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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

M.Ed. Coursework Requirements

36 total credit hours requirements PDF

ABA Coursework Sequence

Students who are accepted to the University of Utah ABA program will enroll in coursework that includes the required courwork necessary to apply to sit for the BCBA exam, as well as a core coursework that prepares students to implement ABA in school contexts. Additionally, students are required to enroll in a practicum sequences that enhances and extends the core curriculum to promote professional and interpersonal skill development essential for success as a practicing behavior analyst. In the second year of the program, students will complete a two-semester experiential learning sequence to demonstrate essential skills and knowledge.

Year 1 Fall Semester

Number Course Name Credits

SP ED 6810

 Concepts and Principles of ABA 3

SP ED 6230

Advanced Behavioral Support Strategies (ABA 1)

 3
SP ED 6054 Professional Writing 2

SP ED 6960

 ABA Practicum 1 1

Year 1 Spring Semester

Number Course Name Credits

SP ED 6825

 Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA 2) 3

SP ED 7020/

ED PS 7410

Single-Case Research Design

 3
ED PS 6390 Interventions in Schools 3

SP ED 6960

 ABA Practicum 2 1

Year 2 Fall Semester

Number Course Name Credits

ED PS 6470

 Consultation in Applied Settings (OBM) 3

SP ED XXXX

Behavioral Theory and Philosophy

 3
SP ED XXXX Experiential Learning 1 3

SP ED 6960

 ABA Practicum 3 1

Year 2 Spring Semester

Number Course Name Credits

SP ED 6850

 Ethics in ABA 3
SP ED XXXX Experiential Learning 2 3

SP ED XXXX

 ABA Practicum 3 1

Supervised Fieldwork Experience (0-5 credit hours)

Students working in clinical and/or applied contexts may enroll in supervision credits to access individualized supervision from program faculty and/or staff that meets the requirements for supervised fieldwork experience as defined by the BACB and required to apply to sit for the BCBA exam. Students interested in registering for supervision credits should contact the faculty program coordinator to determine the appropriate number of credits to register for, given individual needs and context.

Number Course Name Credits Term

SP ED 6900

 Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis 0-5 Fall, Spring, Summer

M.S. in Special Education with Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis

Students who are interested in pursuing an M.S. in Special Education with Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis should contact their advisor no later than the end of the Spring Semester of their first year. The M.S. option requires that students work with their advisor to complete a thesis project (e.g., single case research design study, systematic literature review).

Professional Online M.Ed. in Special Education with Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis

The University of Utah offers an asynchronous online M.Ed. program that meets coursework requirements to apply to sit for the BCBA exam, as well as a two-semester experiential learning sequence.

ABA Coursework Only Option

 Students who already hold a master's degree may apply to enroll in some or all coursework required to apply to sit for the BCBA exam.

 

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: 4/2/24