Behavior Analysis :
MS
Why study Behavior Analysis : ?
The online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program focuses on providing students with the core knowledge and skills to serve individuals with behavioral and learning challenges across multiple settings including clinics, schools, residential facilities, and in-home. An emphasis is placed on ethical and professional behavior, data collection and analysis, use of valid and reliable assessment tools, and selection and implementation of empirically supported, evidence-based interventions.
Students earning their M.S. in Behavior Analysis will develop and enhance skills that allow them to most effectively assist clients with behavioral and cognitive challenges so they may have greater independence and access to more activities and opportunities. An emphasis will be placed on collaboration with caregivers and other professionals who work with these clients to develop plans that allow for the most benefit.
The program is designed for individuals who currently or intend to work in the field of behavior analysis or a closely related field where behavior-analytic principles are frequently applied and are seeking coursework that makes them eligibile for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Students in the program will need to have supervision from a BCBA and be accruing the necessary hours of supervised field experience required to sit for the BCBA examination.
Prospective students who are not seeking BCBA certification should enroll in the 30 credit M.Ed. in Foundations in Behavior Analysis program.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university
- 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Resume or CV
- Academic Transcripts
- Goal Statement - Applicants will need to detail 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.
- Two letters of recommendation - at least one letter should speak to the applicant's previous academic achievement and potential for success with graduate work
- Agreement from BCBA credentialed supervisor who will provide on-site supervision for the program required field experience
The field of behavioral analysis is experiencing significant growth, creating a wealth of new and exciting career opportunities. The job outlook is highly favorable for those with a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) due to an ongoing shortage of qualified behavior analysts.
The BACB's Employment Demand Report shows that the nationwide demand for individuals with BCBA or BCBA-D certification has risen consistently each year since 2010, with a 14% increase from 2022 to 2023. The Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is designed for those looking to obtain advanced knowledge and skills in behavior analysis and advance professionally.
Graduates may apply their skills and knowledge across a diverse range of career fields, including those listed below. Note that some positions may require additional degrees and/or certification/licensure in specific fields beyond behavior analysis.
· Board Certified Behavior Analyst
· Mental Health
· Social Work
· Speech Pathology
· Substance Abuse
· Research
· Education
· Criminal Justice
· Human Resources
· Business
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast. Their product, called Career Coach, combines extensive labor market data from Lightcast and the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides insights on industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth for each profession. Economic and workforce information is available for various geographic regions. Some careers may require additional training or education.Students enrolled in the online master's degree program receive support from the very first moment they inquire about the program through graduation. An Enrollment Advisor is available to answer questions and guide future students through the application process. Once a student is accepted into the program, a Student Success Coordinator works directly with the student to register for courses, acquire the appropriate course materials & textbooks, and keep students informed about graduation and other topics relevant to the program.
The program is grounded in the ethical and best practices recommended by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and is designed to expand students’ skills in the core competencies of applied behavior analysis.
- The program addresses a wide array of behaviors associated with a variety of disability categories in both educational and clinical settings.
- The program addresses the specific and comprehensive use of learning principles, such as operant and respondent learning. It also has an emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
- Coursework will provide students with the required knowledge in core areas of behavior analysis including:
- Behavioral assessment
- Functional behavior assessment/analysis
- Intervention for academic and behavior problems
- Data-based decision making and single-case design research methodology
- Ethical standards for practice
In order to complete the online master's degree program, a student must:
· Complete all required coursework and program requirements.
· Obtain at least a 3.0 university grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).
· Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
· Complete the master's portfolio project.
International students must prove English proficiency prior to being admitted. English proficiency can be documented in several ways. The most common way is by providing a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. The TOEFL score must meet University, College, and Departmental requirements prior to being admitted including minimum scores of 580 (paper test), 237 (computer test), and 92 (internet test).
English proficiency can also be documented with a 6.5 overall band score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. English proficiency can further be demonstrated with a 54 on the PEARSON Test of English (PTE) or a 110 on the Duolingo English Test (DET). Finally, English proficiency can be demonstrated by completing a bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking college/university or by completing Level 112 of English instruction at ELS Language Centers.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Behavior Analysis
Application Deadlines
Fall - August 1
Spring - December 1
Summer - April 1
Contact Information
2610 University Circle
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-6308
cechrecruit@uc.edu
Find related programs in the following interest areas:
Program Code: 18MAS-BEHAN-MS-.BEHAN-DL