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.
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.
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Candidates in the Mount’s MSABA program must complete 42 credit hours of coursework (36 hours of classroom instruction and six (6) hours of supervised fieldwork), including nine (9) fieldwork credits 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 (asynchronous) via 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).
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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 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.
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.
Want to see a full listing of all Master of Science in applied behavior analysis courses?
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Becoming a board certified behavior analyst 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 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).
Use your skills and knowledge from the Mount to pursue a career as an applied behavior analyst in positions such as:
1Market research conducted by EAB in partnership EMSI (Economic Modeling Specialists International).
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 PMC 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 represents 2023-24 rates, effective July 1, 2023. 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 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
