Master of Arts In Special Education/ABA Specialization

The Master's program in Special Education/ABA is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board.

Master of Arts in Special Education, ABA Specialization logo

Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts (M.A.) program in special education and applied behavior analysis is to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary for the development and implementation of evidence-based behavioral interventions for improving socially significant behavior across a wide range of diverse learners in applied settings.

Program Objectives

Students pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Special Education/ABA specialization are required to:

  1. Complete courses in foundations, multicultural and human diversity, and research; complete the verified course sequence (VCS) for the BCBA credential (i.e., basic behavior analysis, behavioral assessment, behavioral interventions, advanced ABA, ethics in ABA, single case design, personnel management); and complete electives based on individual areas of study (mild-moderate disabilities, moderate-intensive disabilities, early childhood).
  2. Complete supervised field experience working directly with individuals with disabilities on the following applied skills: assessment, intervention, data collection, data analysis, and decision-making in the student’s area of study (mild-moderate disabilities, moderateintensive disabilities, early childhood).
  3. Complete a master’s thesis using a behavioral research design and addressing questions and methods that are based on a behavior-analytic approach.

Training Model, Curriculum, Graduation Requirements

The MA ABA program consists of 34 to 37 credit hours of coursework that includes didactic courses, field experience, and thesis research. Depending on areas of interest, students have access to a range of opportunities working directly with individuals from early childhood through adult with a range of mild to severe learning needs in a variety of settings (e.g., public and private schools, hospitals and clinics, home and clinic-based services). The required master’s thesis is typically an experimental research study that examines the effects of an intervention on student behavior (e.g., academic, social, functional) using behavioral research design. See the MA program curriculum sheet at the following link.

https://ehe.osu.edu/graduate/special-education/special-education-ma
 

BCBA Exam Pass Rate (2021): 85.71%

The following link from the graduate school handbook provides information about graduation requirements.

https://gradsch.osu.edu/handbook/6-6-masters-degree-summary-masters-degree-graduation-requirements

Requirements for Admission Applicants are required to submit the following: 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a statement of intent, and a curriculum vita/resume. GRE scores are not required.

See the application checklist and requirements for admission.

Application Deadline: December 1

Faculty and Resources Program Faculty: https://ehe.osu.edu/graduate/special-education

Resources for Graduate Students: https://ehe.osu.edu/current-graduate-students

Administrative policies and procedures

Graduate School Handbook: https://gradsch.osu.edu/handbook

View MA Special Education/ABA Specialization Outcomes Assessment Data

Contact

Please contact Dr. Sheila Morgan (morgan.651@osu.edu) if you have questions about the master’s degree program in Special Education, ABA specialization or the BCBA credential.