Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd

Temple’s Master of Science in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis trains students to apply the principles of learning and behavior to influence behavior change that is significant to society. Students will learn how to systematically change behavior by analyzing related environmental variables and applying interventions based on the principles of behavior science. Behavior analysts have improved a wide range of everyday issues, including enhancing staff performance, improving public safety initiatives, teaching effective parenting skills, treating problem behavior in children, improving general and special education teaching strategies, rehabilitating individuals who abuse substances, and more.

This program fulfills the degree and coursework requirements (PDF) and partially fulfills the supervised experience requirement for the board-certified behavior analyst credential. Check out the frequently asked questions about the Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd program help fill the growing demand for individuals with applied behavior-analytic training in social service agencies and educational institutions, particularly in service of individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd also prepares educators, clinicians and other helping professionals to understand and implement interventions to address skill deficits and performance issues or problem behavior. You’ll graduate with a diverse set of skills, including the ability to analyze environmental variables affecting behavior, create individualized interventions, and assess the effectiveness of interventions to inform data-based decisions on modification and continuation. See more information about careers and opportunities for graduates.

What sets apart the Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd at Temple?

• Curriculum: Excellence in both research and professional training.
• Focus on informed and inclusive strategies: Program built on a foundation of evidence-based, culturally sensitive practices.
• Professional training: Interdisciplinary coursework integrates behavior analysis with education and psychology, preparing students to address social issues in a wide range of settings.
• Real-world opportunities: Field experience enhances students’ readiness to become effective board-certified behavior analysts.
• Location: Philadelphia offers students extensive opportunities for practicum placements and networking.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Temple University will have gained the following skill sets.

• Apply behavior science principles: Use behavior science to systematically change behavior by analyzing environmental variables and applying evidence-based interventions.
• Address socially significant issues: Tackle a variety of societal challenges, such as improving public safety, enhancing teaching strategies, reducing severe behavior in children and supporting individuals with substance use disorders.
• Implement ethical, culturally sensitive practices: Integrate trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches into behavior analytic practice, ensuring compassionate and equitable care.
• Lead in diverse settings: Become leaders in a variety of fields, including education, healthcare and organizational behavior management, using behavior analysis to create meaningful change.
• Prepare for BCBA certification: Complete a verified course sequence and gain the skills and knowledge required to successfully pass the BCBA certification exam and advance in your career.

Classes & Curriculum

The interdisciplinary Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd program blends courses in education and psychology. Courses are taught by faculty with top academic credentials and experience as practitioners. You’ll complete your coursework on a part- or full-time basis on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia. Some courses are offered at off-site locations and an online synchronous cohort is available.

Concepts taught in classes include

• assessment of skill deficits and behavior problems,
• principles of learning,
• single subject research methodology, and more.

See a full list of required and elective courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

• Education PhD with a concentration in Special Education
• School Psychology EdS
• School Psychology PhD
• Special Education MEd

Related Graduate Certificates

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Autism Endorsement

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program. You’ll also find opportunities to give back to the community, either locally or globally. Students can join the following organizations.

• Association for Behavior Analysis International, the national professional organization of the field of behavior analysis, which has many opportunities for student presentation and involvement.
• Graduate Student Organization of the College of Education, which runs community-based events like school supply drives as well as professional development workshops and activities. The organization upholds a strong commitment to social justice, regularly organizing political events and engaging in projects with community partners.
• Philadelphia Metropolitan Association for Behavior Analysis (PMABA), the local chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, which is hosted by Temple’s applied behavior analysis program. PMABA hosts networking, journal discussion and professional development events for students and local behavior analysts.
• Temple University Graduate Students Association, a student employee union that maintains positive working lives and conditions for graduate student assistants.
• Temple Student Pennsylvania State Education Association, which hosts events to share effective classroom techniques and other resources for developing teachers.​

In addition, there are several other local professional organizations for behavior analysts that encourage student involvement. These include

• Autism New Jersey,
• New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis and
• Pennsylvania Association of Behavior Analysis.

Search for additional College of Education and Human Development and education-related student organizations.

Association for Behavior Analysis International Verification

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.