Behavior analysts assess and treat behavioral, communication, developmental, and learning disorders/disabilities. Behavior analysts work in lots of settings including providing care in clinics, homes, hospitals, schools, and everyday workplaces. 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 doctoral studies.
Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of ABA, the MSABA program is jointly administered by the Timothy E. Trainor College of Health Professions and the School of Education. ABA has roots in both clinical care and education; as a result, students have the unique opportunity to learn from professors with diverse experiences in a variety of practice contexts. 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.
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Our mission is to empower future leaders in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by providing rigorous, high-quality education and training in dynamic degree programs. We aim to prepare our graduates with the knowledge and skills to apply ABA principles and practices ethically and effectively in various settings and populations. We also strive to advance the science and practice of ABA through research and dissemination of evidence-based interventions.
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Candidates in the Mount’s MSABA program must complete 42 credit hours of coursework (36 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of supervised fieldwork), including a practicum experience and a capstone research project. Most classroom courses are offered in eight-week semesters. Candidates may complete their education either in person at our Frederick, Maryland campus or online (synchronously) via Zoom. With the training and knowledge imparted by the MSABA program, you will have the capacity to meaningfully contribute to your community in an educational or health care setting.
The program is designed to produce graduates that are expert in Applied Behavior Analysis, as well prepare the individual to be a behavior support professional or specialist. For those students interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst our MSABA program meets the academic coursework requirements for certification in behavior analysis through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board*. Our faculty diligently prepare students for the BCBA exam through classroom learning and relevant fieldwork assignments.
The Mount uses curriculum from 6th edition of the BCBA exam. The Masters of Applied Behavior Analysis at Mount St. Mary’s University degree program in is recognized as Tier 2A by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. In addition to academic course work, students planning to pursue the BCBA certification will need will need to meet additional requirements* before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
*BCBA certification requires the following:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
I am a first-generation college student that has graduated with my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Mount. The Mount allowed me to be the first student to do dual enrollment with the applied behavior analysis program, which put me on the path to my current career where I provide therapeutic services to children with autism. I would recommend the Mount to anyone who wants to experience new people and cultures!
Learn more about our alumni association and how we continue to support our graduates beyond graduation. Read about the ABA Alumni Network.
Want to see a full listing of all Master of Science in applied behavior analysis courses?
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Griffin W. Rooker, BCBA, Ph.D.
Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program / Assistant Professor
Assistant Director / Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
In 2025, 42% of Mount students who took the BCBA® exam passed on the first try according to the BCBA®.
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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 coursework in self-care and/or technology facilitation in order to ensure they develop the resilience and persistence necessary to sustain in the profession.
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
I started out with a background in nursing with a focus on pediatric care. Working with children with autism inspired me to learn more about how I could best serve them and their families. I discovered the program at Mount St. Mary's and was attracted by their values of compassion and mindfulness, along with a strong focus on ethical care.
Special education teacher at St. Coletta of Greater Washington
The Masters of Applied Behavior Analysis at Mount St. Mary’s University is pursuing recognition through ABAI’s Tiered Model of Education. Pursuit of recognition does not denote recognition status.*
Learn more about the program in the Student Handbook (.pdf).
Read the MSABA practicum handbook (.pdf).
Working in ABA embodies the idea of living compassionately and making a meaningful impact on your community. Being a student in our programs means you will have rigorous training from highly experienced professors, who adapt their mentoring to match your goals and care about their graduates leading lives of significance.
Market analysis indicates that there is strong demand for direct support professionals for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Over 95% of providers indicate that they experience moderate or severe staff shortages that lead to turning away potential clients.1 Further, in 2022, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities estimated that more than one million new direct support positions are needed.2
For those students who do chose to complete the additional requirements to become a board certified behavior analyst (completion of 1500-2000 hours supervised fieldwork), 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.
Use your skills and knowledge from the Mount to pursue a career as an applied behavior analyst in positions such as:
*Likely requires the student to complete the additional requirements to become a BCBA.
1Market research conducted by Ancor, The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce in Crisis.
2AAIDD and NADPS, Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Workforce.
From resume analysis to job search tools to networking with alumni, the Career Center is available through every step of your professional journey.
Visit our Career CenterFlexibility and efficiency are the cornerstones of graduate programs at the Mount, which are designed to give you the freedom and control to balance work, family, and school. Every aspect of the MSABA program is geared to help you earn your degree including:
The Mount also offers a Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Learn About the CertificateGraduate level programs are designed to be taken one course at a time, providing you the flexibility you need to complete the classes at your own pace; with that the program pricing is set by credit hours instead of by the year like traditional undergraduate programs.
*Tuition is subject to change without notice. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Students enrolled in the Mount’s graduate programs may seek assistance through federal and state-funded programs. To qualify for financial aid, students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, i.e., at least three (3) credits per semester. Most financial aid will be in the form of deferred student loans, though some students may be eligible to receive state scholarships and/or grants.
The Mount also has a variety of employer tuition remission or reimbursement agreements with local school districts, businesses and other community health, therapeutic and education providers, so you may receive a discount from your employer. Open the application to find out if your employer has an agreement with the Mount.
Questions about financial aid? Contact Director of Applied Behavioral Analysis Program / Assistant Professor Griffin W. Rooker, BCBA, Ph.D. to learn more.
Not sure if you qualify for financial aid? Learn more from our financial aid office.
Graduate Student Financial AidAdmission to the program is rolling, which means we accept applications at any time of the year. Classes for the program begin in January, May and August; submitting your application six weeks before your expected start date ensures a priority application decision.
Applicants for the program will follow the university standards for admission to graduate study. Prospective students must have earned the following to be considered for admission (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA):
Additional requirements may be applicable to international students.
A complete application includes the following:
Griffin W. Rooker, BCBA, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Director of Applied Behavioral Analysis Program
119 Coad Science Building
Mount St. Mary’s University
(301) 447-5143