Caldwell University is a private, accredited Catholic university in Caldwell, NJ offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and a vibrant campus life complete with rewarding activities, clubs, and service opportunities.
The Caldwell University Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed to fulfill the growing demand for ABA professionals with expertise in the areas of developmental services and special education. The only in-person program in New Jersey accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board, the Caldwell M.A. in ABA offers a direct path to your career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA).
Looking for an online option that offers even more flexibility?
Learn more about our Online M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis!
What to Expect from a Caldwell University M.A. in ABA
The Caldwell University Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on the principles and procedures of basic and applied behavior analysis practice, primarily the application of behavior analysis and behavioral support in complex environments (i.e., home, school, work, other community settings, and institutional settings). The program is centered on research, allowing you to learn the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of advanced topics in behavior analysis and develop independent research through a master’s thesis.
The mission of the Caldwell University Master of Arts program in Applied Behavior Analysis is to: (1) produce highly skilled scientist-practitioners, (2) expand access to behavior analytic services for individuals in NJ and surrounding areas by increasing the number of highly qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and (3) conduct and disseminate quality research that contributes to the advancement of our field and ultimately improves individual and social conditions. To accomplish this mission, graduates of the Caldwell University Master of Arts program in Applied Behavior Analysis will demonstrate proficiency in: (1) rigorous coursework grounded in the science of behavior, (2) designing and conducting impactful research that will be suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and (3) the skills and experience necessary to pass the BCBA exam.
Why Choose the Caldwell University Online M.A. in ABA?
BACB® Coursework & Fieldwork Alignment
The program meets the 2027 Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) Pathway 2 coursework and supervised fieldwork requirements, helping students prepare for BCBA® certification eligibility.*
Intensive Practicum Experience
Gain hands-on supervised clinical experience through six practicum courses completed at approved clinical sites under qualified supervision.
Research & Professional Scholarship
Develop advanced skills in scientific writing, research methodology, ethical practice, and evidence-based intervention design.
Flexible Career Pathways
Students may pursue either:
A Master’s Thesis for preparation toward doctoral study and academic research
A Master’s Project for advanced clinical and practitioner-focused training
*Completion of the program does not guarantee certification eligibility. Students seeking BCBA® certification must meet all additional requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Visit the BACB website for current certification requirements.
Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
What sets Caldwell’s Applied Behavior Analysis program apart is the Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. Situated on our campus, the Center provides assessment and intervention services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Led by a team of Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-Ds), who also instruct our courses, the Center serves as a central component for clinical training that fulfills the supervision and field work required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Graduate students have the valuable opportunity to take practicum at the Center, learning skills in assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with ASD.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program are prepared to:
Design and evaluate evidence-based behavioral interventions
Conduct functional behavior assessments
Implement ethical and culturally responsive ABA services
Analyze behavioral data and research findings
Collaborate across educational, clinical, and community environments
Supervise and support behavioral intervention programs
Conduct independent applied research
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the master’s degree in applied behavior analysis should have a bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in a related field such as psychology, education, or special education, as well as a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3.
Required application materials include:
Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
Two letters of recommendation for graduate study
Writing sample: at least 10 pages of a research-based paper in psychology or education that was previously submitted as part of an undergraduate or graduate course. Other subject matter may be considered if the candidate has had limited prior psychology or education work.
Personal statement: 2-3 pages describing the reasons for pursuing graduate study in applied behavior analysis at Caldwell University.
Personal Interview
Please note: applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted by the ABA department.
Official electronic transcripts are welcomed at graduate@caldwell.edu, if the transcript is sent to Caldwell University by the institution or an approved third party such as Parchment or eSCRIP-Safe.
Supporting application documents can be sent via standard mail to:
Caldwell University, Graduate Admissions, 120 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006 OR via email to graduate@caldwell.edu
Application Deadlines
At Caldwell University, the application deadlines for the ABA graduate program are:
April 1 to begin in the Summer semester
August 15 to begin in Fall
December 1 to begin in Spring.
ABA Master’s Thesis Status
Registration in any thesis course grants a student full-time status. Master’s degree students who have completed all course requirements except for their thesis register in ABA 650 Thesis in ABA I for three credits. Upon successful completion of ABA 650 Thesis in ABA I, students register for ABA 651 Thesis in ABA II. With department permission, students who must continue beyond two semesters to complete their thesis may register in ABA 656 Thesis Continuation, a pass/fail non-credit bearing course that carries 3 billable credit hours.
State Licensure
Many states regulate the practice of applied behavior analysis through professional licensure. In numerous jurisdictions, BCBA® certification serves as a key component of licensure eligibility; however, individual states may establish additional requirements beyond degree completion and certification. Based on current requirements, Caldwell University’s M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis is intended to provide the educational preparation necessary for licensure consideration in states where BCBA® certification and graduate-level ABA coursework are recognized as part of the licensure process.
Students should be aware that licensure regulations vary by state and are subject to revision. Additional requirements may include supervised experience, examinations, jurisprudence assessments, background checks, fingerprinting, application fees, or other state-specific criteria. Prospective and current students are strongly encouraged to consult the licensing board in the state where they intend to practice to determine whether the program satisfies applicable educational requirements and to verify any additional licensure obligations.
The BACB® has established policies governing certification eligibility for individuals residing outside the United States and Canada. International students should carefully review current BACB® certification policies, examination eligibility requirements, and residency restrictions to determine whether certification pathways are available in their country of residence.
For More Information
For more information, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@caldwell.edu.