Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis, MA
Introduction
The demand for special education professionals certified in Applied Behavior Analysis is growing. Children with special needs require specific and optimized learning environments created by qualified professionals to aid in their growth and skill development. University of Colorado Denver’s strengths-based/assets-based approach to teaching special education prepares you to understand the strengths of every child in every family.
Enhance your ability to work with individuals with special learning and behavior needs by earning a master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from CU Denver.
The Special Education MA with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) combines seven courses in our ABA certificate, two specific course electives and a practicum. Graduates will acquire the degree and supervision hours needed to sit for the BCBA exam.
Admissions
Application to the master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is open to all students holding a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Program cohorts start in January (spring) and July (summer).
Degree-seeking students: apply here
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
SPED 5450 | Introduction to ABA and Terminology | 3 |
SPED 5460 | ABA Practical Applications | 3 |
SPED 5470 | ABA Data | 3 |
SPED 5480 | ABA Advanced Data and Behavioral Plans and Applications | 3 |
SPED 5440 | Ethics and Implementation ABA | 3 |
SPED 5490 | Autism In Early Intervention | 3 |
SPED 5495 | Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
Focus Area/Electives 1 | ||
SPED 5300 | Family, Professional, and Community Collaboration | 3 |
SPED 5151 | Slashing Stigmas: Promoting Positive Behaviors | 3 |
Practicum 2 | ||
SPED 5918 | ABA Practicum (must be taken 3+ semesters) | 3 |
Total Hours | 30 |
- 1
Focus Area/Elective Guidelines: Focus area courses have been grouped to meet the professional goals of ABA candidates. These 2 courses may be offered on-campus, off-campus, online, or hybrid. Tuition for each course varies depending on the type of course it is. On campus courses are more expensive than hybrid or online.
- 2
Practicum: Students must secure their own fieldwork site and supervisor. Students completing the practicum course will meet the fieldwork experience as required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. For more information on these requirements, please visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s website.