M.S.Ed. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Since its inception in 1964, the philosophy of Duquesne University's Special Education program has been one that acknowledges the dignity and uniqueness of each individual. Our mission is to prepare skilled educators who will maximize the potential for achieving a meaningful quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

The Master's of Science in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a 39-credit-hour program with curriculum that will prepare graduates for employment and advancement within various school, community, and clinic settings. Students will be prepared to work with individuals with diverse academic and behavioral needs. The curriculum is designed around the Verified Course Sequence through ABAI and has been developed to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Examination. This verified course sequence equips students with the academic requirements to take the exam and is pre-approved coursework through ABAI.

Additional fieldwork and passing of the exam are also the minimal requirements for becoming fully certified as a BCBA. Students will learn to conduct functional behavioral assessments, functional analyses design, conduct behavior analytic interventions and implement assessments and interventions for persons with or without disabilities. An emphasis on of the use of compassionate care in ABA-based treatment and trauma-informed practices is a core framework for all courses in the series.  Graduates of this program may also apply for the Behavior Specialist License offered by the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine.

Note:

• This program does not meet the requirements for CBP/HD Special Education teaching certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• The Pennsylvania Board of Education may have additional requirements for the Behavior Specialist License.

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