Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (On-campus)
Applications Are Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our program! Applications are now closed for the current application cycle.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
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 on-campus program uses a cohort model to promote collaborative learning among students and faculty. 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 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 two years.
Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:50 pm, and Wednesdays from 3-4:15pm and 4:30-6:50pm.
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. |
- Year One (36 credits)
Autumn Quarter: 12 credits
- EDSPE 533: Concepts & Principles I (3)
- EDSPE 536: Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis I (3)
- EDSPE 571: Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- EDSPE 500: Practicum (3)
Winter Quarter: 12 credits
- EDSPE 534: Concepts & Principles II (3)
- EDSPE 537: Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis II (3)
- EDSPE 511: Single Case Research Design (3)
- EDSPE 500: Practicum (3)
Spring Quarter: 12 credits
- EDSPE 538: Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)
- EDSPE 552: Evidence-based Instructional Strategies in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- EDSPE 531: Planning Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions (3)
- EDSPE 500: Practicum (3)
- Year Two (31 credits)
Autumn Quarter: 10 credits
- EDSPE 535: History & Philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- EDSPE 553: Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- EDSPE 530: Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis (1)
- EDSPE 601: Internship (3)
Winter Quarter: 11 credits
- EDSPE 539: Ethics & Professionalism in Applied Behavior Analysis I (3)
- EDSPE 563: Collaboration with Families & Educational Teams (4)
- EDSPE 530: Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis (1)
- EDSPE 601: Internship (3)
Spring Quarter: 10 credits
- EDSPE 549: Ethics & Professionalism in Applied Behavior Analysis II (3)
- EDSPE 554: Behavior Analysts in the Schools (3)
- EDSPE 530: Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis (1)
- EDSPE 601: Internship (3)
Fieldwork
Fieldwork plays a crucial role in applying the strategies and skills learned during coursework. Throughout the program, students are expected to have access to opportunities to work directly with individuals with developmental disabilities in educational, clinical, community, or home settings. These applied experiences allow students to connect coursework to professional practice while developing competencies in behavior analysis.
All students complete practicum and internship coursework as part of the program. While students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their own fieldwork site, program faculty provide support to incoming students in identifying potential fieldwork opportunities prior to beginning the program.
Notably, opportunities are available to complete fieldwork experiences on-campus at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education and the University of Washington Autism Center, and with the university-affiliated Seattle Children's Autism Center.
Students seeking board certification as a behavior analyst must also complete 1500-2000 hours of supervised fieldwork that meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements. To learn more about BACB fieldwork requirements, please visit the BACB website.
- Shared Supervision Model
Our program uses a shared supervision model. This model is designed to meet BACB requirements for supervision of fieldwork hours by combining individual supervision provided through a student's fieldwork site with group supervision provided through the University of Washington. EDSPE 500 and EDSPE 601 courses fulfill the group supervision requirements associated with the shared supervision model and allow students to benefit from both university-based and site-based supervision while completing BACB fieldwork requirements.
- Practicum (EDSPE 500)
Through the yearlong practicum sequence, students participate in weekly seminar meetings designed to support the integration of coursework and applied practice.
- Internship & Capstone Project (EDSPE 601)
During the internship sequence, students engage in advanced professional practice while completing a year-long capstone project. Internship coursework supports students in planning, implementing, and evaluating their capstone project while integrating professional practice with behavior-analytic principles.
Completion
Capstone Project
The Capstone Project serves as the culminating requirement for the M.Ed. degree. Completed during the yearlong EDSPE 601 Internship sequence, capstone projects focus on training an adult implementer(s) (e.g., caregiver, behavior technician, paraprofessional, educator, or other service provider) to implement an ABA-aligned skill, strategy, or intervention. Using single-case design methodology, students evaluate the effects of their training and the outcomes associated with implementation. Projects are typically completed within students' fieldwork settings and provide students with experience in supervision, training, and applied problem solving.
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.
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 value applicants who are committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Successful applicants bring a range of experiences and perspectives, including professional, educational, volunteer, research, and lived experiences that have shaped their interest in applied behavior analysis.
Applications are reviewed holistically, and we welcome candidates from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. We encourage applicants to highlight the experiences, strengths, and goals that have prepared them for graduate study and work in behavior analysis.
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:
- Graduate type:
- Graduate if you want to earn your master’s degree
- Program:
- Education - Seattle (MEd - Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis)
Next Steps
International
We value and welcome applications from all people, including international students! If you are applying from outside the United States, there are additional requirements and application materials.
- Prior degree requirements
- At minimum, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (a four-year degree from an institution of recognized standing)
- Evaluation of your degree will be based on:
- The national system of education in the foreign country
- The type of institution
- The field of study and level of studies completed
- Transcripts
- If a transcript is in English, you can upload the transcript in the online application.
- If the degree is on a separate certificate, you will need to upload this as well. An evaluation from a 3rd party is not needed for this.
- All transcripts and degree conferral documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translation and must be in the same format as the original(s).
- English language proficiency
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. Each prospective graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English.
Learn more about the full policy: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements
- Financial ability
If you apply and are offered admission to UW, you will need to submit a statement of financial ability.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $20,736 per year.
- Out-of-state students: $37,464 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.
View the UW tuition dashboard →
Visit the Office of Planning & Budgeting →
Funding & Scholarships
Federal financial aid is available for students. Visit the UW Financial Aid website for information and resources. The College of Education also provides scholarship and other funding opportunities.
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 on-campus program student data
| Reporting category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 21 | 17 | 23 |
| Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Number of students enrolled in the program on January 1st of the reporting year | 41 | 41 | 36 |
| Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Number of completed applications received | 46 | 41 | 53 |
| Number of students admitted | 34 | 31 | 35 |
| Percentage of first-time candidates passing the BCBA certification examination | 83% | 74% | pending |
