The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 46-credit program that can be completed in two years. Classes are held during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Two to three classes will be taken each semester, and each class meets once per week in the evening. A 52-credit thesis option is also available. The coursework includes the applied, experimental and conceptual branches of behavior analysis, so students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them to work in a variety of settings. Students interested in gaining research experience can pursue a thesis option in which they conduct an applied research project.

One benefit of the program is that it includes practicum classes that allow students to obtain supervision of fieldwork hours in a manner that is coordinated with their coursework. The practicum sequence is overseen by a practicum coordinator and supervision is provided by BCBAs with extensive experience providing training to students.

Students who complete this program will have met the coursework and fieldwork experience requirements required to apply for licensure as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts and to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam (under the 5th Edition Task List). Applicants may need to meet additional requirements to qualify.

Required Courses

Behavior Analysis Courses

Behavior-Analytic Fieldwork Courses

Interdisciplinary Electives (Choose 2)

Optional Courses

*ABAI Verified Course Sequence course

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying exam is required for all students in the Applied Behavior Analysis M.A. and C.A.G.S. programs. The exam itself will be conducted in such a way as to maximize your opportunity to exhibit integration of the theoretical, basic, applied, and ethical principles learned across the curriculum. Students completing the optional thesis in ABA will complete a thesis defense in lieu of the qualifying exam.

Assumption cannot guarantee that students successfully completing the program will pass the certification exam or become licensed.

View 2020-21 Course Descriptions

A 37-credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis is offered to students who have completed a master’s degree in any field of study and wish to complete the coursework and fieldwork required to sit for the BCBA exam. The C.A.G.S. consists of seven courses on applied behavior analysis (the BACB Verified Course Sequence), practicum courses, and an integrative seminar in ABA.

Required Courses*

*Verified Course Sequence course

Required Practicum Courses

Students may choose to take additional courses from among the following electives for additional credit:

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying exam is required for all students in the applied behavior analysis M.A. and C.A.G.S. programs. The exam will be conducted to maximize one’s ability to demonstrate an integration of the theoretical, basic, applied, and ethical principles learned across the curriculum. Students completing the optional thesis in ABA will complete a thesis defense in lieu of the qualifying exam.

Assumption cannot guarantee that students successfully completing the program will pass the certification exam or become licensed.

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View Summer 2020 Course Offerings 

Fieldwork is an essential part of training to become an applied behavior analyst because it allows you to obtain the competencies needed to accurately assess behavior and develop successful interventions for your clients. Fieldwork experience is gained by working or volunteering in natural environment settings in which you can use ABA when working with people. One benefit of Assumption’s ABA program is that it includes required practicum classes that allow students to obtain supervision of all of their fieldwork hours prior to graduation. There are certain fieldwork requirements that need to be met to apply for licensure and to sit for the BCBA exam. These include:

1. Working at a site that allows you to work with more than one person.
2. Working a minimum of 20 hours per month related to behavior analysis.
3. Supervision by a BCBA who has completed supervisor training, meets the current BACB supervision requirements, and is licensed as an LABA in Massachusetts.
4. Receiving the minimum percentage of supervised hours and the minimum number of observations and supervisor contacts per supervisory period.

Current BACB Experience Standards state that you need to accumulate 2,000 fieldwork work hours with 5% supervised hours under the Supervised Fieldwork standard or 1,500 fieldwork hours with 10% supervised hours under the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork standard. Assumption’s practicum classes are designed to accommodate either of these standards, depending on the student’s placement. In some cases, students may need to take additional practicum credits to meet fieldwork requirements.

To participate in a practicum, you must work or volunteer at a clinical setting where a BCBA has met the current BACB supervision requirements and is licensed as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts, can provide 3 to 4 hours of individual supervision per month. In addition, you must be able to work with multiple clients providing behavior-analytic services for at least 100 hours per month. Students will be asked to identify a practicum placement during their first semester and secure site/supervisor approval from the program director. The program director is available to assist students in identifying an appropriate placement.

Assumption’s practicum courses are aligned with the behavior-analytic coursework. This allows students to gain skill in applying assessments and interventions in a coordinated manner and is a significant advantage of our program. During the first semester, a majority of supervision is provided by practicum instructors in addition to on-site supervisors. In subsequent semesters, supervision is split between Assumption practicum instructors and on-site supervisors. 

Practicum Courses

*Elective for students who need additional fieldwork hours

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View Summer 2020 Course Offerings