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School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Develop your applied behavior analysis expertise and fuel your passion for helping others. Build the skills needed to bring positive change to individuals in their personal lives, communities, schools and other organizations.
A flexible Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Capella University is designed to help elevate your skills and build expertise in applying behavior and social skills to develop potential in people of all ages. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board provides expertise and insight to help contribute to quality curriculum. We offer three specializations for this program so you can focus your skills development on your career interests.
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program overview
Our Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program combines advanced psychology coursework with foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the behavior analysis field. The curriculum focuses on ethical and professional conduct, behavior analysis concepts, principles and research methods and applied behavior analysis techniques.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination.
PSY/ABA: 5260, 5280, 7710, 7711, 7712, 7713, 5330 and 7715 (for the BCBA)
Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. www.abainternational.org
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
- Flexibility
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master’s degree.
Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Ways to save
Distinguished faculty
Our faculty understand the needs of working adults who are pursuing a degree. They’re on a mission to change how higher education works, and they are dedicated to a teaching method based on:
- A fundamental belief in the power of human potential
- Passion for their fields and online learning
- A commitment to connecting with students through expert feedback
- Dedication to regularly inspire students to be successful
- The drive to go the extra mile for students and for Capella
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis outcomes
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program combines advanced psychology coursework with foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the behavior analysis field. The curriculum focuses on ethical and professional conduct; behavior analysis concepts, principles and research methods; and applied behavior analysis techniques. Upon successful completion of this degree program, learners will be prepared to identify behavioral problems through assessment; to design, implement and manage culturally appropriate interventions and treatments; to perform effective behavior supervision; and to bring about positive change in the field of applied behavior analysis.
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
24/7 courseroom access
Learning online gives you the flexibility to access your coursework anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of online learning
Our GuidedPath learning format offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assessments. Your courseload per term is up to you.
Structured for your success
Access courses in an online courseroom, where instructors present engaging interactive learning experiences and guide weekly discussions. The online format gives you flexibility to study on your time – just meet your deadlines and communicate with your instructors and peers.
Additional benefits of a flexible education
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program insights
“I feel very accomplished that I have completed something to the higher degree of something that I want to do for the rest of my life. I knew a couple years ago I wanted to become a board-certified behavior analyst. There were co-workers of mine who went through the program and enjoyed it. I am also a first-generation college graduate in my family and now a first-time generation master’s degree holder. It means a lot to me and my family. The most challenging was time management. I really had to prep early in order to make sure everything got done in a timely manner.”
Hailey Walker
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
81%
of Capella faculty have doctorates.
Capella University Fact Sheet, as of November 1, 2022
“We’ve got a fantastic faculty. They publish scientific articles, consult with schools and even invent new tools – they really show the range of possibilities for improving lives with behavior analysis.”
Julianne Lasley, EdD, BCBA-D, LBA
Program Director ABA, School of Social and Behavioral Science
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program must provide the following for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admissions requirements for each MS in Applied Behavior Analysis specialization: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior Analysis in Education, Organizational Behavior Management
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program at Capella University combines advanced psychology coursework with foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the behavior analysis field.
The curriculum in our Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on ethical and professional conduct, behavior analysis concepts, principles and research methods and applied behavior analysis techniques. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be prepared to identify behavioral problems through assessment; to design, implement and manage culturally appropriate interventions and treatments; to perform effective behavior supervision; and to bring about positive change in the field of applied behavior analysis.
For more information regarding the curriculum in the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree programs, visit the specialization pages:
Interested in more information about the MS ABA competencies?
The program is available online in our GuidedPath learning format.
Learn more about the student experience and start planning your academic journey today.
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