Applied Behavior Analysis
Learn the science of behavior so that you can influence change and solve socially significant problems.
Applied Behavior Analysis Program
ABA Events
Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Virtual Information Session
We invite you to learn more about our 12 premier graduate programs as well as the admissions and financial aid process at Assumption by participating in our webinar on Wednesday, April 21 at 5 p.m. EST.
Applied Behavior Analysis Virtual Information Session
We invite you to learn more about our Applied Behavior Analysis program by participating in our virtual information session on Tuesday, May 25 at 5 p.m. EST! You will have the opportunity to chat with the program director and admissions personnel throughout the webinar.
Why ABA at Assumption?
Program Curriculum
Faculty
In the Applied Behavior Analysis program you will learn from experts in the field.
Practicum
How does the practicum work?
Fieldwork Placement
Students are encouraged to work with the Program Director in order to identify a fieldwork site placement. Students are asked to identify a placement and have it approved by the Program Director during their first semester. Students may begin the practicum course sequence in the second or later semesters. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with the Program Director prior to accepting a position at a fieldwork site.
Fieldwork Hours
To qualify to sit for the BCBA exam, students are required to complete at least 1,500 and up to 2,000 hours of fieldwork in applied behavior analysis, depending on the percentage of fieldwork hours supervised by a qualified BCBA. Students will complete four to five semesters of practicum in order to accumulate the required fieldwork hours. Students are required to work or volunteer at their approved site for approximately 130 per calendar month.
Fieldwork Supervision
In the first semester of practicum, students will receive both individual and group supervision through the practicum classes. In subsequent semesters of practicum, students will receive 50% of their supervision during the weekly class meeting; the remaining 50% will be received individually at their work site. All supervision will be provided by BCBAs who are also Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts in Massachusetts.
Shining their light
Applied Behavior Analysis 2019
Behavioral Clinician, Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA)
The Applied Behavior Analysis program challenged and supported me in becoming a behavioral clinician
Each one of my instructors brought their own experience into the classroom which has been useful in my current position. I assist in creating Positive Behavioral Support plans that focus on adults increasing their independence and accomplishing their goals.
Applied Behavior Analysis 2019
Special Education Teacher and BCBA (supervisor), Worcester Public Schools
The class sizes are small, and the professors are accessible and kind.
Assumption’s ABA program provided opportunities for learning and assessment of student knowledge, practicum experience, and covered the perfect amount of content taught seamlessly, which was hugely influential in my achievement of passing the board exam through the BACB.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Shared Living Case Manager, Seven Hill Foundation
I want to really make a change for the people I support.
I hope to gain the proper skills to go into the field and work with young children or adults to help reduce problem behaviors for struggling families.
Applied Behavior Analysis 2018
BCBA serving public school districts
Understanding the theories and practices is important to realizing how they can be applied.
I want to develop behavior programs based on scientific principles and feel confident that the work I am doing is individualized and targets the behavior I want to change. I also would like to become a BCBA, and I know this program will prepare me well.
Graduate Visit Opportunities
We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, or by scheduling a phone conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors. Contact us today to learn more!
Schedule an AppointmentAdmissions Requirements
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
To be accepted into the C.A.G.S. program, you must have:
- A master’s degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university and an official transcript
Application Requirements:
- Completed Application Dated & Signed
- Three letters of recommendation are required* – 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 below:
- 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
- Demonstration of a commitment to studying ABA as science to understand and improve human behavior
- A description of your post-graduate professional goals
- A one to two-page essay that explains your professional goals and experiences that should include the below:
- Current Resume
- TOEFL or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English)
*We strongly recommend at least one academic letter of recommendation; the remaining letters may be professional. All recommendations may be professional if an academic letter is not feasible. However, all letters should address the student’s ability to complete graduate-level academic work and may also address the student’s experience with ABA-based interventions.
Be Prepared for the Future
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. You'll also benefit from being considered for a $2,500 Dual Degree Scholarship (per year for your 4 undergraduate years) and a $1,000 Dual Degree Scholarship 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.
ABA Resources
Related Programs
Apply to Assumption
Assumption College seeks students who will take full advantage of the extraordinary opportunities available to them. Start your journey and apply today. We look forward to reviewing your application!
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