Online Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis
The online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offered by the University of Cincinnati is focused on the principles of human behavior and helping to build positive social skills while improving the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and more.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is the scientific study of the principles of learning and behavior. Behavior analysis relies upon the best available scientific knowledge to describe, understand, predict, and change behavior.
Our Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis program focuses on providing students with the core skills to serve individuals with behavioral and learning challenges across multiple settings including clinics, schools, residential facilities, and in-home by providing students with strategies to support the needs and increase the level of independent functioning of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Students earning their ABA masters learn to guide and teach individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, anxiety, mood disorders, eating and feeding disorders, and substance abuse. These same approaches are also used for goals such as increasing student accuracy on academic tasks, managing children’s behavior at home, and increasing work productivity.
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 Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis Program Overview
Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis Program Highlights
High Quality Education
The program provides a foundation in applied behavior analysis, education, and psychology for use in education, agency, and other settings. Our program provides the specific Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Upon completion, you’ll be well-prepared for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam, subject to meeting supervision requirements.
Because of our size and extensive alumni group, we offer the resources that can help you excel after graduation including several BCBA exam prep discounts. Our program holds a 51.00% pass rate for the 5th task list BCBA exam in 2024.
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 Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis program is selective and based on meeting the requirements outlined below. GRE not required for the master’s program. Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.
Applications for the online program are reviewed in a way that carefully considers all items in your application portfolio. 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.
- An overall 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0) or higher from all previous undergraduate courses with consideration given to a 3.0 or higher in the last 60 academic credit hours.
Admission Materials
- Resume or CV.
- Transcripts.
- Goal Statement.
- Two Letters of Reference.
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
| 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.
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