Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | UW College of Education (2024)

• Begin and finish the program in a supportive cohort
• Graduate in two years
• 2-4 courses each quarter in autumn, winter and spring
• 1 summer course
• Synchronous online classes in the evening

You will begin the program alongside your fellow student cohort and progress through the courses together. You can complete your degree in two years by taking multiple courses in autumn, winter and spring quarters, along with one course in the summer. Need a slower pace? We can adjust the course sequence to take three years for completion.

Our synchronous online classes use cutting-edge learning technology, facilitating interactive lectures, thought-provoking discussions, collaborative group activities, and quizzes. You'll actively take part in real-time, ensuring an engaging and immersive educational experience.

To support working professionals, our classes are conducted in the evening, typically starting at 5 p.m. PST.

Technical requirements: To make the most of our program, ensure that you have a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop, a video camera for effective communication, a high-quality headset for clear audio, and a quiet location that fosters focused learning.

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 (via Pathway 2). Applicants will need to meet additional BACB® eligibility requirements, including evidence of residency in an authorized country, before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

• EDSPE 533 Concepts and Principles of ABA-A (3 credits)
• EDSPE 534 Concepts and Principles of ABA-B (3 credits)
• EDSPE 535 History and Philosophy of ABA (3 credits)
• EDSPE 571 Measurement in ABA (3 credits)
• EDSPE 536Assessment in ABA-A (3 credits)
• EDSPE 537 Assessment in ABA-B (3 credits)
• EDSPE 552 Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies in ABA (3 credits)
• EDSPE 531 Designing Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
• EDSPE 511 Methods of ABA Research (3 credits)
• EDSPE 529 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA(5credits)
• EDSPE 553 Supervision in ABA (3 credits)

The following courses are required to earn your masters degree in special education.

• EDSPE 525 Autism (3 credits)
• EDSPE 554 Behavior Analysts in Schools(3 credits)
• EDSPE 530 Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis(4 credits)

• Supervised fieldwork is required for BACB exam
• Supervision of fieldwork hours can be obtained through this program
• Living near Seattle is not required for supervision of fieldwork hours
• Receiving supervision through UW is not required

Supervised fieldwork is a crucial requirement to sit for the BACB exam. It provides you with hands-on experience to apply the strategies and skills learned during your coursework, ultimately preparing you for success as a BCBA.

You can obtain supervision for your fieldwork hours through this program. It is not mandatory to receive your fieldwork supervision through the University of Washington, and you do not need to live near Seattle to receive supervision from the program. For more information about supervision packages, please reach out to us at abainfo@uw.edu.

Earning your master's degree and BCBA certification involves two separate examinations:

Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination

After finishing this program, you will have met all requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. Our faculty and advisors will help you navigate BACB exam process.

It is important to note that while the BCBA certification is valid in all 50 states, many states also require behavior analysts to be licensed. State laws related to licensure of behavior analysts vary and do not necessarily reflect the same requirements as the BCBA certification. Please research the requirements for the state you plan to apply for licensure in. For more information, visit BACB's page on state licensure.

IMPORTANT: Only individuals residing in the United States, Canada and UK may apply for BACB certification. Visit BACB's page on international development.

Master’s examination

During your final quarter, you will need to pass a comprehensive master's examination that covers all ABA content covered throughout the program. This examination is a University of Washington requirement.

We expect our candidates to have practical experience in working with people who have disabilities. This could include experience as a tutor, paraeducator, or teacher in a program that uses ABA strategies and methodologies. Your hands-on experience in this field shows your commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

To strengthen your application, we prefer candidates who have at least one year of direct applied behavior analysis experience. This experience could be gained through working in roles that involve applying ABA principles and techniques.

While we do not impose specific requirements about the field of your bachelor's degree, we highly value any related experiences you may have. Your experiences, regardless of study field, contribute to your understanding and perspective, making you a well-rounded candidate.

Already have your master's degree?

If you already hold a master's degree in another field, you can apply to the program as a graduate non-matriculated student. This pathway allows you to take a reduced course load per quarter while still completing the program within two years. We welcome master's degrees from any field of study and value the diverse experiences you bring to the program. If you have any questions about the sufficiency of your master's degree toward certification, please contact the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Your degree can be in-progress when applying but must be completed before the program starts.

Unofficial transcript(s) with minimum 3.0 GPA

• Include one from each institution from which you've earned a degree and one from every institution you have attended in the previous 5 years.
• Your transcripts must include your name, coursework and degree (if completed)
• If you are offered admission, the UW Graduate School will request an official transcript from your most recent degree earned

The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or 3.0 for your most recent 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester credits). However, we review your application holistically. If your GPA is below 3.0, contact us at edinfo@uw.edu for advice on how to strengthen your overall application.

Two letters of recommendation

At least one letter should speak to your work experience in applied behavior analysis. During the online application process, you will be given instructions for adding your recommenders and getting their letters submitted electronically. All recommenders must submit their letters online.

Resume/vita

A current academic and professional resume or vita is required. In addition to educational degrees and professional experience, you should include a listing of all relevant awards, publications, presentations or other achievements that will help us evaluate your application. We are looking for at least one year of experience with applied behavior analysis

Statement of Purpose

The admissions committee uses your statement of purpose, along with other evidence, to determine whether your goals are well-matched with our programs. Your statement should answer the following questions:

• What in your past experience has influenced your interest in applied behavior analysis?
• What in your academic and work experience has prepared you for graduate school in ABA?
• Why is the program at the University of Washington a good match for your academic and career goals?
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to our ABA program. Please speak to the unique experiences and perspectives you would bring to our program.

Your statement should be 2 pages, double-spaced.

Personal history statement (optional)

While optional, you can add to your application by submitting a personal history statement with each application. This statement should address your intellectual growth and development, inclusive of and beyond your academic goals. Speak to topics like:

• Educational, cultural and economic opportunities and disadvantages you've experienced
• Ways these experiences affected the development of your special interests, career plans and future goals.
• Any additional topics requested on a specific program's page

Statements should be no longer than two pages long. And while there are no standard formatting requirements, we encourage double-spaced text with a legible font.

When completing your application, you will select the following options:

• Graduate type:
  • Graduate if you want to earn your master’s degree
  • Graduate Non-matriculated if you already have your master’s degree
• Program:
  • Education - Seattle (MEd - Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis Online Education)

• You may be able to transfer up to six credits toward your UW masters in special education
• You must petition the BACB to substitute courses toward BCBA exam requirements

If you have previously taken similar courses at another university, you may be eligible to transfer up to six credits toward your UW master's degree. The acceptance of transferred credits is subject to advisor approval in compliance with the Graduate School's policies.

Please note that the University of Washington is not authorized to approve course substitutions that fulfill the BACB's requirements for the BCBA exam. If you believe you have completed a course that adequately substitutes for the BACB's requirements, you must petition the certification board directly.

The online ABA program is a self-sustaining, fee-based program. Course fees are charged on a per-credit basis and are the same for Washington residents and non-residents. The current estimated cost is:

• $589 per credit
• $37,696 total

Estimates are subject to change due and may differ due to additional UW fees, course load, etc.