance with the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.  

6. Behavior Assessment: Candidates will apply knowledgeable skills in behavior assessment in their work. They will effectively conduct functional behavior assessments, preference assessments,  skill strength and deficient assessments, and descriptive assessments. The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the prioritization of socially significant behavior change goals as they determine the needs for behavior analytic services.

7. Behavior Change-Procedures: Candidates will effectively use proven intervention strategies and behavior change procedures They will use a wide range of behavior change strategies and techniques. 

8. Selecting and Implementing Interventions: Candidates will select and implement behavior interventions with integrity and skills using data to make decisions about services. They will collaborate with others who support those services. 

9. Personnel Supervision and Management: Candidates will demonstrate leadership in the field of behavior analysis, guiding practitioners in supervision and management in their daily applied work. They will effectively evaluate, train, monitor, provide feedback, and reinforcement to support improvement of personnel performance. 

Locations Offered

Synchronous Online

Program Start/Semester Length

Cohorts begin in Fall and Spring

Degree Pathway

Applied Behavior Analysis MA Degree Pathway  

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements (e.g. supervision) before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Required Courses (32 units)

• PPP 770 - Introduction Concepts and Principles ABA Credits 1
• PPP 771 - Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3
• PPP 772 - Advanced Concepts and Principles of ABA Credits 3
• PPP 773 - Ethics and Professionalism in ABA Credits 3
• PPP 774 - Personnel and Supervision and Management Credits 2
• PPP 775 - Philosophical Underpinnings of ABA Credits 2
• PPP 776 - Behavior Assessment Credits 3
• PPP 777 - Behavior Change Procedures Credits 2
• PPP 778 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions I Credits 1
• PPP 779 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions II Credits 1
• PPP 780ABA - Research: Single Subject Design I Credits: 1-3

• Must complete 3 units total

• PPP 781ABA - Research: Single Subject Design II Credits 1
• PPP 782ABA - Research: Single Subject Design III Credits 2
• PPS 772 - Issues and Values in Schools and Society Credits 3
• PPP 793B - BCBA Supervised Experiences Credits 1 - 15 * OR
• PPP 701 - Introduction to Organizational Behavior Management Credits 1 and
• PPP 702 - Introduction to Multi-Tiered System of Support Credits 1

• *Only 2 units required for master's degree

Possibilities Await
With an ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥!  

For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission for the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis, please submit the following items:

• Completed for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
    • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.

  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:

    ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
    Office of the Registrar
    1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
    Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• – Two references are required for the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program. The references should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at here.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Career Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for BCBA certificate holders in the schools and the private sector working with adults and children in areas such as: behavioral treatment of autism, organizational behavior management, brain injury rehabilitation, behavioral sports psychology, and behavioral pediatrics. Successful completion of this Master of Arts degree and the required supervised hours prepares you to sit for the BCBA examination.

Career Development Happens Here