MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

• Terms: Fall, Summer, Spring
• Length: 16-20 months / 37 units
• Location(s): West Los Angeles
• Format: Evening

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program will prepare students to become board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®)*, working with individuals with impairments such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injury.

First-time BCBA exam pass rates among Pepperdine graduates were 18% higher than the national average as of 2020. For more information, view the BACB exam pass-rate data. Pass-rate data are not published for verified course sequences within their first four years of operation.

Employing the practitioner-scholar model of professional training, a rigorous theoretical study is paired with in-depth clinical training where students will accrue experience hours working alongside professional behavior analysts, helping patients to develop adaptive skills for optimal functioning in educational, family, social, and occupational roles.

*As of January 1, 2023, the BACB will no longer provide certification outside the U.S. and Canada. If you are considering certification outside of the U.S. or Canada, please see updates about BACB global certification.

Program Benefits

Reputable Program

Pepperdine University is among the highest-ranked universities in the United States by U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, and National Universities.

Values Centered

Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.

Designed for both working professionals and full-time students alike, the ABA degree program provides a thorough understanding of the concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

This program provides the breadth and depth of topics, theory, and practicum needed to become a highly competent and compassionate board-certified behavior analyst.

Upon graduation and completion of all necessary experience hours, students will be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

Core Courses

• PSY 613 ---- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis ---- (3)
• PSY 615 ---- Measurement, Data Analysis, and Experimental Design for ABA [co-requisite: 613] ---- (3)
• PSY 630 ---- Preparation for Practicum ---- (2)
• PSY 614 ---- Ethical and Professional Conduct for ABA ---- (3)
• PSY 616 ---- Applications of ABA for Behavior Change [prerequisites: 613, 615; co-requisite: 617] ---- (2)
• PSY 617 ---- Assessment Procedures for ABA [prerequisites: 613, 615] ---- (3)
• PSY 620 ---- Practicum in ABA [prerequisites: 613, 615, 630; co-requisite: 614] ---- (2)
• PSY 625 ---- Selecting and Implementing ABA-Based Interventions [prerequisites: 613, 614, 615, 616, and 617] ---- (2)
• PSY 619 ---- Autism Spectrum Disorders ---- (2)
• Psy 631 ---- Multiculturalism and Diversity in ABA ---- (3)
• PSY 620 ---- Practicum in ABA [prerequisites: 613, 615: co-requisite: 614] ---- (2)
• PSY 618 ---- Supervision and Management for ABA [prerequisites: 613, 615] ---- (2)
• PSY 629 ---- Behaviorism [prerequisites: 613, 615] ---- (3)
• PSY 6XX ---- Elective ---- (3)
• PSY 620 ---- Practicum in ABA [prerequisites: 613, 615; co-requisite: 614] ---- (2)

Select one elective from the following:

1. PSY 603 ---- Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families ---- (3 units)
2. PSY 658 ---- Individual, Couple, and Family Development ---- (3 units)
3. PSY 626 ---- Research and Evaluation Methods for Mental Health Professionals ---- (3 units)
4. PSY 656 ---- Physiological Psychology ---- (3 units)
5. PSY 657 ---- Psychopathology ---- (3 units)
6. PSY 667 ---- Industrial/Organizational Psychology ---- (3 units)

Note: It is required that students in the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program complete 34-37 units to graduate, depending upon previous coursework. If you have any questions, please contact your program advisor.

GSEP is committed to a learner-centered approach in the programs we offer. Each program has a set of objectives that a student graduating from the program is expected to achieve. The knowledge and skills taught in the program might be introduced in some courses. In other courses, students are asked to apply knowledge by practicing skills and demonstrating their abilities. Within the program, the values and dispositional attributes important for individuals entering the profession are emphasized.

Graduates of the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program will be expected to achieve the following objectives:

• PLO 1: Students will describe and synthesize the concepts and principles of behavior analysis.
• PLO 2: Students will demonstrate the integration of entry-level competency with behavior analytic assessment and intervention.
• PLO 3: Students will demonstrate and integrate entry-level skills with (1) data-based decision-making skills, including interpreting and evaluating single-case research to determine the effects of the intervention, to determine the continuation, modification, or discontinuation of interventions, and (2) competency-based training and supervision of others.
• PLO 4: Students will apply knowledge of ethical principles and standards of responsible professional conduct and demonstrate respect for the diversity of the human experience.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA) has a certification in applied behavioral analysis and received this certification through the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board. Behavior analysts help individuals struggling with behavior or development disorders by incorporating research into professional practices and therapeutic settings. Behavior analysts often work in classrooms, clinics, hospitals, and nonprofits and often specialize in areas such as autism, developmental disabilities, or mental health issues.

Clinical Supervisor/Manager/Director of ABA Services

These clinical directors are responsible for overseeing aspects of clinical operations regarding the treatment of patients, specifically in the ABA services sector. This role varies depending on the facility but often includes managing schedules, overseeing a team of clinicians, implementing care procedures, and helping to maintain a positive work environment for both clients and counselors.

Behavior Analyst Counselor

Behavior analysts help individuals struggling with behavior or development disorders by incorporating research into professional practices and therapeutic settings. Behavior analysts often work in classrooms, clinics, hospitals, and nonprofits and often specialize in areas such as autism, developmental disabilities, or mental health issues.

Health Service Manager

Health service managers are responsible for the day-to-day functioning of care organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Duties under this title include the overall organization of the healthcare implemented at the practice, managing budgets, maintaining records, and liaising with doctors, nurses, and other staff. This role is responsible for ensuring that proper care is provided and delivered promptly, sometimes including organizing with insurance companies, patients, families, and medical staff.

Behavior Clinician

A career as a behavioral clinician focuses on helping individuals identify negative behavioral patterns such as substance abuse and works with the individual to help alter these behaviors. This type of work can be in either an individual or a group setting. Behavioral counselors often work in private practices, community clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.

Behavior Specialist

A behavioral specialist primarily works with children who struggle with emotional disabilities, aggression, and mental health disorders that ultimately lead to the child underperforming in academic settings. Behavioral specialists work with clients to decrease behavior issues while working with the client's educational team to create a treatment plan and implement an effective strategy to assist the client in managing behavior and maintaining academic involvement.

Program Analyst

A program analyst, sometimes known as a research analyst, is responsible for reviewing and analyzing an organization's implemented programs to ensure they are effective and efficient. This assessment can be completed through data and research.

Autism Specialist

An autism specialist is a behavior analyst primarily focused on individuals with autism. This career path works with both adults and children who have been diagnosed with autism and works to develop treatment plans and supportive resources to help the individual in daily life tasks or milestones. This role often works in educational settings, private practices, and community organizations.

Employment Potential

• The number of jobs in Behavior Sciences/Applied Behavior Analysis is expected to grow by 18.5% in California*
• The average salary in California for graduates of Behavior Sciences/Applied Behavior Analysis master's programs is $62,732*
• California has the nation's highest employment demand for graduates of Behavior Sciences/Applied Behavior Analysis master's programs.