Pre-Requisites

Experience Needed to Apply

We expect our candidates to have experience working with people with disabilities. In addition, we are looking for candidates who have at least one year of direct Applied Behavior Analysis experience (e.g., working as an ABA tutor or working as a paraeducator or teacher in a program that uses ABA strategies and methodology). Candidates with more ABA experience will be given preference.

Previous Education

We do not have requirements regarding what field your Bachelor's degree is in, however, we do value your experiences in the field and will take them into account in admission decisions.

If you already have a Master's degree, starting in 2022, the BACB accepts Master's degrees in any field of study. If you do not wish to get another Master's degree, you should apply as a Graduate Non-Matriculated Student (GNM).  If you have any questions regarding the sufficiency of your Master's degree, you should contact the BACB directly.

Applied Behavior Analysis Online Program: M.Ed Option

When you apply to the ABA Online Program you first have to decide whether you wish to earn an M.Ed in Special Education or whether you just wish to take the ABA Course Sequence.  Students wanting an M.Ed will apply as UW Graduate Students.  Students who do not wish to earn an M.Ed in Special Education will apply as Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) students.

If you want an M.Ed in Special Education, you should apply to be a UW graduate student.  You should apply for the Master of Special Education, choosing the Applied Behavior Analysis Online option.

Students applying for the M.Ed option will need to submit the following:

  1) ABA Statement of Purpose. This should be 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 Applied Behavior Analysis?
  • Why is the program at the University of Washington a good match for your academic and career goals?
  • Where are you planning to do your supervised experience?  If you don’t know, describe the type of placement you would like to obtain.
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to our ABA program. Please speak to the unique experiences and perspectives you would  bring to our program.

  2) Unofficial transcripts from all schools in which a degree was earned and all schools attended in the last five years

  3) Resume/Vita

  • Please note that we are looking for at least one year of experience with Applied Behavior Analysis

  4) Graduate Record Exam (GRE):  The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) will no longer be required. 

  4) Two letters of recommendation. At least one of these should speak to your work experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. 

  5) TOEFL scores (only for some international applicants) 

To apply for the M.Ed option, click here. 

Applied Behavior Online Program: Applied Behavior Analysis Course Sequence only (no M.Ed) Option

Students who already hold a relevant Master’s degree and wish to take only the Applied Behavior Analysis Course Sequence will apply as Graduate Non-Matriculated Students (GNM) choosing the “Applied Behavior Analysis Online” option. 

To learn more about GNM eligibility, click here.

In addition to the general College of Education GNM requirements, students applying to the ABA Online Program will also need to submit the following:

  1) ABA Statement of Purpose. This should be a two-page statement addressing the following:

  • What in your experience has influenced your interest in Applied Behavior Analysis?
  • What in your academic and work experience has prepared you for graduate school in Applied Behavior Analysis?
  • Why is the program at the University of Washington a good match for your academic and career goals?

  2) Unofficial transcripts from all schools in which a degree was earned and all schools attended in the last five years

  3) Resume/Vita

  • Please note that we are looking for at least 6 months experience with Applied Behavior Analysis

  4) Two letters of recommendation. At least one of these should speak to your work experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. 

  5) TOEFL scores (only for some international applicants) 

To apply for GNM status, click here.

For questions about the application process, contact edinfo@uw.edu 

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