MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
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. Accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, this ABA graduate program offers a direct path to your career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA).
The Caldwell University master’s degree 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 Department of Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell University also offers a combined B.S. in Psychology/M.A. degree in ABA, a post-master ABA certification, and a Ph.D degree.
Caldwell University Center for Autism
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.
wanted to be. I liked seeing the energy of the people that work there and how
enthusiastic everyone was. I knew this was the spot to set me up for where I want
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Master’s Degree Admissions
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.
Application 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.
Admissions Process
- Apply online to Caldwell Graduate Studies.
- 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
GRADUATE PROGRAM IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well developed scientific discipline that entails the comprehensive use of empirically validated principles of learning to develop, implement, and evaluate practical strategies to enhance the abilities and self-direction skills of both children and adults in the context of community, home, and educational settings. Although the principles and procedures developed within ABA have been successfully applied in areas such as psychology, traditional and special education, business, industrial safety, addiction, self-management, and rehabilitation, ABA has been most publicly successful in its application to skill development and behavior change for people with developmental disabilities, such as those with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual developmental disorder.
Caldwell University Center for Autism
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.
RETENTION FOR ALL PROGRAMS IN ABA DEPARTMENT
Students may only earn one grade below B for the graduate level courses. This course may be repeated to earn a higher letter grade. Any student who receives a grade below B in a second graduate level course will be dismissed from the program.
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
- Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited)
- M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited)
- Combined B.S. in Psychology/M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Post-Master Program in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Undergraduate: Pathways to earn an MA in ABA (help satisfy pre-admission requirement courses)
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.
Transfer of Graduate Credit
Caldwell University will accept the transfer of a maximum of twelve credits of graduate work in psychology, education, or a closely related field, provided that the credits were completed within five years of the student’s registration. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the catalog description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course, which should not be lower than a B. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator.
Earn your graduate ABA degree at Caldwell!
At Caldwell University, our master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis offers comprehensive ABA training to be eligible for BCBA certification. Furthermore, becoming an in-demand behavior analyst offers you a fulfilling career path assisting people with cognitive disabilities towards a more independent life.
Request more information to learn about the ABA graduate program or begin your Caldwell graduate application today!