Instructions for Beginning the Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism

  1. If you wish to complete a masters degree while working on a CERTIFICATE in either APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS or/and AUTISM, begin with a graduate application. Go to the Graduate Schools Web site, complete and submit. If you have any questions about the application process, contact the Graduate School Admissions Office 1-866-285-GRAD (toll free).
  2. The M. A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism degree, requires the student to earn a minimum 30 hrs. of graduate credit, all within a 6 year time period or less. Included within these 30 hours, the student is required to complete a research methodology course (SPCED 636 Research in Special Education) which will count toward the graduate major. A minimum 15 of the 30 hours must be in a major (courses with a SPCED prefix); however, the student may elect to complete more than 15 hours in special education.
  3. To be admitted to pursue the masters degree, a student must meet the following minimum criteria:
    • Hold an earned bachelors degree from a college or university accredited by its regional accrediting association.
    • Have one of the following:
      1. An undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 bases on a 4.0 scale.
      2. A cumulative grade-point average of at lease 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the latter half of the baccalaureate.
      3. An acceptable score (45th percentile) on the GRE - Graduate Records Examination, General Test and a minimum 3.2 grade-point average in 9 semester hours of graduate work recommended by the chairperson of the major department. These 9 hours become the applicants probationary plan of study and will apply toward the masters degree if and when the student successfully completes the probationary program.
      4. Consult the Graduate Catolog regarding course descriptions, course prerequisites, transfer limits, graduate school rules and policies.
      5. Upon registration of your final course for your masters degree (your 30th hour), you become eligible to make application for graduation. You should contact Susan Bourne Graduate School Office for instructions.