Special Education Graduate Programs
M.S.Ed. Applied Behavior Analysis with BCBA® (5th Edition Task List/6th Edition Test Content Outline)
The ABA program at Duquesne University is currently working to realign with 6th edition
requirements which will be fully in place by Jan 1, 2027.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses
toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior
Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will
need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the
examination. This program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours. The candidate will
develop skills and competencies appropriate related to the Behavior Analyst 5th edition
task list/6th Edition Test Content Outline. They will have the opportunity to join
faculty research projects, or develop their own research projects. The curriculum
in this program will build a solid foundation in applied behavior analysis (ABA) that
provides necessary coursework for Licensed Behavior Specialists (LBS) in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. This program does not meet the requirements for CBP/HD Special Education
teaching certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This program does not
meet the field-based experience requirements for the LBS.
Contact
Tiffany Smith
Assistant to the Program Director
(412) 396-5274
specialed@duq.edu
Admission Requirements
Application to Education Graduate Studies; Bachelor's degree; Official Transcripts- GPA of 3.0 or higher; CV/Resume; Write a personal statement describing any previous academic, professional or volunteer experiences that have prepared you for this program and the field of ABA. How have these experiences shaped your understanding and interest in applied behavior analysis? Interview with faculty via Zoom.
Courses
Foundation Courses (6 credits)
GSPE 500 Orientation to Special Education (0 credits)
GSPE 501 Exploring Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
GSPE 503 Social Justice & Empowerment in Spec. Ed. (3 credits)
ABA Core Courses (21 credits, 5th Ed. Task List/6th Edition Test Content Outline)
GSPE 653 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
GSPE 656 Evidence Based Practices in Autism (3 credits )*
GSPE 658 Legal and Ethical Issues: Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
GSPE 751 Advanced Behavior (3 credits)
GPSY 705 Single Subject Methods in School Psychology (3 credits)
GSPE 604 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
GSPE 670 Behavior Assessment and Intervention – Basic (3 credits)
*Note: This course is under redesign and will be replace by GSPE XXX Organizational Behavior Management (3 credits)
Special Education Core Courses (minimum 9 credits)
GSPE 650 Assessment & Learning for Students w/High Incidence Disabilities (3 credits)
GSPE 652 Low Incidence: Access to Gen Ed Curriculum (3 credits)
GSPE 654 Early Intervention & Child Development (3 credits)
GSPE 655 Secondary Practices & Transition (3 credits)
Special Education Practicum (3 credits)
GSPE 689 Pre Practicum Orientation ABA (0 credits)
GSPE 688 ABA Practicum (3 credits)
Exit Requirements (0 credits)
GSPE 699 Exit Seminar: Applied Behavior Analysis (0 credits)
Minimum Credit hours = 39 credit hours 5th Ed. Task List/6th Edition Test Content Outline
ABA Course Sequence for the BCBA® Exam
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Coursework
Our 21-credit (7-course) option prepares you to work with individuals who have diverse academic and behavioral needs. We offer an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) course sequence, which has been developed to meet the coursework-specific requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Examination through the BACB pathway 2 option for certification. This course sequence will equip you with the academic requirements to take the exam.
Additional fieldwork and passing of the exam are also the minimal requirements for becoming fully certified as a BCBA®. You 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.
This program does not result in teacher certification.
Admission Requirements
Non-degree Graduate BCBA®. Course Sequence Application; Bachelor's Degree; Official Transcripts; GPA of 3.0 or higher; CV/Resume; Write a personal statement describing any previous academic, professional or volunteer experiences that have prepared you for this program and the field of ABA. How have these experiences shaped your understanding and interest in applied behavior analysis?
This option is available if you have or will have earned a master’s degree by the time you apply to take the BCBA exam.
2027 BCBA Pathway 2 Behavior-Analytic Degree Update: You must have a master’s degree or higher from a qualifying institution. Degrees earned in less than one calendar year, which is defined as three consecutive primary semesters (e.g., Fall, Spring, Summer), four consecutive primary quarters (e.g., Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer), or 12 consecutive months under another model, do not meet this requirement.
Due to higher education regulation changes, Duquesne University is unable to accept applications for admission to online programs and courses from students residing in certain states. Before applying, please review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
Courses
Courses are aligned to the BCBA® 5th Ed. Task List/6th Edition Test Content Outline
- GSPE 653 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
- GSPE 656 Evidence Based Practices in Autism (3 credits)*
- GSPE 658 Legal and Ethical Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- GSPE 751 Advanced Behavior (3 credits)
- GPSY 705 Single Subject Methods in School Psychology (3 credits)
- GSPE 604 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- GSPE 670 Behavior Assessment and Intervention – Basic (3 credits)
Total Credit Requirements: 21 credits
*Note: This course is under redesign and will be replace by GSPE XXX Organizational Behavior Management (3 credits)
Course Schedule Options
Fall
GPSY 705 Single Subject Methods in School Psychology (3 credits) (odd years only)
GSPE 670 Behavior Assessment and Intervention – Basic (3 credits)
Spring
GSPE 653 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
GSPE 658 Legal and Ethical Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
(even years only)
GSPE 751 Advanced Behavior (odd years only) (3 credits)
Summer
GSPE 604 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
GSPE 656 Evidence Based Practices in Autism* (3 credits)
*Note: This course is under redesign and will be replace by GSPE XXX Organizational
Behavior Management (3 credits)
M.S.Ed. Special Education - Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (CBP/HD)
This program is designed for candidates who want to add PreK-12 Special Education certification to their current Pennsylvania teaching certificate or obtain their initial PreK-12 Special Education certification. This program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours, meets the requirements for the degree and certification to teach in special education programs for students in PreK-12 with Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (CBP/HD) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This program requires ongoing, targeted special education field experiences, a culminating Practicum in Special Education, and a portfolio-based Exit Assessment.
Contact
Tiffany Smith
Assistant to the Program Director
(412) 396-5274
specialed@duq.edu
Admission Requirements
Application to Education Graduate Studies; Bachelor's Degree; Official Transcripts; GPA of 3.0 or higher; CV/Resume; Write a personal statement explaining why you want to work in special education; Interview with faculty via Zoom.
PreK-12 Curriculum
The Special Education Programs at Duquesne University are nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), a specialized professional association recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Pre-Requisites
GSPE 501 Exploring Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
GSPE 502 Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
GESL 501 Helping ELL in Mainstream (3 credits)
Screening Courses (6 credits)
GSPE 500 Orientation to Special Education (0 credits)
GSPE 503 Social Justice and Empowerment in Spec. Ed (3 credits)
GSPE 604 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
Pre-Professional Courses (9 credits)
GREV 500 Stats in Behavior Research (3 credits)
GSPE 650 Assessment & Learning for Students w/High Incidence Disabilities (3 credits)
GRLA 504 Academic Interventions in Special Education (3 credits)
Core Professional Courses (15 credits)
GSPE 652 Low Incidence: Access to General Education Curriculum (3 credits)
GSPE 653 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
GSPE 654 Early Intervention and Child Development (3 credits)
GSPE 655 Secondary Practices and Transitions (3 credits)
GSPE 670 Behavior Assessment and Intervention – Basic (3 credits)
Core Professional Field (0 credits)
GSPE 681 Professional Core Practicum - Behavior (0 credits)
GSPE 682 Professional Core Practicum - Low Incidence (0 credits)
GSPE 683 Professional Core Practicum - Autism (0 credits)
GSPE 684 Professional Core Practicum - Early Intervention (0 credits)
GSPE 685 Professional Core Practicum - Transition (0 credits)
Culmination Experiences (3 credits)
GSPE 679 Exit Assessment (0 credits)
GSPE 689 Special Education Pre-Practicum Orientation (0 credits)
GSPE 690 Practicum in Special Education (3 credits)
Minimum Credit Hours = 33 credit hours
Doctoral of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Special Education
Please note: This program is closed for admission.
This program requires a minimum of 80 semester hours and prepares global leaders in research and scholarly inquiry, and prepares graduates for professional careers in the field of special education. The candidate will develop skills that prepare them to become skilled educational professionals who will maximize the potential for achieving meaningful quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to the preparation of leaders distinguished not only by their academic and professional expertise, but also by their ethics and guided by consciences sensitive to the needs of a global society. The doctoral curriculum is designed with an emphasis on early interventions and social justice. The program offers convenient options for full or part-time course loads. Candidates can study Assessment/Learning or Autism/Behavior curriculums. (Please note: This program is closed for admission. The program has been discontinued and will not be offered to new students this academic year or in future academic years.)
Contact
(412) 396-5274
specialed@duq.edu
Admission Requirements
Application to Education Graduate Studies; Minimum of a bachelor's degree in education or related field. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a minimum 3.0 GPA on the most recent 48 credit; Official Transcripts; GRE test scores; three letters of recommendation from professional references; letter of intent; CV/Resume; international applicants not completing a degree from a US university will be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores; interview with faculty via Zoom.
Curriculum
Minimum Credit Hours = 80 credit hours
Autism/Behavior
Pre-Requisites (9 credits)
GSPE 501 Exploring Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
GSPE 502 Legal & Ethical Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
GESL 501 Helping ELL in Mainstream (3 credits)
Fall Year 1 (9 credits)
GSPE 500 Orientation to Special Education (0 credits)
GSPE 503 Social Justice & Empowerment in Special Education (3 credits)
GSPE 650 Assessment & Learning for Students w/High Incidence Disabilities (3 credits)
GREV 701 Research Methods & Design (3 credits)
Spring Year 1 (9 credits)
GSPE 653 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
GSPE 683 Professional Core Practicum - Autism (0 credits)
GSPE 655 Secondary Practices & Transition (3 credits)
GSPE 685 Professional Core Practicum - Transition (0 credits)
GPSY 694 Topics in Abnormal Child Behavior (3 credits)
GPSE 658 Legal Ethical Issues: ABA (BCBA® only) (3 credits)
Summer Year 1 (6 credits)
GSPE 602 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
GSPE 656 Evidence-Based Practices in Autism (3 credits)
Fall Year 2 (9 credits)
GSPE 651 High Incidence: Behavior (3 credits)
GSPE 681 Professional Core Practicum - Behavior (0 credits)
GSPE 652 Low Incidence: Access to General Education Curriculum (3 credits)
GSPE 682 Professional Core Practicum - Low Incidence (0 credits)
GREV 510 Statistics I (3 credits)
Spring Year 2 (9 credits)
GSPE 654 Early Intervention & Child Development (3 credits)
GSPE 684 Professional Core Practicum - Early Intervention (0 credits)
GSPE 701 System of Care for Children & Youth w/Disabilities (3 credits)
GREV 610 Educational Statistics II (3 credits)
Summer Year 2 (6 credits)
GSPE 750 Advanced Studies in Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
GSPE 702 Pro-Seminar: Current Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
Fall Year 3 (9 credits)
GSPE 753 Advanced Autism (3 credits)
GPSY 705 Single Subject Methods in School Psychology (3 credits)
GREV 611 Educational Statistics III (3 credits)
Spring Year 3 (9 credits)
GSPE 695 Action Research in Special Education (3 credits)
GSPE 751 Advanced Behavior (3 credits)
GREV 721 Theoretical Foundations of Qualitative Research (3 credits)
Summer Year 3 (4 credits)
GSPE 789 Dissertation Proposal (1 credits)
GSPE 703 Pro Seminar: Special Education in a Global International Context (3 credits)
Fall Year 4 (4 credits)
GSPE 789 Dissertation Proposal (1 credits)
GSPE 706 Scholarship & Teaching at the University (3 credits)
Spring Year 4 (1-3 credits)
GSPE 790 Dissertation (1-3 credits)
Summer Year 4 (1-3 credits)
GSPE 790 Dissertation (1-3 credits)
Assessment/Learning
Pre-Requisites (9 credits)
GSPE 501 Exploring Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
GSPE 502 Legal & Ethical Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
GESL 501 Helping ELL in Mainstream (3 credits)
Fall Year 1 (9 credits)
GSPE 500 Orientation to Special Education (0 credits)
GSPE 650 Assessment & Learning for Students w/High Incidence Disabilities (3 credits)
GREV 701 Research Methods & Design (3 credits)
GPSY 512 Psychological Testing (3 credits)
Spring Year 1 (9 credits)
GSPE 653 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
GSPE 683 Professional Core Practicum - Autism (0 credits)
GSPE 655 Secondary Practices & Transition 3
GSPE 685 Professional Core Practicum - Transition (0 credits)
GPSY 511 Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
GPSE 658 Legal Ethical Issues: ABA (BCBA® only) (3 credits)
Summer Year 1 (6 credits)
GSPE 602 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
GSPE 656 Evidence-Based Practices in Autism (3 credits)
Fall Year 2 (9 credits)
GSPE 651 High Incidence: Behavior (3 credits)
GSPE 681 Professional Core Practicum - Behavior (0 credits)
GSPE 652 Low Incidence: Access to General Education Curriculum (3 credits)
GSPE 682 Professional Core Practicum - Low Incidence (0 credits)
GREV 510 Statistics I (3 credits)
Spring Year 2 (9 credits)
GSPE 654 Early Intervention & Child Development (3 credits)
GSPE 684 Professional Core Practicum - Early Intervention (0 credits)
GPSY 625 Academic Interventions (3 credits)
GREV 610 Educational Statistics II (3 credits)
Summer Year 2 (6 credits)
GSPE 750 Advanced Studies in Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
GSPE 702 Pro-Seminar: Current Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
Fall Year 3 (9 credits)
GSPE 503 Social Justice & Empowerment (3 credits)
GPSY 705 Single Subject Methods in School Psychology (3 credits)
GREV 611 Educational Statistics III (3 credits)
Spring Year 3 (9 credits)
GSPE 695 Field Based Action Research (3 credits)
GSPE 751 Advanced Behavior (3 credits)
GREV 721 Theoretical Foundations of Qualitative Research (3 credits)
Summer Year 3 (4 credits)
GSPE 789 Dissertation Proposal (1 credits)
GSPE 703 Pro Seminar: Special Education in a Global International Context (3 credits)
Fall Year 4 (4 credits)
GSPE 789 Dissertation Proposal (1 credits)
GSPE 706 Scholarship & Teaching at the University (3 credits)
Spring Year 4 (1-3 credits)
GSPE 790 Dissertation (1-3 credits)
Summer Year 4 (1-3 credits)
GSPE 790 Dissertation (1-3 credits)
Learning Outcomes – M.S.Ed. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Demonstrate and apply Compassionate and Person-Centered Care within Behaviorally-Analytic Approaches.
- Develop proficiency in Behavioral Assessment Skills.
- Develop proficiency in designing behavioral, academic, and social/emotional interventions within an ABA Scope of Practice.
- Demonstrate and apply ethical decision-making practices within ABA Professional Practice.
- Develop iterative skills related to Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusive Practices.
- Demonstrate ABA Research and Analytical Skills Connecting Theory to Applied Practice.
Learning Outcomes - Special Education Graduate Programs
- Understand the development, characteristics and individual learning differences of students with disabilities based on evidenced-based principles and the implications for programs and instruction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical and legal bases of the special education assessment processes and uses multiple types of assessment information to identify and plan instruction for students with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical and legal implications of a universal design for learning in regard to standards-based and age-appropriate curriculum for all areas and levels of disabilities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies based on relevant learning theory for a diverse population of students with disabilities for in general and special curricula.
- Develop short-range and long-range individualized instruction programs and conducts progress monitoring to determine mastery and modify instruction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, ethical and philosophical principles to create learning environments to foster active engagement, inclusion, and positive behavior support for students with disabilities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the significant role of the collaborative partnerships and advocacy in working with parents, students with disabilities with diverse backgrounds and all other related professionals and staff.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior based on the CEC standards based on knowledge of relevant legal matters and advances in research and professional advancement through a process of life-long learning.