An accredited graduate program
The program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. 
Credits
37
Duration
As few as 20 months
GRE
Not required
A curriculum designed for BCBA success
The curriculum for the online M.S. in behavioral analysis is pre-approved by the ABAI to meet the course requirements for students pursuing their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Divided between classroom-based instruction and hands-on experiential learning, the curriculum includes research training, certification exam preparation and practical training coordination. This training coordination is embedded into the curriculum, meaning you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for the BCBA certification during the program.
Core courses
24 credits
Practicum courses
7 credits
Research course
6 credits
Applying for admission to the online M.S. in behavior analysis
To enroll in the online behavior analysis master's program, applicants* must have completed a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum 2.75 GPA.
The following materials must be submitted in order to apply for the program:
- Completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended
- Curriculum vitate (CV)
*International students must apply for the online master's in behavioral analysis through the Global Institute for Behavior Analysis' Satellite Program.
Want to know more?
Speak to an admissions consultant about the program by completing our form and providing your contact information. We're happy to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process.
Program start dates and application deadlines
Spring 2024
Applications due by 12/15/23
- Classes begin: 1/22/24
- Classes end: 4/28/24
Summer 2024
Applications due by 3/15/24
- Classes begin: 5/20/24
- Classes end: 8/16/24
Fall 2024
Applications due by 7/15/24
- Classes begin: 8/26/24
- Classes end: 11/22/24
How to apply to the online master's in behavior analysis
Applications are submitted via our online application portal through The Graduate School. Sign up for an account with your name and email address.
After creating your account, select your enrollment status. Select "Degree Seeking" from the drop down list (see screenshot below).
![[Figure 1] Screenshot of the Graduate School application portal for selecting your enrollment status. An arrow shows users to select "Degree Seeking" in a list with "Grad Fit and "Non-Degree Seeking."](/main/images/colleges-schools/science/global-institute-behavior-analysis/components/giba-enrollment-status.png)
After selecting your degree type, choose your application type. Select "Domestic" from the drop-down list.
After selecting your application type, choose your program of study. Select "Psychology MS" from the drop-down list.
After choosing your program of study, select your sub-plan/emphasis for the program of study. Select "Psychology MS - Online Academy" from the drop-down list.
The final step is to select your enrollment semester start date and whether or not you are a first-time graduate student.
Want to apply today?
Register for an account and start your online application today.
Practical training experience
Other graduate programs in behavior analysis require students to structure their own practicum and find a fieldwork supervisor. At the Global Institute of Behavior Analysis, we designed the practical training component with flexibility and student support in mind. Our practical training coordinator will guide you each step of the way through your fieldwork experience, from selecting a site location to working with your supervisor.
You select your learning experience
You may choose between two practicum experiences: intensive supervised fieldwork or supervised fieldwork.
Intensive supervised fieldwork
- 1,500 hours
- 10% of hours overseen by qualified supervisor
- 4 meetings/observations monthly
Supervised fieldwork hours
- 2,000 hours
- 5% of hours overseen by qualified supervisor
- 2 meetings/observations monthly
You set the learning pace
The program does not require you to complete the entirety of your supervised fieldwork while in the online master's program in behavior analysis. You are only required to complete half of the required BACB® hours during the program. The remaining hours can be completed after you finish the master's program and move into the next phase of your career.
Our goal is to empower our students to advocate for themselves. In pursuit of this goal, we give a range rather than a fixed requirement for fieldwork hours accrued every month of the program. This allows you some flexibility in determining your schedule to balance your educational goals, work, and personal life. The focus is on the quality of the training rather than quantity. Quality is monitored by our Practical Training Coordinator and promoted through the training we offer supervisors.
Our practicum courses not only include the coordination of fieldwork but also exam preparation. Students will complete test preparation modules throughout the program to ensure students graduate ready to take the BACB® certification exam.
Practical training can take place in multiple environments with a variety of clients. OnABA will train and coordinate with each supervisor to make sure experience meets each student’s needs. Students can participate in a blend of group and individual meetings with their supervisor. Supervisors will observe trainees performing behavior analytic tasks and provide guidance and feedback. During meetings, supervisors will model technical, professional, and ethical acquisition targets. Supervisors will teach trainees to monitor the effects of behavioral service delivery and oversee this process. The supervisor will also monitor the outcomes of their own supervision and make changes to procedures as needed.
In addition to observations and meetings, supervisors will direct trainees to complete client related, BACB task-list oriented assignments. These assignments will include readings and discussion, behavioral program development, literature reviews on client related topics, data analysis and interpretation, developing data recording systems, etc. These assignments will be reviewed during meetings, and feedback will be provided.
Each student will need to identify a practical training site. An affiliate agreement must be signed between the practical training site and the University of Nevada, Reno. Students will have from the time of admission to the second semester of the program to secure this.
Each student must identify a supervisor to oversee their practical training. OnABA staff will review and approve the credentials of all supervisors. Supervisors must participate in training provided by OnABA. An approved contract must be signed by the supervisor and the student.