Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

About the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Troy University prepares you to make positive differences in people’s lives through meaningful behavior change.

Filling a Need

High employment growth is predicted for behavior analysts over the next decade at the state, regional and national levels (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2022; Burning Glass, 2017), with many master's-level behavior analysts earning $65,000-$75,000 per year (Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, 2015). 

This employment growth is spurred, in part, by licensure laws like the one in Alabama that require many health insurance plans to cover assessment and intervention services provided to children with autism spectrum disorder by licensed behavior analysts. Presently, there is a shortage in the number of licensed behavior analysts needed to provide these services.

Program Details

TROY’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis follows a scientist-practitioner model. The program provides students with a complete educational and clinical experience grounded in the philosophy, science and application of behavior analysis. The curriculum, taught by skilled and knowledgeable faculty, includes coursework in basic and applied research and considers learning principles that influence behavior in laboratory and natural settings.

In addition to coursework, students complete a minimum of 1,500 Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork hours during which faculty and community Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) regularly supervise their research and clinical technique through one-on-one and small-group supervision.

Examination Ready

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from TROY meet all criteria (degree, coursework and fieldwork) to take the BCBA examination. The BCBA credential is required for independent practice and behavior analysis licensure in Alabama and most other states.

The Road Ahead

Behavior-analytic interventions have proven useful in teaching new behavior (e.g., academic, social and daily living skills) and ameliorating challenging behavior (e.g., tantrums and self-injury). As a BCBA and Alabama Licensed Behavior Analyst (see state regulatory board websites for information on other states), you will be qualified for private practice or employment as a clinician at many agencies, hospitals, clinics and in classrooms that serve people diagnosed with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) and other clinical disorders (e.g., oppositional-defiant disorder). Additionally, many BCBAs provide behavior-management training for parents and other caregivers. Graduates who complete the thesis track will also be well prepared to pursue doctoral education in behavior analysis and related disciplines.

Application Deadline & Admissions Decisions

Application Deadline

We extended our application deadline for fall 2023 to June 15th, 2023!

Admissions Decisions

The admissions committee will review applications upon receiving materials (see Admission Requirements that start on pg. 126 of Academic Catalog). If you have questions about your application status, please contact Behavior Analysis coordinator Erich Grommet, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA at egrommet@troy.edu or (516) 647-1517.