Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
This course sequence offers specialized training in the design and implementation of intervention strategies to teach socially valid behavior. The knowledge and skills gained from these courses serve as the foundation and preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) examination.
Contact Information
Elisa Cruz
Instructor
Department of Special Education
Office Phone: 561-297-4575
Office Location: ED 47 - 477
Campus: Boca
Ellen Ismalon
Secretary
Department of Special Education
Office Phone: 561-297-3284
Office Location: ED 47 - 420
Campus: Boca
The Department of Special Education offers a Masters in Special Education, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This course sequence offers specialized training in designing and implementing intervention strategies to teach socially valid behavior, intended to increase social participation and enhance the quality of life. The knowledge and skills gained from these courses serve as the foundation and preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) examination. Additional requirements by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) include supervised fieldwork experience, degree status, and examination.
In addition to coursework in special education, students completing this degree are required to complete:
- EEX 5612 Applied Behavior Analysis
- EEX 6680 Theories & Philosophies
- EEX 6602 Behavior Change and Management Strategies
- EEX 6615 Behavior Assessment and Intervention Selection
- EEX 7618 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- EEX 6747 Ethics in ABA
- EEX 6626 Behavior Analytic Supervision & Management
Program Overview
Consult the FAU Course Catalog for course descriptions and other details.
The Master’s Degree in special education with a concentration in APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA) is a fully online graduate degree. The rich curriculum provides students with foundations and applications of ABA principles, including, but not limited to, the design and implementation of intervention strategies to teach socially valid behavior, intended to increase social participation and enhance quality of life.
The well organized, fast-track coursework prepares behavior-analytic professionals to work/consult in schools, early intervention agencies, community/residential settings and universities. Full-time students can complete this degree within 20-24 months.
The knowledge and skills gained from the program serve as the foundation and preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) examination. Our program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA Pathway 2 eligibility route. Additional requirements by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) include supervised fieldwork experience, degree status and examination. Get full details on their website at www.bacb.com .
SPECIAL EDUCATION CORE – 15-18 credits |
|---|
| Assessing Students with Disabilities |
| Enhancing Collaborations between Schools, Communities & Families of Students with Special Needs |
| Instructional Design in Special Education |
| Program Evaluation of Special Education Programs, Supports & Services |
| Special Education Leadership, Policy & Ethics |
| Thesis or Field Project (optional) |
*ABA CONCENTRATION – 21 credits |
|---|
| Advanced ABA |
| Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Behavior Analytic Supervision & Management |
| Behavior Assessment & Intervention |
| Behavior Change & Management Strategies |
| Ethics in ABA |
| Theory & Philosophy in ABA |
* Note: These courses only partially fulfill the requirements for BCBA® Certification. Additional requirements are described at www.bacb.com
How to Apply
APPLICATION
To be considered for admission into the Master’s program in the Department of Special Education, applicants must complete a graduate application online through FAU’s Graduate College at https:www.fau.edu/graduate; select M.Ed. in Special Education.
Students are admitted for Fall (August) or Spring (January) entry. Application deadlines for fall entry: January 15 (International); or June 1 (Domestic). Spring semester entry: June 15 (International) or October 1 (Domestic).
Domestic Applicant Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- An undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or if GPA is below 3.0, applicants may submit 1 letter of recommendation from (education related field) employer or current/former university instructor
- Personal statement not exceeding three double spaced pages, indicating applicant’s reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree and career goals
International Applicant Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree (w/course-by-course evaluation of international transcripts if applicable)
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 or if GPA is below 3.0, applicants may submit 1 letter of recommendation from (education related field) employer or current/former university instructor
- Personal statement not exceeding three double spaced pages, indicating applicant’s reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree and career goals
- Have attained minimum English proficiency scores within the last two years: TOEFL 500 (paper-based test), or 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (Internet-based test); a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS; or, Duolingo 110.
Complete Graduate College applications are forwarded to the Department of Special Education for a decision.