Karen Lionello-DeNolf, Ph.D.
Director
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program prepares you to become a well-rounded behavior analyst, allowing you to make positive impacts for people and advance your career. Graduates meet the education requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam under Pathway 1 (see here for more information). Graduates also can apply for licensure as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts. (See here for licensing requirements in other states.) Our faculty are devoted to you, so you can develop skills in behavior-analytic service delivery and help your clients make meaningful improvements to their lives. We emphasize evidence-based, behavioral approaches to assessment and treatment. We integrate fieldwork with coursework, allowing you to develop applied skills as you learn the science behind the interventions. Our graduates are in demand and have multiple career choices. As you learn about our program, please feel free to reach out with any questions you have. I am looking forward to getting to know you and accompanying you on this exciting journey.
Graduate Virtual Information Sessions
Applied Behavior Analysis Program Contact
Stephanie E. Plotkin Murin, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
Karen Lionello-DeNolf, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Applied Behavior Analysis
Why ABA at Assumption?
ABA Faculty
Graduate Admission Events and Ways to Connect With Us
We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, attending an information session or by scheduling a phone or virtual conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors.
Admission Requirements for Applied Behavior Analysis
Prerequisites
To be accepted into the master’s program, you must have:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an official transcript
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
Application Requirements:
- Graduate Application
- Three letters of recommendation are required* – one professional and at least one academic.
- Official Transcript(s)
- Personal Statement
- A one to two-page essay that explains your professional goals and experiences that should include the following:
- A description of your post-graduate professional goals
- Information on previous experiences, including research, practicum, internship, and work in the field of ABA
- A description of why you are interested in studying ABA
- A demonstration of commitment to studying ABA as a science to understand and improve human behavior
- A one to two-page essay that explains your professional goals and experiences that should include the following:
- Current Resume
- TOEFL or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English)
Be Prepared for the Future
Graduate Fellowship at The New England Center for Children (NECC)
Assumption University and The New England Center for Children (NECC) have partnered to offer qualified Applied Behavior Analysis students the opportunity to become a Research Fellow. This fellowship will allow students to pursue the thesis option in the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (MA in ABA) program at Assumption. Fellows will complete a research thesis under the co-mentorship of an Assumption faculty member and a NECC professional.
ABA Dual Degree Program
Apply as a high school senior into the Applied Behavior Analysis Dual Degree Program with one application and, if admitted, you will be enrolled in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. When you apply as a high school senior into the dual degree program with one application, you also benefit from being considered for a $2,500 Dual Degree Scholarship (per year for your 4 undergraduate years). You will also be considered for a 10% Alumni Discount for every term you are enrolled at least part-time in your graduate program at Assumption. Learn more about all of the University's dual degree offerings.
Learn More about Career Opportunities in Applied Behavior Analysis
Interventions based on the principles of behavior analysis are commonly used in the treatment of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and autism. However, behavior-analytic principles can be applied in many other areas. Included here is a resource that showcases many ABA subspecialty areas.
Graduate Research Symposium
Assumption University Graduate School Annual Symposium showcases research, innovative projects, successful case study, and creative work of graduate students and recent alums from every graduate program. We offer all graduate students in every program an opportunity to present their excellent work on diverse topics.
Veterans at Assumption
Assumption University recognizes that servicemen and women have demonstrated great courage and made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation and its people. The University has introduced a number of programs and services to assist veterans during the application process and while veterans are attending Assumption. We also have a lounge designated only for our veteran students. Assumption University is committed to maintaining recognition as a Military Friendly institution. We strive to eliminate barriers to success for our Service Members, Veterans, and their qualified dependents.
ABA Resources
External Resources
- Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB)
- What is Applied Behavior Analysis (video)
- US employment demand for behavior analysts 2010 to 2017
- Whitepaper: Identifying Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions
- Massachusetts Licensure Requirements
- BCBA Examination Results
- World Behavior Analysis Day
- The Council of Autism Service Providers