Applied Behavior Analysis (MS) Degree Requirements

Credentialing in applied behavior analysis (ABA) includes certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) and, in certain states (including Massachusetts), state licensure (licensed behavior analyst/ LBA). To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®), a candidate must complete coursework that meets the BACB® current coursework requirements and fulfill the fieldwork requirements and degree requirements published by the BACB®. Upon meeting coursework, fieldwork, and degree requirements, candidates are eligible to take a certification examination through the BACB®. For more information about certification and the BACB® examination, visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® website.

Note: licensure requirements vary from state to state. For more information about licensure as a behavior analyst in specific states, visit our professional licensure discloser webpage.

To fulfill the requirements for a graduate (MS) degree in ABA, you must meet the following criteria:

1. The student must complete all coursework required as part of the degree in which they are enrolled, including comprehensive examinations, maintaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
2. The student must complete a supervised fieldwork requirement which is spread over a minimum of 6 semesters. To fulfill this, the student must be working or volunteering in a setting serving individuals appropriate for behavior analytic services throughout enrollment in the graduate program. Direct service requirements for the student range from 15 - 22 hours per week throughout enrollment. Direct observation of the student by a Bay Path University Supervisor in the applied setting is required (video observation may be utilized). Supervised fieldwork requirements can also be done part-time and spread over a longer period (extending the duration of the graduate program). The student receives instruction and supervision during this experience by a Bay Path University BCBA®. This experience connects classroom instruction with applied practice, and fulfills the fieldwork requirements published by the BACB®;
3. If seeking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) credential, following graduation the student must also take and pass the certification examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board;
4. The graduate will be eligible to initiate the application for the certification examination when he/ she have successfully passed all required degree components, including: 1) all degree requirements (coursework, supervision (supervised fieldwork), and comprehensive examinations), 2) hold a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, 3) have a grade of B or better in every required course, and 4) recommendation by Bath Path University to sit for the BACB® examination.
5. Requirements in the ABA graduate program are subject to modification due to changes as stipulated by BACB®, ABAI, and/or Bay Path University.