Marshall University is excited to offer a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our course of study is designed to align with the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which certifies professionals as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Applied behavior analysts are scientist-practitioners who use the scientific principles of behavior to promote socially relevant behavior change in a variety of settings and with many different populations. The scientist-practitioner model emphasizes both clinical skills and an understanding of the research underlying ABA interventions. Many behavior analysts work with individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries. Some behavior analysts also work in fields such as gerontology, sports/fitness, organizational behavior management, and more. In short, there are many options open to applied behavior analysts.

Our ABA program is online, and it includes full-time and part-time options for enrollment. Degree requirements focus on integrating coursework with hands-on experience. The course of study contains 33 hours of coursework, including 1500 hours of supervised fieldwork. Fieldwork courses require students to be placed at a site, such as a clinic or school, where they can receive on-site supervision from a BCBA.