College of Education and Human Services
Behavior Analysis (MA)
Students will no longer be admitted into the Behavior Analysis (MA) program beginning Fall 2026. Students should discuss program options with an advisor in the College of Education and Human Services.
Behavior Analysis (MA)
Master of Arts (MA) offered in Blended and Distance Learning formats.
At 丝瓜APP University鈥檚 St. Louis (St. Charles) campus, the College of Education and Human Services offers an M.A. degree in Behavior Analysis. Behavior analysis is the science of systematically improving behaviors of shared importance to society. The behavior analysis master鈥檚 program is guided by the science of human behavior including the principles of behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and professional practice. Upon completion of the M.A. in Behavior Analysis, graduates will have completed all necessary coursework and supervised fieldwork experience necessary to register for the BCBA exam.
Program Objectives
To achieve this mission, students earn 42 semester hours of graduate coursework in a prescribed sequence. Students enroll in fieldwork courses that support their experiential learning and are required to accrue 2000 hours of documented supervised fieldwork prior to graduation. They are required to produce a master鈥檚 thesis or equivalent to demonstrate mastery of the program鈥檚 learning outcomes (PLOs). PLOs have been selected from the BCBA/BCaBA 5th edition task list and the 6th edition Test Content Outline. These lists include the knowledge and skills that serve as the foundation for the BCBA examination and are benchmarks for master鈥檚 level behavior analysis professionals.
What makes 丝瓜APP University鈥檚 Behavior Analysis program different?
- Distance learning that retains the in-person experience through synchronous class meetings, office hours with faculty, and interactive pedagogy.
- Lab experiences to enhance practitioner skills both in applied and experimental settings.
- A focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion both in education and compassionate clinical practice.
- Community partnerships and fieldwork placement assistance to help students apply scholarly skills to serving real-world populations.
- Opportunities for student publications, presentations, and leadership roles in local and international organizations.
- Exam preparation embedded in course sequence from the first day of class lead to on the BACB exam for recent cohorts.
- A curriculum that caters to traditional applications of behavior science and also prepares graduates to enter unique areas of practice and expand the field of behavior analysis into underserved areas.
- Incorporation of open educational resources and open educational pedagogy.
Admissions Requirements
- Possess a bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Complete application procedures for admission to the university, pay required fees, and be approved by the dean.
- Successfully complete a written entrance assessment.
- Participate in an entrance interview with BCBA faculty.
Admitted Students Must
- Commit to a cohort model and complete all courses in the sequence offered.
- Complete 42 semester hours of graduate coursework required to earn a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis.
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete the within five calendar years from the first day of the first term in which program commenced.
- Complete state licensing requirements, if applicable.
- Meet all the requirements of the master鈥檚 program.
- Submit graduation application by deadlines.
Note: Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA or other admissions requirements may be considered for further evaluation by the College of Education and Human Services. GRE score submission may be considered in support of an application for admission.
Program Outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
丝瓜APP University has made the difficult decision to sunset the Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis. Despite the program’s discontinuation, 丝瓜APP remains committed to current students and the completion of their degree. There have been and will continue to be changes in instructors and course delivery; however, there are no substantial curricular changes. Please know that all faculty meet the requirements set by the ABAI (Association for Behavior Analysis International) and the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) for the education of behavior analysts. Current students in the program will continue on their expected timeline to completion, with the final cohort expected to complete their program by August 2027.
Throughout this process, 丝瓜APP remains committed to current students and the completion of their degree. Courses, the course sequence, progression, and program plans remain the same. Please know that all faculty meet the requirements set by the certification bodies for the education of behavior analysts: ABAI and BACB. Enrolled students remain on track to complete their program as expected, and in accordance with their program plans.
Dr. Maggie Pavone has resumed the role of Program Lead and can be reached at [email protected]. Dr. Pavone is the first point of contact for current students.
The Department Head responsible for the program is Dr. Annie Arnone ([email protected]), who provides administrative oversight and departmental approvals for the program.
Through the Pathway 2 process for BACB exam eligibility, students will receive attestation of their coursework and will be able to submit their records to sit for the BACB exam after graduation. The Pathway 2 option is expected to be available to students by August 2026 and will continue to be used for graduates applying for the exam, provided all other BACB exam requirements are also met.