Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Degrees

Students will learn about the historical and philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis, in addition to its fundamental concepts and principles. In the classroom, students will learn core practitioner skills, including assessment techniques, the design of skill acquisition and behavior reduction programming, and staff training and management strategies. Students in the M.S. in ABA program will also be expected to design and conduct a behavior-analytic experimental thesis.

Master of Science (M.S.): The M.S. degree is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree who are looking for a program that focuses on training well-rounded behavior analysts in the professional practice of applied behavior analysis through an emphasis in the theoretical and scientific underpinnings of behaviorism.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.): The Ed.S. degree, as a post-master’s degree, is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s in education, counseling, psychology, social work, speech language pathology, rehabilitation sciences, or other related fields who wish to deepen their knowledge of ABA and integrate the professional practice of ABA into their current professional domains. 

Per the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) national workforce report, annual demand for individuals holding BCBA/BCBA-D certification has increased approximately 800% from 2010 to 2017. Increased demand is seen in almost every state, with Illinois ranking in the top 5 states in terms of demand.  Per the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts’ (APBA) 2015 Professional Employment Survey, nearly 80% of respondents reported working full time. Of the remainder, 17.1% indicated that they worked part time by choice, and only 2.8% worked part time because they could not find additional work.” The modal reported annual income was ranged between $65,000 and $75,000, with an additional 30.8% of respondents reporting salaries greater than $75,000.

*Behavior Analyst Certification Board report. Produced by Burning Glass Technologies on behalf of the BACB.

**Johnston, J.M. (2009). APBA 2009 professional survey results

• Courses are taught in a blended model with weekly online programmed instruction modules and face-to-face class time. This allows students the opportunity to work at their own pace learning foundational knowledge each week before synthesizing and applying knowledge through discussion and activities in the classroom.
• The practitioner-oriented curriculum focuses on helping students understand the field’s basic experimental beginnings and translating that science into the practice of behavior analysis.
• M.S. program includes an experimental thesis with an applied focus, allowing students to bridge research and practice.

All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements, as well as additional requirements specific to an M.S. or Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at nl.edu/applyonline.