MS in Clinical Psychology ABA specialization completion requirements
- Foundation course (1 cr.)
- Core courses (55 cr.)
- Specialization Courses (35 cr.)
- Field Experience (6 cr.)
- Professional Development Series
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Expand Your Opportunities
The ABA specialization adds just six months to your master’s in clinical psychology program, opening the door to pursuing both BCBA® certification1 and licensure as a mental health professional in some states.2
Skills You Can Use Right Away
Gain immediately applicable ABA psychology skills through hands-on projects and field experience.
Integrated Field Experience
Meet fieldwork hour requirements for licensure as a mental health professional in some states and BCBA® certification.
Comprehensive Support
Benefit from a 24/7 customer care team, online library, Writing Center, and Academic Skills Center—everything you need to succeed.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Coursework in our master’s in clinical psychology ABA specialization meets rigorous standards set by the Association of Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI®). ABAI verification is required for BCBA® certification eligibility.
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 ABA specialization 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 master’s in clinical psychology with an ABA specialization more attainable.
Explore these opportunities:
Transfer of Credit
Partner Tuition Savings
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 | 97 quarter credit hours | $590 per quarter credit | $57,230 |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $1,980 | |
$59,210* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,490 | ||
**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 48 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-937-8785.
Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
Career Opportunities
Board Certified Behavior Analysts can pursue opportunities in a range of settings, such as hospitals, schools, clinics, and mental health centers.
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–$76,2301
Steady Growth
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology and psychological counseling.
Expected growth: 4%2
Estimated annual wage: $47,870–$106,6402
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
2Source: 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.
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Master’s in Clinical Psychology ABA Specialization FAQ
What can I do with a master's in clinical psychology with an ABA specialization?
There are many career opportunities one can pursue with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as part of an MS in Clinical Psychology program. Behavior analysts work with different types of people to help modify behaviors. ABA is especially useful when helping children and adults learn positive social and communication skills. One of the most relevant professional pathways is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). BCBAs are independent practitioners who provide and oversee behavior-analytic services.
What will I learn as part of an ABA specialization?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a discipline focused on the science of behavior. The goal of ABA is to identify behaviors of social significance and use evidence-based practices to modify those behaviors. This type of therapy is frequently applied to children with autism and tailored to a child’s individual needs to help develop skills such as social, communication, learning, and motor skills.
An ABA specialization includes coursework focused on behavior analysis, including the approaches to behavior, the interpretation of behavior in context, measurement of behavior, data collection and analysis, ethics, and techniques of behavioral intervention procedures.
How many courses does it take to complete a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis?
The Applied Behavior Analysis specialization in Walden’s MS in Clinical Psychology program consists of seven courses. By design, the ABA specialization adds only six months to the total time to complete your MS in Clinical Psychology studies.
Will a master's in clinical psychology with an ABA specialization help you become a licensed psychologist?
The MS in Clinical Psychology program can prepare you for advanced study and help move you toward your goal of becoming a licensed psychologist, which requires a doctoral degree in order to obtain licensure. This program prepares you to seek licensure as a mental health professional in some states, and the coursework in the ABA specialization includes courses verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI®) as meeting the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination. Applied behavior analysis is a great field for people who want to help people manage challenging behaviors. Board Certified Behavior Analysts are independent practitioners who can work with different populations in a variety of organizational, educational, or mental health settings.
What are the pros and cons of earning an MS in Clinical Psychology with an ABA specialization in an online vs. traditional setting?
Walden’s online MS in Clinical Psychology program with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis includes content verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI®) as meeting specific coursework requirements, rigorous standards, faculty qualifications, and student support services.
An online master's in clinical psychology with an ABA specialization differs from an in-person program in the way in which the content is delivered, the interactions with fellow students occur, and how faculty engage with students. Walden’s program offers online courses accessible 24/7, allowing students to balance work and family responsibilities with the pursuit of a master’s. Students share ideas asynchronously, building discussions during a module. Faculty guide students and provide feedback throughout the course.