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M.Ed. in Special Education with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis


Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles to change behavior in meaningful ways. Assessment and intervention strategies based in ABA are implemented with individuals of all ages, with and without disabilities, in clinics, schools, and community settings.

At the University of Utah, the M.Ed. in Special Education with emphasis in ABA prepares behavior analysts who are skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical practitioners. Students who are accepted into the program will complete all coursework requirements needed to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam. ABA coursework equips students with understanding of basic and advanced behavioral principles and applications of those principles, while providing ethical and theoretical frameworks for decision making as behavior analysts.

ABAI VCS

The mission of the University of Utah ABA program is to support the professional development of behavior analysts who are skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate, and ethical through high-quality training and mentorship.

  • We are committed to the continuous improvement of the science and practice of behavior analysis with a focus on socially significant behavior change.
  • We believe that the effectiveness of interventions is defined by meaningful impact on the consumer and that interventions must be centered on consumer needs.
  • We center social validity as a core tenet of applied behavior analysis and believe that seeking consumer feedback to inform research and practice is an essential value of the field.
  • We believe in centering the autonomy of individuals with disabilities and designing interventions that promote quality of life as defined by people with disabilities and their supporters.
  • We value the flexibility of applied behavior analysis and the application of behavioral principles to meet the needs of diverse consumers through contextually relevant practice.
  • We are committed to the ethical and compassionate practice of applied behavior analysis, centering well-being and positive behavioral supports in our research and in our practice.
  • We acknowledge harm when caused and work with consumers to improve our field and our practice to avoid future harm.

Students Will Learn


BASIC AND ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN ABA

STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN DIVERSE CONTEXTS

CONTEXTUALLY RELEVANT AND INDIVIDUALIZED ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION

PERSON-CENTERED AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE FOCUSED APPROACHES

Other Study Requirements

Besides the courses above, other study requirements must be completed to earn the M.S. degree. 

  • Establish a Supervisory Committee
  • Qualifying Examination
  • Thesis
  • Continuous Enrollment
  • Master's Degree Residency Requirement

Questions? Ask our Program Contacts

Kaitlin Lindsey

Academic Advisor

k.lindsey@utah.edu
801-581-4764

Kathleen Strickland-Cohen

Assistant Professor
Program Coordinator

Kathleen.Strickland@utah.edu 
801-581-3260

 

Last Updated: 9/16/24