Online Applied Behavior Analysis ESE Master's Degree

Program Details

Next Start Date: January 8

Credit Hours: 30-33

Course Length: 8-16 weeks

Estimated Program Length: 18–24 months

UWF's Exceptional Student Education M.A. - Applied Behavior Analysis specialization meets curriculum requirements for multiple Applied Behavior Analysis certification exams. ABA affords diverse opportunities for students interested in pursing rewarding careers.

Why Study Behavior Analysis at UWF?

University of West Florida’s Master’s in Exceptional Student Education - Applied Behavior Analysis program provides the course curriculum required for certification for behavior analysts. Because our cohorts begin each semester, you can earn your degree quickly and pursue advancement in your field.

This graduate ABA program can lead to careers in special education or applied behavior analysis, both demanding yet highly rewarding fields. With applications in clinical, educational and occupational settings, behavior analysts improve the lives of individuals across a variety of interests. Our mission is to cultivate decision-makers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, mentors and ethical professionals. This program does not lead to teacher certification.

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What You Will Learn

Our specialization in applied behavior analysis provides courses meeting curriculum requirements for students seeking Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) certification, and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) certification.

By completing this degree, you will be able to:

Explain and analyze evidence-based instructional strategies designed to reduce learning barriers and increase engagement and learning for students with diverse learning needs.
Systematically evaluate research-based approaches and strategies and apply reflective practices to demonstrate commitment to learning from experience.
Develop logical, well-reasoned arguments to guide future curriculum, instructional, and assessment practices.
Develop advocacy for improving the educational experiences and outcomes of individuals with diverse learning needs.

Courses

The University of West Florida Applied Behavior Analysis program has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and is a pre-approved coursework provider by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA®), an internationally-accredited credentialing agency dedicated to ensuring the highest standard of care among professionals providing applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities.

Courses & Requirements

UWF’s online Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education - Applied Behavior Analysis specialization includes a total of 30-33 credit hours.

Required Courses (30-33 credit hours)

EDF 6225 - Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis
EDF 6226 - Behavioral Assessments
EDF 6223 - Applied Behavior Analysis and System Support
EDF 6222 - Concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis
EDF 6224 - Supervision and Management Fluency
EDF 6437 - Measurement and Single Case Design
EDF 6557 - Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
EEX 6051 - Exceptionalities

Choose 3 of the following:

EDF 6325 - Autism and the Law
EDF 6221 - Intensive Intervention in Autism and Related Disabilities
EDF 6229 - Curriculum Design for Behavior Analysis
EDF 6944 - Advanced Single Case Design
EDF 6647 - Behavior Systems Analysis
EDF 6220 - Behavior Analysis of Performance
EDF 6939 - Behavior Analysis in Organizations
EDF 6943 - Applied Single Case Design

Required for students pursuing the International Behavior Analyst Credential:

EDF 6227 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Fall Deadline: July 15
Spring Deadline: December 6
Summer Deadline: April 15

To be considered for provisional admission into the University of West Florida’s online master’s in exceptional student education program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:

Have earned a GPA of at least 3.0 on a bachelor's degree. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may be granted conditional admission with a corresponding high rubric score on their letter of intent.
Applicants for the ABA Specialization must submit a letter of intent following the instructions and rubric.
Applicants for the ABA Specialization whose native language is not English, applicants who are citizens of a country in which the primary language is not English, and applicants who are U.S. citizens with a degree from a country in which the primary language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.

How to Apply

To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:

Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
Official transcripts are required from any institution in which the applicant earned more than 15 credit hours
Submit a letter of intent following the instructions and rubric

Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact the Center for Behavior Analysis at aba@uwf.edu.

Full Course Descriptions Registration Requirements

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates who have earned their degree go on to work in a variety of exciting environments such as hospitals, private practice, and other organizations.

Job Titles

Behavior Analysts
Behavior Analyst Consultants
Clinical Directors

Career Outlook

The average salary for a Behavior Analyst is $70,875 in 2024
Annual nationwide demand for individuals holding BCBA/BCBA-D certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 14% increase from 2022 to 2023

Source: Payscale and BACB, 2024

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

Exceptional Student Education, M.A. - Applied Behavior Analysis Online Graduate Tuition
Component	Cost	Total (30-33 credit hours)
Tuition	$384.60 per credit hour*	$11,538.00-$12,974.49

Graduate ABA courses match the in-state tuition rate except course EEX 6051 which is based on student residency. The Out-of-State Tuition waiver covers up to 90% of the non-resident portion ($478.83 per credit hour) and is available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online campus programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of the degree You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. The renewal of Online Campus Out-of-State Tuition Waivers is not automatic. Waiver requests must be submitted every semester and are not retroactive for previous semesters. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.

Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted.

Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Alabama, Military & Financial Aid

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition

Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. To verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar. See more about Tuition Waivers.

Military & Veterans

The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents and veteran students. Contact the MVRC to learn more about the various military and veteran education assistance or tuition waiver opportunities and eligibility requirements.

UWF Financial Assistance

The University of West Florida offers various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students. We provide eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan. See more about Financial Aid and Education Funding Opportunities.

UWF Center for Behavior Analysis

The UWF Center for Behavior Analysis is a leading resource for individuals interested in ABA. Our programs prepare capable behavior analysts who can successfully apply their knowledge across diverse settings with curriculum that provides a comprehensive understanding of the ethical application of behavior analysis from industry experts and faculty who actively work in the field.