The Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and desire to pursue advanced studies in special education applied behavior analysis, but do not wish to use this degree to gain an endorsement in special education on an educator license. This advanced degree prepares candidates to become behavior analysts, as completion of this Master's degree would qualify them to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst professional exam.
Students are highly encouraged to have some background in the field of applied behavior analysis, psychology, or special education before starting the program. The degree program includes a Verified Course Sequence, approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (www.abationternational.org) and the Professional Practice track is a BACB University Intensive Practicum.
All students seeking a degree or post baccalaureate program through the Department of Educational Theory & Practice must obtain criminal background reports by submitting fingerprints to the Licensure Office upon application to Graduate Studies.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants that already have a Master's degree from an accredited institution are not required to meet the GRE requirement.
- Current resume or CV.
- Statement of purpose describing the applicant's professional goals and the purpose of pursing the degree program. One page maximum in narrative format, not bulleted
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation. Recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with the applicant (such as family members, friends, doctors, or clergy) are not accepted.
- Criminal background report submitted to the College of Education Licensure Officer.
Note: Only 400-level courses or above and one “C” grade can be counted in coursework leading to the Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies, Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis, and Master of Science in Special Education Generalist.
Note: Master of Science in Special Education Generalist option PRAXIS in special education is required for exit and special education endorsement.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of an applied behavior analyst
- Follow the ethical codes applicable to their profession
- Implement applied behavior analysis practices that are evidence and researched based
- Understand the need to be a life-long learner in the applied behavior analysis profession
Required Courses
Course List| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|
| SPED 502 | Research in Special Programs | 3 |
| SPED 533 | Lrning & Exp Anlysis of Bhvr | 3 |
| 6 |
| SPED 515 | Ethics in Educ & Human Svcs | 3 |
| SPED 520 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SPED 550 | Tchng Stdnts w Emtnl/Bhvrl Dis | 3 |
| SPED 551 | Assessment & Planning | 3 |
| SPED 574 | Data-Based Instruction | 3 |
| SPED 580 | Autism Spctr Dis: Char & Intrv | 3 |
| SPED 586 | Cncptl Iss in Radical Behvrism | 3 |
| SPED 592 | Seminar | 3 |
| SPED 599 | Thesis (two semesters, 3 credits each semester) | 6 |
| Total Minimum Credits | 36 |
Note: Only one “C” grade can be counted in coursework leading to a degree in the Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option.
