Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
Applications Are Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our program! Applications for the current cycle are now closed and will reopen on September 1, 2026, for a Fall 2027 start.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Join a rewarding career that creates positive change
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a rapidly growing and dynamic field. In the subspecialty concentration of special education, behavior analysts are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our program uses synchronous online classes to promote student and faculty collaboration, while providing the flexibility to attend class from students’ preferred learning environments.
Graduates of the program will have completed the coursework required to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Curriculum
Overview
Our synchronous online classes leverage advanced technology to support engaging lectures, meaningful discussions, and collaborative group work. With sequential courses, you'll progress through the curriculum in sync with your peers and complete the program in two years.
- Year 1: Three courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring) and one course summer quarter
- Year 2: Four courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
Classes are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning at 5pm PST.
Need a slower pace? We can adjust the course sequence to take three years for completion:
- Year 1: Two courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring) and one course summer quarter
- Year 2: Two courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
- Year 3: Three courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
Technical requirements: To make the most of our program, ensure that you have a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop, a video camera for effective communication, a high-quality headset for clear audio, and a quiet location that fosters focused learning.
Courses
 | The Master of Education degree program in Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis is recognized as Tier 2A by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. |
- EDSPE 533 Concepts and Principles of ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 534 Concepts and Principles of ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 571 Measurement in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 536 Assessment in ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 537 Assessment in ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 552 Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 531 Designing Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
- EDSPE 511 Single Case Research Design (3 credits)
- EDSPE 529 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA (5 credits)
- EDSPE 553 Supervision in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 538 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3 credits)
- EDSPE 535 History and Philosophy of ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 554 Behavior Analysts in Schools (3 credits)
- EDSPE 530 Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- EDSPE 500 Practicum (3-9 credits)
- EDSPE 601 Internship (9 credits)
Fieldwork
Fieldwork plays a crucial role in applying the strategies and skills learned during coursework. Students complete between 12-18 credits of practicum and internship coursework. While students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their own fieldwork site, our program and fieldwork directors provide support to incoming students in obtaining a fieldwork site the summer before beginning the program.
To be eligible for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam, students must complete fieldwork under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BACB requires a total of 1,500-2,000 fieldwork hours, including both individual and group supervision by a qualified BCBA.
To support students in meeting these requirements, we offer an optional full supervision package that includes 75 hours of remote group supervision and 75 hours of remote individual supervision provided by UW-affiliated BCBAs.
For students located in the greater Seattle area, we also offer an optional shared supervision model. In this model, students receive remote group supervision through UW and individual supervision provided through their fieldwork site. This option allows students to benefit from both university-based and site-based supervision.
To learn more about BACB supervised fieldwork requirements, which includes completing 1500-2000 hours total of fieldwork, visit the BACB website.
Completion
Capstone Project
During the final year of the program, students complete a Capstone Project employing single case research design, guided by their yearlong EDSPE 601: Internship fieldwork course. This hands-on experience focuses on coaching and training others in behavior analytic strategies while evaluating the impact of those efforts. Through this process, students deepen their applied expertise and contribute to meaningful change in their communities.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination
After finishing this program, students will have met the coursework requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam via Pathway 1 (ABAI Recognized Program).
It is important to note that while the BCBA certification is valid in all 50 states, many states also require behavior analysts to be licensed. State laws related to licensure of behavior analysts vary and do not necessarily reflect the same requirements as the BCBA certification. Please research the requirements for the state you plan to apply for licensure in. For more information, visit BACB's page on state licensure.
IMPORTANT: Only individuals residing in the United States and Canada (with the exception of Ontario) may apply for BACB certification. Visit BACB's page on international development.
Admission requirements and process
Overview
We highly value candidates who have experience working with individuals with disabilities. A minimum of one year of applied behavior analysis experience is preferred. Whether you've worked as a behavior technician, paraeducator, or teacher in an ABA-focused program, your practical experience is valuable. Candidates with additional ABA experience are given preference.
While we do not impose specific requirements about the field of your bachelor's degree, we highly value any related experiences you may have. Your experiences, regardless of study field, contribute to your understanding and perspective, making you a well-rounded candidate.
Materials
- Application Fee
A $90.00 application fee is required and must be paid by credit card through the online application system.
Fee Waiver: The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee waivers to qualified applicants. Application fee waiver requests must be made at least seven (7) days before your program’s application deadline to allow time for review. Who is eligible? Application fee waivers are available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented applicants who demonstrate financial need or hardship.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the program. Your degree may be in progress at the time of application, but it must be completed before the program begins.
- Unofficial Transcript(s) (Minimum 3.0 GPA)
You must submit unofficial transcript(s) with your application from every college or university where you earned academic credit. The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 in your most recent 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester credits). GPA is only one part of the application review.
Applications are reviewed holistically, and we encourage you to apply even if your GPA is below 3.0. You do not need to take additional coursework to raise your GPA. Instead, focus on submitting a strong goal statement that explains your interests and how the program aligns with your professional or personal goals, along with strong letters of recommendation. You are also welcome to provide context for a GPA below 3.0.
- Two Letters of Recommendation
During the online application process, you will be prompted to add your recommenders. Once added, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters electronically.
Two letters of recommendation are required from academic or professional references. At least one letter should come from a professional reference (e.g., supervisor) who can speak to your relevant experience. Recommenders are encouraged to comment on the applicant’s potential for graduate study and work as a behavior analyst.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current academic and professional resume or vita is required. Your resume should summarize your educational background, professional and relevant applied experiences, and qualifications related to graduate study in applied behavior analysis. In addition to degrees and professional experience, please include relevant awards, publications, presentations, certifications, or other achievements that will help us evaluate your application. Relevant experience may include work in applied behavior analysis as well as related experiences in education, human services, disability support, research, and lived or caregiving experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. Applications are reviewed holistically, and we value the quality, breadth, and relevance of applicants’ experiences.
Be sure to review your resume to show clear communication - free of errors - and attention to detail, including specifying start and end dates of professional experiences.
- Statement of Purpose
The admissions committee uses your statement of purpose, along with other application materials, to assess your fit with the program and readiness for graduate study. In no more than two double-spaced pages, please address the following:
- What experiences have shaped your interest in applied behavior analysis as a field, and why are you pursuing ABA specifically?
- Why is the University of Washington ABA program a good fit for your academic, professional, and career goals? Please be specific in discussing aspects of the program that align with your interests.
- How have your academic, professional, volunteer, lived, or other relevant experiences prepared you for graduate study in ABA?
- Applied experience in the field is an important component of becoming a behavior analyst. In what type of setting (e.g., school, clinic, etc.) do you foresee gaining professional experience in ABA?
- What perspectives, experiences, strengths, or commitments would you bring to our learning community and to the field, and how do you see these shaping your future work with individuals with developmental disabilities?
- Personal History Statement (Optional)
While optional, submitting a personal history statement can strengthen your application by providing additional context about your background and experiences.
This statement should describe your intellectual growth and development, including influences both within and beyond your academic experiences. You may address:
- Your personal history, family background, or other influences on your development
- How your life experiences have shaped your interests, career plans, and future goals
Statements should be no more than two pages. We recommend using double-spaced text and a clear, legible 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri).
Submitting
Program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex or other identity.
- Gather all required documents
- Visit the Graduate School website
- Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
- Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
- Pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee
- You may request a fee waiver during the application process
- Submit your application
When completing your application, you will select the following options for the Program Selection:
- Select your application type
- Select 'Graduate'
- Narrow Your Search
- Select 'By Degree'
- Select 'Master's'
- Select your Program:
- Education - Seattle (MEd - Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis Online Education)
Next Steps
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
The ABA Online program is a self-sustaining, fee-based program. Course fees are charged on a per-credit basis and are the same for Washington residents and non-residents. Course fees for 2025-2026 are $589 per credit. Course fees do not include the cost of textbooks and materials.
Because the ABA Online program is fee-based, fiscal operations are managed through UW Professional & Continuing Education (UWPCE). The relationship between UWPCE and the program has no impact on your degree. The Master of Education degree is conferred by the University of Washington’s College of Education.
Funding & Scholarships
Federal financial aid is available for students enrolled in 5 or more credits per quarter. Visit the UW Financial Aid website for information and resources.
Information Session
Watch our recorded information session to learn more about the ABA program!
Program core ethical principles
- Beneficence
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to engage in practices that maximize their clients' well-being and avoid those that cause harm. We understand that behavior analytic services are most likely to benefit our clients when they are provided in the context of a trusting and compassionate relationship. Where conflicts of interest arise between consumers of behavior analysis, we prioritize outcomes for the most vulnerable clients.
- Inclusion
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities access to and authentic participation in meaningful activities that promote relationships, a sense of community, and an improved quality of life.
- Professional excellence
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to be honest and transparent. We engage in ongoing professional development and analyze our own practices. Professional excellence requires respectful and effective collaboration with individuals from other disciplines while maintaining a commitment to data-based decision-making. Analyzing evidence from different methodologies is encouraged as a way of collaborating with others and improving practice.
- Self-determination
Behavior analysts respect clients’ rights and promote client dignity, privacy, and autonomy. We assist clients to set and achieve their own goals, develop their own agency, and make decisions about their own lives.
- Social justice
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to attend to injustice where they see it, avoid perpetuating inequitable systems, and advocate for equitable systems change. We are uniquely qualified to identify controlling and contextual variables that contribute to inequitable educational and service-delivery systems and develop solutions to supplant them.
ABA online program student data
| Reporting category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 31 | 27 | 24 |
| Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 1.7 | 1.88 | 1.7 |
| Number of students enrolled in the program on January 1st of the reporting year | 58 | 56 | 54 |
| Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of completed applications received | 72 | 86 | 96 |
| Number of students admitted | 38 | 43 | 44 |
| Percentage of first-time candidates passing the BCBA certification examination | 83% | 74% | pending |
Frequently asked questions
UW ABA Optional Fieldwork Supervision Package
We offer an optional supervision package that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) requirements for Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Go to www.bacb.com to learn more about the BACB’s Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork requirements.
- UW SUPERVISION DETAILS
The UW supervision package consists of weekly group supervision meetings via the EDSPE 500: Practicum seminar course in Year 1 and the EDSPE 601: Internship seminar course in Year 2. In addition, the supervision package includes weekly or biweekly individual supervision meetings with a UW-affiliated BCBA. Individual and group supervision occur using the Zoom platform. UW supervision meets or exceeds the BACB’s requirements for Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork by providing the following:
- 112.5 hours of supervision total over the course of 2 years (i.e., 7.5% of the 1500 total fieldwork hours required via the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork pathway)
- Weekly observations by your individual supervisor conducted via video recordings and/or live observations, totaling a minimum of 90 minutes of observation per month
- FIELDWORK SITE REQUIREMENTS
You may complete your fieldwork experience at a fieldwork site that meets the following requirements:
- Ability to video record work weekly to share with your UW supervisor.
- Provides at least biweekly oversight of your work via an onsite BCBA (unless approved by the UW ABA Fieldwork and Program Directors).
- Opportunity to work with at least 5 clients/students, including at least 2 clients/students with developmental disabilities, over the course of the 2 years of supervised fieldwork.
- Weekly opportunities to work 1:1 with clients/students.
- Provides an average of 20 hours per week of fieldwork, with opportunities to complete unrestricted activities weekly (to learn more about restricted vs. unrestricted fieldwork activities, see the BACB FAQ on Supervised Fieldwork Requirements).
- HOW DOES YOUR PROGRAM APPROACH THE SUPERVISION OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS?
Our supervisors prepare you to apply behavior analytic principles compassionately and collaboratively. We encourage you to read through the UW ABA Mission Statement for more information about our overall approach to ABA.
- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE UW FIELDWORK SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE?
It takes 6 quarters over the course of 2 years (Year 1: Fall, Winter, Spring; Year 2: Fall, Winter, Spring) to acquire the 1500 fieldwork hours and 112.5 hours of supervision you need to meet the BACB’s Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork requirements. You are expected to complete a combination of restricted and unrestricted activities for approximately 25 hours per week during that time.
- WHAT KIND OF FIELDWORK ACTIVITIES WILL I BE DOING?
Both restricted and unrestricted activities, as specified by the BACB. The BACB defines restricted activities as those that involve the direct implementation of behavior analytic strategies with a client/student. Unrestricted activities are those more likely be done by a BCBA, such as writing goals and behavioral programs (instructional programs, behavior support plans), conducting assessments and creating measurement systems, data graphing and analysis, and training others to implement behavior
analytic strategies.- DO I HAVE TO FIND MY OWN FIELDWORK SITE?
Yes, you are ultimately responsible for finding your own fieldwork site. However, we may be able to help you in this process. If you are in the Seattle area, we can provide you with a list of fieldwork sites that currently or recently have worked with UW students. We do have some contacts in schools and agencies in other parts of the US. Email abainfo@uw.edu if you need additional guidance while searching for your fieldwork site.
- DO I GET PAID FOR MY FIELDWORK?
This depends on where you complete your fieldwork experience. Most agency and school fieldwork sites do pay students for at least a portion of their fieldwork hours.
- HOW MUCH DOES UW SUPERVISION COST?
In Year 1, you pay for the supervision package by enrolling in 2 additional credits per quarter of EDSPE 500: Practicum. In Year 2, you pay for the supervision package by paying a $900 quarterly fee as part of EDSPE 601: Internship registration.
