The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University offers a M.S. in Special Education with BCBA coursework as well as a BCBA coursework only option. Both options are described below. Our BCBA courses are a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), a set of courses that have been approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards of expertise.
For more information about the program, contact: Sarah Pinkelman
M.S. with BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) Coursework
This program is a 3-year master’s sequence that will prepare students as behavior analysts. As part of the M.S., students will complete the coursework necessary to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Students will gain valuable clinical and research experience that will strengthen their professional skills and/or prepare them for further graduate study. To learn more about BCBA certification, please visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website: https://www.bacb.com/
M.S. with BCBA Planning Guide
Thesis Requirements
Job Aid Planning Guide
M.S. with BCBA Application Deadline
Individuals applying to work with a specific faculty member or laboratory or who want an early decision should submit their application by January 15th for fall semester. All applications are due by March 15th. We only accept students for a start in fall semester.
M.S. with BCBA Application Requirements
- Application (Apply online through the School of Graduate Studies)
- Application fee ($55)
- Three letters of recommendation (Applicants should assure that letters speak to their experience or potential in the area of behavior analysis.)
- Official transcripts (GPA of 3.00 on the last 60 credits of college work)
- A cover letter describing your prior experience in ABA, reasons for applying to the program, and career goals.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) Coursework Only
Individuals already possessing a qualifying master’s degree per the BACB® requirements can apply to take only BCBA preparation courses. These are the courses necessary to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Please review the BACB® requirements carefully to ensure that you possess a qualifying master’s degree: https://www.bacb.com/
BCBA Course Sequence ONLY Planning Guide
Job Aid Planning Guide
BCBA Only Application Requirements and Deadline
Submit the following to Elise Gonzalez, elise.gonzalez@usu.edu.
- Transcripts
- Letter Interest
- Two letters of recommendation
- Deadline is June 1
Additional Resources
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
Association for Behavior Analysts International
Utah Association for Behavior Analysis (UtABA)
UtABA on Facebook
Contact Information