Program Overview
The ABA program at UAH is pursuing recognition through ABAI’s Tiered Model of Education. Pursuit of recognition does not denote recognition status. This important milestone reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence and professional readiness in the field of behavior analysis.
As part of this process, we are implementing several updates and enhancements that align with the latest accreditation standards and the evolving needs of our students, the profession, and the community. These changes are part of a comprehensive transition plan and are scheduled to take effect beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. They will include:
- A revised curriculum and updated program requirements
- Enhanced student support resources
- Improved alignment with professional and ethical standards
- Increased transparency and communication with stakeholders
We understand that this transition may prompt questions, and we are here to provide clarity and guidance throughout the process. For more information about the accreditation review and forthcoming changes, please contact Dr. Jennifer Bruzek at: jennifer.bruzek@uah.edu.
Meet Our Faculty
Our dedicated faculty bring a wide range of expertise in behavior analysis, research, and professional practice. Their commitment to mentorship and evidence-based teaching supports students’ academic growth and career readiness.
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, the theoretical approaches to understanding behavior, and the underlying assumptions of science.
- Students will apply their understanding of behavioral concepts and principles.
- Students will implement behavior analytic research methods.
- Students will assess and intervene on behavior.
- Students will describe the dimensions of applied behavior analysis and demonstrate their incorporation into intervention planning.
- Students will apply the ethical guidelines and use professional skills in accordance with the field of applied behavior analysis.
- Students will demonstrate social and cultural awareness.
- Students will demonstrate the skills to supervise others and monitor organizational systems effectively.
- Students will analyze and interpret principles of behavior through experimental analysis and basic research methods.
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. Updated outcomes for the redesigned program will be shared after implementation begins in Fall 2025.
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.
Admission Requirements
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
Application Process
- Submit an application to UAH Graduate School: select the M.S. in ABA program
- Send official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
- Participate in one of two interview cycles:
- Cycle 1: After June 1 (priority deadline)
- Cycle 2: After July 15 (final deadline)
- Attend a mandatory orientation upon acceptance
Application fee: $60
Fall admission only
Tuition & Fees
For the most current information on tuition and fees, visit the UAH Bursar’s Office.
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.
Supervised Fieldwork
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction will work with all students to ensure that they have ample opportunities to complete the required clinical experiences in various settings. Some clinical experiences will be connected to coursework but most experiences will be conducted outside of the program. The ABA program advisor will support students to ensure that they are prepared to apply and take the BCBA examination.
*Please note that it is possible that you will be required to pay additional fees to obtain your Supervised Fieldwork.
