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College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
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Graduate
Master of Arts (M.A.)

Applied Behavior Analysis

The master's degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a program housed in the Department of Educational studies within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media. It is designed to produce highly educated and experienced practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), a rapidly growing profession locally, nationally, and internationally. Graduates of the Applied Behavior Analysis program will be able to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BACB®). The program prepares candidates to work with a variety of individual issues including, but not limited to, autism, developmental disabilities, learning issues, and other behavior disorders. Graduates can gain employment in a variety of settings including private practice, public and private special education schools, ABA clinics, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and adult services agencies. The Applied Behavior Analysis program provides a balance between rigorous academics, scholarship, and clinical experience, preparing candidates to become exemplary practitioners and scientists in the field of ABA. Potential students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with any laws that may regulate the licensing or practice of behavior analysts in their state.

Program of Study

(For the course sequence, please click here)

The master's degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA), is a 42-credit program that is designed to be completed within two years of fulltime study.  The course sequence consists of 30 academic credits, six fieldwork practicum credits, and at least six research thesis credits. Twenty-one of the 30 academic credits consist of a Verified Course Sequence of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). All course content is consistent with the current Task List (Task List 5) of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. In addition to the academic courses, students will complete 2 practicum courses (6 credits), which partially satisfy the BACB® supervised experience hours requirement for certification (1500 supervised hours in the field). For these hours, students will be placed in local, highly regarded, ABA agencies and schools with Affiliation Agreements through Seton Hall University. Students will need to complete the remainder of the required 1500 hours independently in order to qualify to sit for the certification examination.

Program Highlights:

  • All courses are taught by highly recognized faculty who maintain practices in the field of ABA. 
  • Applied Behavior Analysis courses are typically taught in the evenings to accommodate fieldwork hours.  
  • Along with their faculty mentor, all students will complete their course of study with a research thesis worthy of publication in a professional journal in the field of ABA.  

Seton Hall University’s Applied Behavior Analysis Master's program is distinctive in its approach. It features courses taught by practicing ABA professionals and a unique multicultural ABA course not offered at any other school. The program is managed by a single faculty member, creating a small, select cohort that fosters close collaboration and personalized learning experiences. Students can engage in substantial fieldwork, contribute to publications, and prepare comprehensively for their careers. This focused, immersive environment ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional success in applied behavior analysis.

What Can I Do With a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis?

With a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Seton Hall University, graduates from the Applied Behavior Analysis master's program are well-prepared to pursue a variety of professional roles. Applied Behavior Analysis graduates can work in settings such as private practice, public and private education, hospitals, and residential treatment facilities. This program, balancing rigorous academics and clinical experience, enables candidates to become proficient practitioners and researchers in the field, addressing autism, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral disorders.

Resources:

Facts About Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBAS):

  • 80% Job Demand Increase for BCBAs Since 2018
  • 1/3 NJ is 1 of 3 States with the Highest Job Need
  • 60-100K Salary Range of a BCBA
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Master's Program

At the intersection of education and psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis is the study of learning. Seton Hall's ABA MA program combines academic classes, scientific research and field experience.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the following admissions requirements for the program:

  • Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or other related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework
  • Official transcripts of undergraduate coursework
  • Writing sample: a research-based paper in psychology or education of at least ten pages that was previously submitted as part of an undergraduate course. Other subject matter may be considered if the candidate has had limited prior psychology or education work. 
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement describing reason for pursuing graduate study in Applied Behavior Analysis at Seton Hall University
  • Personal Interview

BACB® Examination Pass-Rate Data
BACB® examination pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.

Faculty Listing

The faculty in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media are expert researchers and practitioners in teacher and leader preparation as well as professional psychology and family therapy. Many are actively engaged with schools and community agencies, modeling best practices to their students in the university classroom and in the field. Collaboration within departments and across is encouraged with the recognition that supporting and improving the lives of children, families and communities is a complex process.

View all Human Development, Culture, and Media faculty »

Faculty who teach in the applied behavior analysis program consist of a combination of full-time, tenure track faculty and experienced adjuncts.  All faculty maintain applied practices in the field of ABA, present at local, national, and international conferences and maintain active research and publication agendas.   

Photo of Frank Cicero posing
Frank Cicero
Associate Professor and Program Director of Behavior Analysis
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Lauren McFadden faculty profile posing
Lauren McFadden
Associate Professor of Elementary and Special Education
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VCS logoThe College of Human Development, Culture, and Media embodies the University’s commitment to pedagogical innovation, intellectual ferment and community engagement. Uniting scholars and students from four dynamic academic departments, the College provides cutting-edge, transdisciplinary inquiry into the stickiest problems of our time.

Our collaborative ethos is the hallmark of a Seton Hall education: an interdisciplinary approach to learning that grounds students firmly in their chosen discipline while expanding their perspectives through collaboration — setting them apart in their ability to lead in a variety of fields and solve pressing problems in society.

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