Program Description
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. in ABA) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville prepares students to become highly skilled, ethical behavior analysts ready to meet growing workforce needs across healthcare, education, and community settings.
Built on a scientist-practitioner model, the program blends rigorous coursework with hands-on learning to develop expertise in assessment, intervention, research, and supervision. Students gain the knowledge needed to pursue BCBA® certification while learning to apply evidence-based practices that create meaningful, lasting change.
Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online evening classes and a supportive cohort environment. Graduates leave prepared not only to practice behavior analysis, but to lead, innovate, and contribute to the field.
Credit Hours
36
Format
Fully Online
Time to Completion
5 semesters
What Makes Us Different
Flexibility
A flexible evening format for applied training allows you to complete your coursework online while developing hands-on experience in behavior-analytic settings.
Peer Support, Faculty Mentors
Progress through the program with a dedicated cohort of peers while receiving personalized guidance from experienced faculty committed to your success.
Instant Impact
Build experience, advance your credentials, and prepare for BCBA® certification while continuing to work in behavior-analytic settings.
Program Outcomes
100%
BCBA exam first-time pass rate*
1.33 Years
Median degree completion time
>$80,000
Average starting salary*
Admission Requirements
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Testing Requirements
None.
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Additional Documentation
To apply, you must meet the following:
Minimum Requirements:
- GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- Interview
- Proof of English proficiency (if international): UAH Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in the field
- GPA above 3.5
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Important Dates
APR 15
Priority Application Deadline
JUNE 15
Secondary Deadline
(if more seats are available) -
Transcripts
Applicants are responsible for having their official college transcripts sent from the issuing institution(s) to UAH. Send your official transcripts to UAH Graduate Admissions through an electronic delivery service. UAH Graduate Admissions accepts official transcripts from Parchment and Student Clearinghouse. If your school does not have access to these services, request that they send your official hard-copy transcripts to:
UAH Graduate Admissions
301 Sparkman Drive SSB, Suite 106
Huntsville, AL 35899
Our People
Faculty Research
Recent Publications
Bruzek, J. L., & Witts, B. N. (2025). "A call for standards: Identifying key demographic and methodological variables in infant behavior-analytic research." Perspectives on Behavior Science, 48(4): 689-710.
Bruzek, J. L., Witts, B. N, & Lang, H. (2025). "A computer-based caregiving simulation." Experimental Analysis of Human Behavior Bulletin, 36, 39-44.
Bruzek, J. L., Thompson, R. H., & Witts, B. N. (2024). "A review of crying and caregiving: Crying as a stimulus." Perspectives on Behavior Science, 47(1), 71-105.
Witts, B. N., & Bruzek, J. L. (2024). "Assessing negative reinforcement through simultaneous observing and committed concurrent progressive ratio procedures: Preliminary investigations." Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 121(3), 346-357.
Funding
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Tuition
Click the button below to calculate the estimated cost of attendance per semester*.
* Note: ABA practicum courses include a per-course fee in the range of $20-60.
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Assistantships
While graduate assistantships are not offered within this program, students are encouraged to pursue field-based employment or supervised experience opportunities in behavior-analytic settings alongside their coursework.
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Scholarships
This program does not offer department-specific funding or scholarships. Students may be eligible for university-wide financial aid, scholarships, or employer-sponsored tuition support. Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page to explore your options.
See if you qualify for the Charger EDGE Scholarship Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When does the program start?
The program admits students year-round; however, cohorts begin each fall semester.
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How many courses will I take each semester?
Students typically enroll in:
- Fall & Spring: Two didactic courses and one practicum course
- Summer: One didactic course and one practicum course
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Is the program fully online?
Yes. The program is delivered 100% online, and students are never required to come to campus. Courses include scheduled live sessions to support engagement and learning.
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Can I work while completing the program?
Yes, students are expected to gain experience in behavior-analytic settings while completing the program. Coursework is designed to support students who are actively working in the field.
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Will this program qualify me for licensure in my state?
he program is designed to meet requirements for national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). Because licensure requirements vary by state, students are encouraged to review their state’s requirements. Program faculty will assist students in navigating state-specific licensure expectations.
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Will the program help me find a practicum site or BCBA supervisor?
Yes. Program faculty will assist students in identifying appropriate practicum placements and supervision opportunities. While this process is often easier within Alabama, faculty support is available for students in other locations as well.
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Do I need a practicum site before applying?
Ideally, applicants will have identified a practicum site prior to enrollment. However, if needed, program faculty will assist students in securing an appropriate placement.
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Will my employer or practicum site need to complete paperwork?
Yes. Practicum sites are required to complete a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure alignment with program and supervision requirements.
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How long does the program take to complete?
The program is designed to be completed in approximately five semesters (about two years) while maintaining full-time enrollment.
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How many credit hours is the program?
The program requires 36 total credit hours, including core coursework and a capstone project.
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Is there a capstone or thesis requirement?
Yes. Students complete a capstone project as part of the practicum sequence, demonstrating their ability to design, implement, and evaluate behavior-analytic research in applied settings.
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What are the practicum requirements?
Students complete supervised practicum experiences in approved behavior-analytic settings, working under the supervision of a qualified BCBA.
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What GPA do I need to stay in good standing?
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain in good academic standing in the program.
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Can I transfer credits into the program?
Yes, up to 6 credit hours may be transferred from ABAI-accredited programs, pending faculty review and approval.
Program Accreditation
The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is recognized as a Tier 2A program by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). It meets ABAI's rigorous academic and professional standards, including the integration of hands-on learning and a culminating capstone project. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges and contribute meaningfully to the discipline through applied and scholarly work.
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More Accreditation Information
Program Mission:
Our mission is to prepare graduate students to become skilled behavior analysts ready to serve individuals, families, and communities through ethical and evidence-based practices. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become certified professionals in applied behavior analysis and contribute meaningfully to research and practice in the field.
Program Objectives:
- Students will describe the philosophy of behaviorism, key theoretical frameworks, and the underlying scientific assumptions for the field to help explain behavior in everyday life across individuals.
- Students will translate their understanding of behavioral concepts and principles into effective application across research and real-world practice through integrated classroom instruction, supervised practicum experiences, and capstone projects.
- Students will become independent in the application of behavior analytic research methods through integrated classroom instruction and supervised practicum experiences, culminating in a capstone project that showcases their ability to conduct rigorous, practice-relevant research.
- Students will become independent in assessing and intervening on behavior, beginning with structured coursework-based applications and progressing toward implementation in real-world settings through supervised practicum experiences.
- Students will become independent in applying the dimensions of applied behavior analysis and demonstrate the ability to apply them effectively in both classroom and real-world practice settings.
- Students will progressively develop the skills and independence necessary to apply the ethical standards of behavior analysis in applied professional settings through structured coursework and embedded scenarios.
- Students will demonstrate social and cultural awareness developed through classroom instruction, with opportunities to apply this knowledge in course assignments and supervised practicum experiences.
- Students will acquire the skills necessary to provide effective supervision and monitor organizational systems in accordance with BACB guidelines. Through classroom instruction and by participating as supervisees, students will gradually transition to applying supervision practices with others as they progress through the program.
- Using experimental analysis and basic research methods, students will evaluate behavioral principles as they relate to assessment and treatment across classroom- based assignments, practicum settings, and capstone work.
2025 Program Outcomes (as a Tier 2A Recognized Program):
- Annual Reporting Period: 2025
- Degrees Conferred: 0
- Median Time to Graduation: NA
- Students Enrolled: 8
- Withdrawals (non-graduation related): 0
- Applications Received: 23
- Students Admitted: 14
- First-Time BCBA Exam Takers: NA
- First-Time Pass Rate: NA
- Median Undergraduate GPA of Admitted Students: 3.67
Note: The program received Tier 2A recognition in October 2025. As this recognition occurred during the reporting period, certain outcome data (e.g., degrees conferred, time to graduation, and BCBA exam results) are not yet available. These metrics will be reported in future annual outcomes as data become available.
2024 Program Outcomes (as a Verified Course Sequence):
- Annual Reporting Period: 2024
- Degrees Conferred: 7
- Median Time to Graduation: 1.33 years
- Students Enrolled: 28
- Withdrawals (non-graduation related): 3
- Applications Received: 25
- Students Admitted: 20
- First-Time BCBA Exam Takers: 10
- First-Time Pass Rate: 100%
- Median Undergraduate GPA of Admitted Students: 3.46
Note: These outcomes reflect the program under the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) structure.
Program Duration
- The M.S. in ABA program requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate coursework.
- For students who maintain full-time status , the program can be completed in 5 semesters.
Program of Study
Semester Courses Fall 1 ABA 601 (3 hours) ABA 605 (3 hours) ABA 620 (1 hour) Spring 1 ABA 603 (3 hours) ABA 604 (3 hours) ABA 621 (2 hours) Summer ABA 602 (3 hours) ABA 622 (3 hours) Fall 2 ABA 606 (3 hours) ABA 609 (3 hours) ABA 623 (2 hours) Spring 2 ABA 607 (3 hours) ABA 608 (3 hours) ABA 624 (1 hour) Course Descriptions
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis.
This course will provide students with an inclusive review of the theoretical foundations of radical behaviorism and the history of behaviorism.
This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of behavior analytic research methods.
This course will prepare students to conduct relevant behavioral assessments and to incorporate assessment results with treatment selection using best practices in the field of applied behavior analysis.
This course will familiarize the student with the ethical and professional responsibilities of Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
This course expands on the concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques learned in ABA 601, ABA 602, and ABA 604.
This course will prepare students to understand how principles of behavior are discovered and described in the context of basic research.
This course will introduce students to performance analysis and management, supervision, staff training, behavioral systems analysis, organizational culture, and leadership.
This course will prepare students to conduct supervision using the principles of behavior analysis.
This course is the first in the ABA practicum series and focuses on the development of clinical and professional skills for those training to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
This course is the second in the ABA practicum series, in which students will produce an approved capstone project proposal.
This course is the third in the ABA practicum series in which students must begin data collection and analysis as outlined in their approved capstone project proposal.
This course is the fourth in the ABA practicum series in which students must complete the data collection and analysis as outlined in their approved capstone project proposal.
Application Process
- Submit an application to UAH Graduate School: select the M.S. in ABA program
- Send official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
- Application deadline: June 15
- Attend a mandatory orientation upon acceptance
Application fee: $60
Fall admission onlyTuition & Fees
For the most current information on tuition and fees, visit the UAH Bursar’s Office.
2025–2026 Tuition & Fees for ABA Graduate Students
Fee Type Rate Tuition (per credit hour) $445 Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour) $22 College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences Fee (per credit hour) $24 Total Standard Cost (per credit hour) $491 ABA Practicum Course Fees (flat per course) Based on supervision/site visit needs ABA 620 - Practicum I $20 ABA 621 - Practicum II $40 ABA 622 - Practicum III $60 ABA 623 - Practicum IV $40 ABA 624 - Practicum V $20 Current and Prospective Students
The ABA Program Graduate Student Handbook provides comprehensive information about program requirements, academic policies, student responsibilities, and available resources. It is intended to guide both prospective and current students throughout their academic journey.
Becoming a BCBA
The BACB published this handbook which describes the requirements for obtaining and maintaining BCBA certification.
Certification vs. Licensure
In addition to the certification requirements described in the BCBA handbook, many states, including Alabama, have licensure requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analysts to practice in their states. For an updated list of licensure requirements, please visit the following website: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/
If you plan to practice behavior analysis in a state with a licensure law, please contact Dr. Jennifer Bruzek to identify whether the M.S. in ABA at UAH will meet the requirements.
Experiential Learning and Capstone Project
Students are strongly encouraged to identify a potential fieldwork setting and a qualified BCBA® supervisor prior to the interview process. During admission interviews, applicants may be asked to discuss their preliminary plans for completing the supervised experience hours required for BCBA® certification. Although supervised fieldwork is not a requirement of the M.S. in ABA degree itself, obtaining appropriate supervision is essential for meeting professional certification standards. Program faculty are available to provide guidance and support as students prepare for this important aspect of their professional development. Applicants with questions regarding experiential learning or the capstone project are encouraged to contact Dr. Laura Senn (las0051@uah.edu) for additional information.
It is important to note that supervised fieldwork and experiential learning are not synonymous, though they often include overlapping activities. Experiental learning refers broadly to opportunities for students to apply behavior-analytic principles in real-world or simulated contexts as part of their academic coursework. Experiential learning is required by the M.S. in ABA program at UAH. Supervised fieldwork, by contrast, refers specifically to the structured experience hours required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) for eligibility to sit for the BCBA® examination. Supervised fieldwork is not required by the M.S. in ABA program at UAH. While these experiences may occur in similar settings, they differ in scope, structure, and purpose of certification.
The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program integrates hands-on learning and a culminating capstone project to meet the rigorous academic and professional standards established by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges and contribute meaningfully to the discipline through applied and scholarly work.
To support these opportunities, the program assists students in securing high-quality practicum placements. Faculty may recommend clinics or other sites in the students’ region, but students are also welcome to propose their own sites, provided they meet program standards. All placements must include a formal agreement with UAH and comply with the requirements outlined in the practicum course sequence (ABA 620–624). Each student’s practicum is supervised by a UAH faculty advisor and is designed to complement and enhance the student’s capstone experience.
Completion of a capstone project is required for graduation. This project satisfies ABAI’s standard for a thesis-equivalent academic experience, demonstrating the student’s ability to define a research question, design and conduct a methodologically sound investigation, and synthesize results into a scholarly report. Capstone projects must meet publication-quality standards and are typically conducted within the student’s approved practicum site, integrating academic preparation with professional application.
Program Catalog
To see this program's academic requirements and a complete list and descriptions of all its courses, visit the UAH catalog.
Talk to an Advisor
Ready to have an in-depth conversation about this program? Contact this program's academic or admissions advisors.
Grace Kiersznowski
SSB 106
256.824.2795
grace.kiersznowski@uah.edu
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