Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (On-campus)
Applications Are Open!
Priority Deadline: January 2, 2026
Applications for our 2026 cycle are now open.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Join a rewarding career that creates positive change
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a rapidly growing and dynamic field. In the subspecialty concentration of special education, behavior analysts are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our on-campus program uses a cohort model to promote collaborative learning among students and faculty. Graduates of the program will have completed the coursework required to sit for the to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to apply for as a School Behavior Analyst, and to apply for as a Licensed Behavior Analyst.
Curriculum
Overview
Our program cultivates a supportive cohort environment. With sequential courses, you'll progress through the curriculum in sync with your peers and complete the program in two years.
- Four courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
- Classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon/evenings beginning at 3 or 4:30pm
Courses
 | The Master of Education degree program in Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis is recognized as Tier 2A by the . |
- EDSPE 533 Concepts and Principles of ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 534 Concepts and Principles of ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 571 Measurement in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 536 Assessment in ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 537 Assessment in ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 552 Instructional Strategies in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 531 Designing Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
- EDSPE 511 Single Case Research Design (3 credits)
- EDSPE 539 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 549 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 553 Supervision in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 535 History and Philosophy of ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 538 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3 credits)
- EDSPE 554 Behavior Analysts in Schools (3 credits)
- EDSPE 530 Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- EDSPE 563 Collaborating with Families and Educational Teams (4 credits)
- EDSPE 500 Practicum (9 credits)
- EDSPE 601 Internship (9 credits)
Fieldwork
Supervised fieldwork is essential for eligibility to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam and plays a critical role in helping students apply the strategies and skills learned during coursework.
Our program uses a shared supervision model designed to meet BACB requirements, including the requirement that supervision be provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students complete 18 credits of practicum and internship coursework, which include 75 hours of group supervision through the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ. They also receive an additional 75 hours of individual supervision through a local agency or school. This model ensures students benefit from both university-based and site-based supervision.
We maintain partnerships with local agencies that host our students as trainees. While students are responsible for securing their own fieldwork site, our program and fieldwork directors provide guidance and support during the summer prior to program start.
Notably, opportunities are available to complete fieldwork experiences on-campus at the and the , and with the university-affiliated .
To learn more about BACB supervised fieldwork requirements, which includes completing 1500 hours total of fieldwork, visit the .
Completion
Capstone Project
During the final year of the program, students complete a Capstone Project employing single case research design, guided by their yearlong EDSPE 601: Internship fieldwork course. This hands-on experience focuses on coaching and training others in behavior analytic strategies while evaluating the impact of those efforts. Through this process, students deepen their applied expertise and contribute to meaningful change in their communities.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination
After finishing this program, students will have met the coursework requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam.
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, .
IMPORTANT: Only individuals residing in the United States, Canada and UK may apply for BACB certification. .
Admission requirements and process
Overview
We highly value candidates who have experience working with individuals with disabilities. A minimum of one year of applied behavior analysis experience is preferred. Whether you've worked as a behavior technician, paraeducator, or teacher in an ABA-focused program, your practical experience is valuable. Candidates with additional ABA experience are given preference.
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.
Materials
- 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
You must submit an unofficial transcript(s) with your application. 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 this is just one part of the application.
Our programs review all applications holistically, so we encourage you to still apply. You do not need to take classes to increase your GPA. Instead, we would like for you to focus on a goal statement which discusses your interests and how the program will meet your professional or individual goals and strong letters of recommendation. You can also feel free to address why your GPA is lower than a cumulative 3.0.
- 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 program. Your statement should answer the following questions:
- What experiences have influenced your interest in applied behavior analysis?
- How has your academic and work experience prepared you for graduate school in ABA?
- Why is the program at the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ a good match for your academic and career goals?
- Please share the unique characteristics, experiences and/or perspectives you bring to our ABA program and the field at large. How do you see these shaping your future work with individuals with developmental disabilities?
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. 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.
Submitting
Program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex or other identity.
- Gather all required documents
- Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
- Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
- Pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee
- You may request a during the application process
- Submit your application
When completing your application, you will select the following options:
- Graduate type:
- Graduate if you want to earn your master’s degree
- Program:
- Education - Seattle (MEd - Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis)
Next Steps
International
We value and welcome applications from all people, including international students! If you are applying from outside the United States, there are additional requirements and application materials.
- Prior degree requirements
- At minimum, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (a four-year degree from an institution of recognized standing)
- Evaluation of your degree will be based on:
- The national system of education in the foreign country
- The type of institution
- The field of study and level of studies completed
- Transcripts
- If a transcript is in English, you can upload the transcript in the online application.
- If the degree is on a separate certificate, you will need to upload this as well. An evaluation from a 3rd party is not needed for this.
- All transcripts and degree conferral documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translation and must be in the same format as the original(s).
- English language proficiency
Per , you must submit a demonstration of English language proficiency if your native language is not English and you did not earn a degree in one of the following countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Canada
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Trinidad and Tobago
The following tests are accepted if the test was taken fewer than two years ago:
- Minimum score: 80
- Recommended score: 92+
- The UW's 4-digit code is 4854
- You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address:
- ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ All Campuses, Organisation ID 365, Undergrad & Graduate Admis, Box 355850, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States of America
- Minimum score: 6.5
- Recommended score: 7.0+
- School information for submission:
±¬×ߺÚÁÏ, All Campuses
Undergraduate & Graduate Admission
Box 355850
Seattle, WA 98195
- You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address:
- Minimum score: 110
- Recommended score: 125+
- Follow the instructions on the Duolingo website to submit your scores
- Financial ability
If you apply and are offered admission to UW, you will need to submit a statement of financial ability.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $20,736 per year.
- Out-of-state students: $37,464 per year
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.
Funding & Scholarships
Federal financial aid is available for students. for information and resources. The ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ also provides scholarship and other funding opportunities.
Program core ethical principles
- Beneficence
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to engage in practices that maximize their clients' well-being and avoid those that cause harm. We understand that behavior analytic services are most likely to benefit our clients when they are provided in the context of a trusting and compassionate relationship. Where conflicts of interest arise between consumers of behavior analysis, we prioritize outcomes for the most vulnerable clients.
- Inclusion
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities access to and authentic participation in meaningful activities that promote relationships, a sense of community, and an improved quality of life.
- Professional excellence
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to be honest and transparent. We engage in ongoing professional development and analyze our own practices. Professional excellence requires respectful and effective collaboration with individuals from other disciplines while maintaining a commitment to data-based decision-making. Analyzing evidence from different methodologies is encouraged as a way of collaborating with others and improving practice.
- Self-determination
Behavior analysts respect clients’ rights and promote client dignity, privacy, and autonomy. We assist clients to set and achieve their own goals, develop their own agency, and make decisions about their own lives.
- Social justice
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to attend to injustice where they see it, avoid perpetuating inequitable systems, and advocate for equitable systems change. We are uniquely qualified to identify controlling and contextual variables that contribute to inequitable educational and service-delivery systems and develop solutions to supplant them.
ABA on-campus program student data
| Reporting category | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 21 | 17 |
| Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Number of students enrolled in the program on January 1st of the reporting year | 41 | 41 |
| Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree | 0 | 0 |
| Number of completed applications received | 46 | 41 |
| Number of students admitted | 34 | 31 |
| Percentage of first-time candidates passing the BCBA certification examination | 83% | 74% |
