Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (On-campus)
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Join a fast-growing career that improves lives
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a rapidly growing career that creates meaningful change and empowers individuals living with developmental disabilities, autism and other behavior-related challenges. Our on-campus program is designed to help working professionals acquire the knowledge and skills to effect real change at both individual and systemic levels.
Upon completion of the program, you will earn your M.Ed. in special education and be fully prepared to take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. By becoming a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), you will unlock a world of professional opportunities in this rapidly growing field!
Did you know? In 2020, our graduates passed the BACB exam at a rate of 85%. The national average was only 66%!
Curriculum
Overview
- Begin and finish the program in a supportive cohort
- Graduate in two years
- Three courses each quarter, autumn, winter and spring
- Three evening classes per week
Our program cultivates a supportive cohort environment. With sequential courses, you'll progress through the curriculum in sync with your peers and complete the program in just two years.
Our program is designed for working professionals. Enrolled part-time, you’ll be taking three courses each quarter with evening classes on the UW Seattle campus. Need are more relaxed pace? Our advisors can help tailor the program to extend over three years.
Courses
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has conditionally verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
- EDSPE 533 Concepts and Principles of ABA-A (3 credits)
- EDSPE 534 Concepts and Principles of ABA-B (3 credits)
- EDSPE 535 History and Philosophy of ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 571 Measurement in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 536 Assessment in ABA-A (3 credits)
- EDSPE 537 Assessment in ABA-B (3 credits)
- EDSPE 552 Instructional Strategies in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 531 Designing Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
- EDSPE 511 Methods of ABA Research (3 credits)
- EDSPE 539 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA-A (3 credits)
- EDSPE 549 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA-B (3 credits)
- EDSPE 553 Supervision in ABA (3 credits)
The following courses are required to earn your masters degree in special education.
- EDSPE 500 Practicum Seminar (18 credits)
- EDSPE 525 Autism (3 credits)
- EDSPE 554 Behavior Analysts in Schools (3 credits)
- EDSPE 563 Collaborating with Families and Educational Teams (4 credits)
Endorsements
Already have your master's degree?
- Apply as a graduate non-matriculated student
- Take fewer courses per quarter
- Program completion is still two years
- Acceptance of master's degrees from any field of study
If you already hold a master's degree, you can apply to the program as a graduate non-matriculated student. This pathway allows you to take a reduced course load per quarter while still completing the program within two years. We welcome master's degrees from any field of study and value the diverse experiences you bring to the program. If you have any questions about the sufficiency of your master's degree toward certification, please contact the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Fieldwork
- 150 supervised fieldwork hours required for the BACB exam
- 75 hours provided through group practicum at UW
- 75 hours provided by local agencies or schools
Supervised fieldwork experience is essential for eligibility to sit for the BACB exam and plays a crucial role in applying the strategies and skills learned during coursework. To fulfill this requirement, we use a shared model. You'll engage in a group practicum, providing 75 hours of supervised fieldwork at the UW, and complete an additional 75 hours at a local agency or school.
This arrangement offers valuable exposure to diverse practicum placements and multiple experiences. Notably, our program includes opportunities like the internationally recognized Project Data at the UW Haring Center.
Completion
Earning your master's degree and BCBA certification involves two separate examinations:
Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination
After finishing this program, you will have met all requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. Our faculty and advisors will help you navigate BACB exam process.
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, Canada and UK may apply for BACB certification. Visit BACB's page on international development.
Master’s examination
During your final quarter, you will need to pass a comprehensive master's examination that covers all ABA content covered throughout the program. This examination is a University of Washington requirement.
Admission requirements and process
Requirements
- Experience working with people who have disabilities
- One year of applied behavior analysis experiences
- Bachelor's degree in any field
We highly value candidates who have experience working with individuals with disabilities. A minimum of one year of direct applied behavior analysis experience is preferred. Whether you've worked as a tutor, paraeducator or teacher in an ABA-focused program, your practical experience is valuable. Candidates with additional ABA experience are given preference.
We do not have specific requirements regarding the field of your bachelor's degree. Instead, we consider all relevant experiences when evaluating applicants.
Non-native English speakers
English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency as outlined in Graduate School Policy 3.2.
Materials
- ABA Statement of Purpose: A two-page statement addressing the following:
- What in your past experience has influenced your interest in applied behavior analysis?
- What in your academic and work experience has prepared you for graduate school in ABA?
- Why is the program at the University of Washington a good match for your academic and career goals?
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to our ABA program. Please speak to the unique experiences and perspectives you would bring to our program.
- Unofficial transcripts
- Include all schools attended within the previous five years
- Include all schools from which a degree was earned
- Resume
- We are looking for at least one year of experience with applied behavior analysis
- Two letters of recommendation
- At least one letter should speak to your work experience in applied behavior analysis.
Submitting
- 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 application fee
- Submit your application
When completing your application, you will select the following options:
- Graduate type:
- Graduate if you want to earn your master’s degree
- Graduate Non-matriculated if you already have your master’s degree
- Program:
- Education - Seattle (MEd - Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis)
Transferring
- You may be able to transfer up to six credits toward your UW masters in special education
- You must petition the BACB to substitute courses toward BCBA exam requirements
If you have previously taken similar courses at another university, you may be eligible to transfer up to six credits toward your UW master's degree. The acceptance of transferred credits is subject to advisor approval in compliance with the Graduate School's policies.
Please note that the University of Washington is not authorized to approve course substitutions that fulfill the BACB's requirements for the BCBA exam. If you believe you have completed a course that adequately substitutes for the BACB's requirements, you must petition the certification board directly.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $19,584 per year
- Out-of-state students: $35,352 per year
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.
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