Online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
The online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program at the University of Cincinnati is designed for students who want to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
Our Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is ideal for students who are committed to pursuing BCBA certification and are seeking an advanced, hands-on educational experience. Our program is designed to attract top students who are ready to engage in rigorous coursework, research, and practical application in the field of behavior analysis.
Feature |
MEd in Foundations in Behavior Analysis |
MS in Behavior Analysis |
| Cohort Size | No maximum cohort size (larger classes) | Small, selective cohort |
| Practicum Courses | Not included | Required (2 semesters). This is a virtual, synchronous course. The day and time are announced a semester prior. |
| Supervision | Not included | Direct Faculty + Field Supervisor. Fulfills a portion of the hours required by BACB. |
| Applied Experience | None built in. All hours completed on student’s own time. | Yes — hands-on practicum |
| Research Opportunities | Not part of curriculum | Present with faculty, co-author papers |
| Portfolio | Not included | Completed as part of practicum |
| Test Prep Support | Optional webinars (non-requires) | Built into curriculum |
| BCBA Eligibility | Currently eligible (subject to change) | Fully eligible |
| Ideal Candidate | Practitioner-focused, classroom-based, less emphasis on research | Research-driven, aspiring leader seeking advanced experience |
| Admissions | Baseline 3.0+ GPA, professional review | Competitive: 3.5+ GPA preferred, 3.25 minimum |
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis Program Overview
This program provides a comprehensive curriculum based on evidence-based practices and focuses on human behavior principles. Graduates will be prepared to promote positive social skills and improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and other behavioral challenges. The program’s coursework ensures that students are fully prepared for the BCBA exam and professional practice in the field. UC holds a 51.00% pass rate for the 5th task list BCBA exam in 2024.
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Supervision Agreement: The MS program is specifically tailored for students who have a supervision agreement with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). At the core of this program are ten core courses and two practicum courses that provide a deep understanding of behavior analysis principles. Download and complete the Intent of Supervision Form here.
- Supervised Field Experience: The program includes a supervised clinical experience, which is a crucial requirement for being eligible to take the BCBA exam. Hands-on field experience is integrated into the curriculum to provide practical skills in real-world environments. You can complete your fieldwork in your own community, tailored to your area of interest. It’s important to note that a portion of the supervised fieldwork hour requirement by the BACB will be accrued during the program, but completion of all required hours is not a program requirement for graduation. For more information, please connect with an Enrollment Services Advisor or your Student Success Coordinator.
- Culminating Project: In addition to fieldwork, students will engage in a culminating project that demonstrates their ability to generate new knowledge through applied research. This project is a critical component of the program, emphasizing evidence-based practices and contributing to the field of behavior analysis.
- Advanced Professional Development: While the M.Ed. program caters to students seeking to apply behavior analysis in various settings, the MS program is designed for those who would like a more in-depth and hands-on academic experience. It is ideal for individuals seeking opportunities to publish, attend professional conferences, and engage in more direct interactions with faculty. The curriculum is centered on developing advanced expertise in behavior analysis concepts and principles, equipping students to address behavioral challenges across a variety of applied settings.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Can be completed in just over two years
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester
- Financial aid & scholarship options available
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Admission into the University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is selective and based on meeting the requirements outlined below. This master’s program does not require the GRE. Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.
An agreement from a BCBA credentialed supervisor who will provide on-site supervision for the field experience is required. View or download the Intent of Supervision Form here.
Our Admissions Office is happy to work with you to answer any question you may have and help determine your eligibility. Contact an Enrollment Services Advisor or email onlineenrollment@uc.edu.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in related field) from a regionally accredited university.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior undergraduate and graduate work.
Admission Materials
- Resume or CV.
- Transcripts.
- Goal Statement.
- Two Letters of Reference. At least one letter should speak to their academic potential for graduate work.
- Agreement from BCBA credentialed supervisor who will provide on-site supervision for the program required field experience.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Two letters of recommendation are required.
- Recommendations should come from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills. References from current and former employers are always desirable. Additionally, recommendations from contacts within academia or professional organizations you’re involved in are also desirable.
- Those writing letters should explain who they are, their relationship to the applicant, and what they know of the applicant’s academic and professional abilities.
- Letters of recommendation from family, friends or current students are not accepted.
- Recommendations are submitted by the recommender themselves; they cannot be completed or submitted by the applicant or another party on behalf of the reference.
Professional Resume:
A resume relevant to academic and professional data. It should include the applicant’s name; phone; email; colleges attended with degrees, dates conferred, and grade point average; employment history; professional experience; present employer; and names of references.
Curriculum Vitae:
A detailed look at the applicant’s career path, including achievements, publications, and awards. Including comprehensive information about candidate’s research background, presentations, publications, committee memberships and other experience of an academic, clinical, or scientific nature.
Applicants will need to provide a letter detailing their interest in the program and how it may match future professional goals. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience with applied behavior analysis or related fields such as education and psychology.
International students are required to provide specific information about their transcripts. Transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation completed from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For questions regarding international student admissions contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
English Proficiency Requirement: English proficiency is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Students can demonstrate proficiency in a number of ways at the graduate level.
For International students, an English proficiency test:
- TOEFL minimum Internet-based 80
- Paper-based 520
- Computer-based 190
- IELTS minimum 6.5
Agreement from BCBA credentialed supervisor who will provide on-site supervision for the program required field experience. View or download the Intent of Supervision Form.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
April 15, 2026 August 1, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
- Future Accreditation Upcoming Changes: Connect with an Enrollment Services Advisor to explore whether the ‘master of science’ or ‘master of education’ behavior analysis program aligns best with your goals.
- Program Accreditation: The MS in Behavior Analysis is seeking accreditation to meet new BACB certification requirements that take effect in 2032.
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