Master's (M.Ed.) Behavior Analysis

Earn your Master's in Behavior Analysis at Lehigh!

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  • Application requirements: Completed online application, $65 Application Fee, GPA Minimum: minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate), transcript(s), proof of English language proficiency, 2 letters of recommendation - at least one recommendation must come from a faculty member at an accredited academic institution, Acknowledgement of College of Education Policy on Clearances, Essay
  • International Students: Please visit this page transcript evaluation requirements.
  • Deadline(s): April 15 for summer semester summer, July 15 for fall semester start, December 15 for spring semester start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
  • Course Requirements: 10 courses (30 credits)
  • Typical Course Load: Fall (2 courses), Spring (2 courses), Summer (1-2 courses)
  • Modality: This program may be completed in-person, online or a combination of both.
  • Time to Completion: Typically 2 years
  • Resources for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam

Overview

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Behavior Analysis is designed for the college graduate who is interested in pursuing advanced studies in behavior analysis. Core courses have been designed to meet the Fourth Edition Task List and Foundational Knowledge List issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). The mission of this master’s program is to enhance the skills of practitioners in the field of special education by providing a concentration in evidence-based behavioral support strategies.

Curriculum

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.

Course NuMber Course Name Credits
Core Coursework (21 credits, core course sequence approved by the BACB®)
SPED 402 Applied Behavior Analysis 3
SPED 409 K-12 Classroom Environment and Management 3
SPED 410 Behavior Analysts: Ethics and Professional Conduct 3
SPED 416 Autism Spectrum Disorders and Evidence-Based Practices 3
SPED 418 Alternative Curricular Approaches 3
SPED 432 Positive Behavior Support 3
EDUC 461 Single-Subject Research Design 3
Diversity Requirement (3 credits)
SPED 404 Diversity, Families, and School Collaborations in K-12 3
Electives (6 credits)
In-Person Elective Options
SPED 405 Principles and Applications of K-12 Assessment 3
SPED 411 Early Childhood Education 3
SPED 418 Alternative Curricular Approaches 3
SPED 419 Intensive Intervention in Reading 3
SPED 421 Intensive Intervention in Mathematics and Content Area Literacy 3
SPED 423 Transition to Post-school Life 3
SPED 452 Assessment in Special Education 3
EDL 432 Special Education Law 3
EDL 479 School Law and Ethics 3
SCHP 412 Consultation Procedures 3
SCHP 426 Advanced School and Family Interventions 3
Online Elective Options
EDUC 403 Research 3
EDUC 406 Social Emotional Learning in Context 3
EDUC 431 Multi-Tiered Systems of Social-Emotional Support I: Foundations 1
EDUC 432 Multi-Tiered Systems of Social-Emotional Support I: Universal Approaches 1
EDUC 433 Multi-Tiered Systems of Social-Emotional Support I: Targeted Approaches 1
EDUC 434 Prevention and Management of Crisis 1
EDUC 435 Implementation for Equity: Leading Student-Centered Schools 1
EDUC 436 Implementation for Equity: Social Emotional Learning in Action 1
EDUC 456 Trauma and Resilience in Schools 3
CPSY 472 Human Development Across the Lifespan 3
Other electives as approved by advisor
Click here to view the course catalog which provides descriptions of the courses.

 

FAQ

Q: What is required to obtain a Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification?

A: You must (a) have a master’s degree in ABA, education (e.g., special), psychology, or a related field; note this changes in 2022, after which time degrees in any field will be accepted (b) successfully complete the courses in the verified course sequence; note 5th Edition Task List  Requirements must be met after 2022 (c) complete supervised fieldwork (see specific requirements here: and (d) pass the certification exam.  

Q: How will upcoming changes to the BACB requirements in 2022 affect me?

A: As of January 1, 2022, the BACB will require students to complete coursework per the 5th Edition Task List: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/170113-BCBA-BCaBA-task-list-5th-ed-.pdf and supervision requirements will change: https://www.bacb.com/bcba/. If you have begun your coursework prior to January 1, 2022 please speak with your advisor to determine additional content hours that might be needed. All supervision hours must meet new requirements as of 2022.

Q: How long do I have to complete the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) verified course sequence?

A: There is no limit on the time you can take to complete the course sequence, however supervision must be completed within a 5 year time period. There are a few things to keep in mind. First, the requirements for BCBA licensure sometimes change. So, if you take too long, you may need to take additional courses to meet certification requirements. Second, if you do not take a course at Lehigh for one year, you will need to reapply to the program.

Q: Can I apply to take the test after I have completed coursework?

A: No, you must complete supervised fieldwork hours before taking the exam.

Q: When can I start my supervised fieldwork hours?

A: You may begin your fieldwork hours as soon as you start coursework.

Q: Does completion of Lehigh University’s Verified Course Sequence allow me to become a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania?

A: While the VCS does provide coursework required to the PA State Board of Medicine, we recommend you thoroughly review licensure requirements in Pennsylvania as these can differ from the BACB. You can find more information here: https://www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/default

Q: Does completion of Lehigh University’s Verified Course Sequence allow me to become a licensed behavioral practitioner in other states?

A: Licensure requirements vary widely per state, therefore we cannot guarantee licensure in other states even if you are certified by the BACB and licensed in Pennsylvania. For more information on licensure requirements per state please visit: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/

Q: Does Lehigh University provide assistance with the fieldwork requirement for the BCBA?

A: Lehigh University houses Lehigh University Autism Services (LUAS), which can serve as a practicum site for students enrolled in the Behavior Analysis Certificate program, students who have chosen to complete the Behavior Analysis Certificate as a specialization or add-on to their current degree, or who are enrolled in the M.Ed in Behavior Analysis. Practicum spots are limited. If you are interested in completing practicum with us please contact your advisor and Dr. Lee Kern. At this time, Lehigh University does not assist students in finding placements for supervision conducted outside of LUAS.

Q: Do I need to have a teaching credential to apply to the M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis at Lehigh or certificate in Behavior Analysis? 

A: No. For requirements of the M.A. in ABA at Lehigh go here:https://ed.lehigh.edu/academics/degrees/masters-degrees. For the certificate program in ABA at Lehigh you need a master’s degree in ABA, education (e.g., special), psychology, or a related field. 

Q: Can I attend the M.A. in ABA part-time or the certificate in ABA program part-time? 

A: Yes.