View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
Licensure Path in Select States
Learn from a robust, evidence-based curriculum with state-specific coursework designed to meet mental health professional licensure requirements in select states.1 Develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field, as well as prepare for licensure.
Prep for BCBA® Certification
Prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam with coursework that meets the behavior-analytic requirements for those pursuing the BCBA® pathway 2 eligibility route.
Learn Real-World Skills
Prepare to impact the field with your own research and advocacy through a program emphasis on research and evidence-based practice.
Flexibility
Study on your schedule and balance professional, personal, and educational obligations with an online program that fits your life.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
The master’s in clinical psychology – ABA and State Education specialization combines a robust curriculum with state-specific courses meant to prepare students for mental health professional licensure exams in select states as well as a path to ABA certification.
Featured MS in Clinical Psychology ABA Courses
Foundation and Philosophy of Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a set of skills used in the assessment and treatment of individuals with a variety of behavioral problems and developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders. In this course, students explore the philosophy and theory of behaviorism and how these undergird applied behavior analysis. Students apply the theory and philosophy of behaviorism to the application of behavioral principles and concepts in the context of applied behavior analysis to impact social change. This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Task List (5th and 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations. Prerequisites: • PSYC 6002 • PSYC 6215
*Students may take this as a non-degree course, which means they do not have to be enrolled in a program. Contact an Enrollment Specialist [1-866-492-5336 (U.S.);1-443-627-7222 (toll)] for more information or visit the School of Lifelong Learning.
Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a set of skills used in the assessment and treatment of individuals with a variety of behavioral problems and developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders. Students in this course will explore the concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis. They also examine the concepts and principles of behaviorism to the application of behavioral principles in the context of applied behavior analysis, including behavioral observation and measurement, functions of behavior, developing and maintaining behaviors, and related ethical considerations. Students explore the impact of promoting positive social change through the application of ABA. This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th and 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
Ethical, Legal, Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis
With a focus on the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®), students in this course review responsible conduct of behavior analysts, ethical responsibilities to clients and their welfare, and ethical responsibilities to other individuals (e.g., colleagues) and the BACB®. In addition, students examine professional and legal issues involved in providing services in different contexts and with different client groups. This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th and 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
Introduction to Behavioral Assessment and Interventions
With a focus on the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th and 6th ed.) issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®), this course covers the basic principles of behavioral assessment and applied behavior analysis. Course participants explore fundamental techniques leading to the implementation of behavioral procedures and behavioral programs. More specifically, instruction focuses on conducting functional assessments and functional analyses, developing and implementing intervention procedures based on the outcome of the assessments and analyses, and data-based decision-making. This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th and 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
Research Methods for Behavioral Analysis
This course covers a variety of methods for data collection, measurement data collection, data analysis, and experimental designs that are common to applied behavior analysis. In addition to the theoretical background for single-subject research, this course emphasizes practical applications of research methods from baseline measurement to treatment evaluation. Advantages and limitations of various single-subject research methods are examined. Students design a small-n research study based on a research question developed from the applied behavior analysis literature. In addition, they critically evaluate research studies for the appropriate research design and methodology. This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th and 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
Admissions
Work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right program to paying for your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Pursuing your MS in Clinical Psychology online is an exciting step in your academic and professional journey. To help you get where you want to go, we’ve simplified the application process to include:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
View Admission Criteria
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
Walden offers many ways to reduce your tuition costs and make your MS in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in ABA and State Education more attainable.
Explore these opportunities:
Partner tuition savings
Transfer of credit
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 102–103 quarter credits | $610 per quarter credit | $62,220–$62,830 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,220 | |
$64,440–$65,050* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,710 | ||
*Represents minimum time to completion and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 28 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-483-7976.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,000 to $3,500.
Change Lives
Employment demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts increased 58% from 2023-2024. The number of job postings increased by over 100,000 from 2014 to 2024.3
3The results displayed are provided by Lightcast, a data analytics company and Covista makes no guarantees related to the accurate of the information displayed. Lightcast relies on data from government sources and postings from more than 65,000 online sources.
Career Opportunities
High Demand
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Help clients overcome addiction and modify problematic behaviors.
Expected growth: 17%1
Estimated annual wage: $39,090–$76,230 1
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s experienced faculty bring real-world expertise to your education, supporting your success from start to finish.
You Might Also Be Interested In
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FAQ
What do I need to do to become certified for applied behavior analysis?
In most states, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) certification is required to work as a applied behavior analyst. To earn your BCBA certification, you must complete a master’s program with behavior analysis coursework, complete fieldwork hours, and pass the BCBA certification exam. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Psychology – ABA and State Education specialization meets some of the fieldwork hours requirement, but additional hours will need to be completed outside of the program.
How long does it take to earn a certification in ABA?
To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®), you must hold a master’s degree and have completed specific coursework. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Psychology – ABA and State Education specialization can be completed in 36 to 40 months, putting you on a path to pursue certification in applied behavior analysis.
How do I earn ABA certification in my state?
Earning your BCBA® certification requires completing a master’s degree program with ABA coursework, participating in supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA® certification exam.