Master’s Degree Specializations in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Departments of Psychology and Education at Central Washington University are excited to offer two Master's degree specializations in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Graduates from this program will earn either a Master of Science or a Master of Education degree and will meet the coursework requirements necessary to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Students must meet additional requirements to be eligible to be certified as a BCBA. For a more detailed description about certification,click here.
Students enrolled in these programs will be prepared for future doctoral study or for work at the Masters level with individuals and organizations in education, developmental disabilities, community mental health, gerontology, and other related areas. Students are trained to provide programmatic habilitative services to individuals, addressing the goals of mastering new skills and ameliorating behavioral problems. Degree requirements focus on integrating foundational and specialized coursework with practical experience.
Enrollment Options
Experimental Psychology Program with a Specialization in ABA
Students interested in obtaining their Master of Science degree may enroll in the Experimental Psychology program. In addition to receiving training in ABA, students enrolled in the Experimental Psychology program will take a set of core courses that are designed to provide them with a generalized background in experimental psychology. Upon enrollment, students will meet with their faculty advisor to discuss objectives, establish a plan of study, and outline research opportunities.
Special Education Program with a Specialization in ABA
Students interested in obtaining their Master of Education degree may enroll in the Department of Education's Special Education program. Students enrolled in this program will receive training in ABA, as well as taking additional courses designed to prepare them for a career in the special education field. Students must have an institutional endorsement in special education. Students without an institutional endorsement will be required to complete the endorsement prior to the final exam for their master’s degree. Anyone wanting to complete a master’s degree without a special education teaching certificate must have special education faculty permission.
Certification
Both the Experimental Psychology and the Special Education programs, with specializations in ABA, are designed so that graduates meet coursework requirements specified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board®, Inc. (BACB®) for qualifying to take the certification examination to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts™. During time in their respective programs, students will also have the opportunity to earn the majority of the hours required to meet the experience requirement specified by the BACB®. We are currently submitting both coursework and practicum training for approval to the BACB®, and we expect to receive approval for program coursework and experience training later this year. More about certification.
Central Washington University
Located in Ellensburg, WA in the beautiful Kittitas Valley, Central Washington University is a comprehensive, four-year public university that is dedicated to developing students’ intellectual inquiry, exploration, and application of knowledge. Beyond outstanding education and research, Central offers small classes taught by first-rate professors who value learning above all else. Central is home to a vibrant student community that supports diversity and nurtures interaction and involvement.