Behavior analysts assess and treat behavioral, communication, developmental, and learning disorders/disabilities. Behavior analysts work in a number of settings including providing care in clinics, homes, hospitals, schools, and everyday workplaces. In particular, due to the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for intellectual and developmental disabilities, ABA has become recognized as an empirically supported treatment for individuals with autism and is covered by insurance companies as a medically necessary form of therapy in most states.
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MSABA) at Mount St. Mary’s University provides comprehensive training in the principles and application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Graduates are empowered to create socially significant improvement in individuals’ lives. Further, through coursework, supervised fieldwork, and a capstone research project, graduates are prepared for numerous professional paths including direct clinical care, school-based intervention, and/or doctoral studies.
Virtual Open Houses
Learn more about the Division of Continuing Studies programs at our virtual open house series! Gain more information about our programs from our admissions team and program directors.
Register for an Upcoming Event
School of Education and School of Natural Science and Mathematics
The MSABA program is an interdisciplinary degree, housed jointly between the School of Education and the Department of Psychology in the School of Natural Science and Mathematics. As a result of the interdisciplinary structure of the program, students have the unique opportunity to learn from professors with diverse experiences in ABA. Students have access to basic and translational researchers in behavioral science, as well as applied practitioners of behavioral principles who have experience in early intensive behavioral intervention, severe behavior disorders, and classroom management. Further, the Mount is an inclusive environment in which individuals and groups are welcomed, supported, and valued.
We’re committed to making it easy for you to help you quickly advance your career while maintaining a full time employment.
- Our courses allow you to get your degree while maintaining traditional work hours.
- Our classes meet only once a week during the academic year; twice a week in the summer.
- Our classroom instruction can be received via Zoom.
- Our course sequence can be completed in less than 2 years; however, a part time sequence is also available.
- Our community provides the support and resources to maintain a healthy work-life balance as a student.
- Our resources are available to aid in your success, such as our award winning Career Center, Writing Center, Library and Learning Services, just to name a few.
Coursework and Format
Candidates in the Mount’s MSABA program must complete 42 credit hours of coursework, including nine fieldwork credits and a capstone research project. Most courses are offered in 8-week semesters and can be received in person or over Zoom. The MSABA program aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in education and the health professions. With the training and knowledge imparted by the MSABA program, you will have the capacity to meaningfully contribute to your community.
The program is designed to make the student an expert in Applied Behavior Analysis, as well prepare the individual to be a certified behavior analyst by aligning with the Verified Course Sequence of Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
- Program faculty are dedicated to developing meaningful teaching and mentoring relationships that allow students to lead lives of significance.
- Program faculty are dedicated to imparting the knowledge and developing the skills that will best serve the student’s career goals.
- Program faculty use continuous measures of student acquisition and fluency to track student progress throughout the course sequence, including mock BACB certification exams. The result is a system whereby progress to certification is measured throughout the student’s enrollment.
- Program faculty can provide the supervised field experiences necessary to qualify you to take the certification exam.
Course Content Overview
The program provides explicit instruction and rigorous training in behavior analysis from faculty that have a wealth of experience in the practical application of behavior analysis.
In addition to courses that hone your technical expertise in ABA, the program recognizes the need to support students long before they enter the profession to effectively navigate the complexity of a career. Therefore, students are required to take three 1-credit courses in self-care and/or technology facilitation in order to ensure that students acquire the resilience and persistence necessary to sustain in the profession.
Course Sampling
Core Courses – Verified Course Sequence
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has 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.
Core Courses
- Behavior Theory and Philosophy
- Principles and Concepts of Behavior Analysis
- Ethical and Professional Conduct
- Behavior Assessment
- Behavioral Intervention
- Research Design, Measurement and Data Analysis
- Introduction to Organizational Behavior Management & Supervision
Additional Required Courses
- Community Intervention
- Quantitative Methods
- Fieldwork
- Capstone
Elective Courses
- Collaboration in Professional Settings
- Mindfulness and Contemplative Practices
- Advocacy in Professional Settings
- Pedagogy of Virtual Practice
- Utilizing Technology to Support Job-Embedded Coaching
- Technology for Assessment and Data Management
Career Outcomes
A strong and growing demand for Applied Behavior Analysts
Market analysis indicates that the need for national licensed behavior analysts is growing in Maryland, regionally and nationally. According to the most recent report of the US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts, annual demand for BCBAs has increased about 800% from 2010 to 2017. This new program, by virtue of the interdisciplinary nature, will prepare behavior analysts for positions in education, hospital-based mental health, and community based mental health.
According to market research,1 this increase in regional and statewide demand for master’s-level ABA professionals indicates a strong job market for program graduates. Employer demand for master’s-level ABA professionals in the Mid-Atlantic region increased from 312 to 681 postings over the last two years (i.e., a 118 percent increase.) In addition, statewide demand for master’s-level ABA professionals rose from 26 to 55 postings during this period (i.e., a 112 percent increase).
Career Paths
Use your skills and knowledge from the Mount to pursue a career as an applied behavior analyst in positions such as:
- Clinical Director of Center or a Clinic
- School/District Based Behavior Analyst
- Special Education Teacher (when combined with a teaching degree)
- Case-Manager for Home-Based Care
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Wellness Coach
- OR start your own practice, center, or clinic to serve your community
- OR stay in school by using your top-notch skills and knowledge from the Mount to apply to get your doctorate
1Market research conducted by EAB in partnership EMSI (Economic Modeling Specialists International).
