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Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. – Online

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is crafted for those seeking to advance their expertise in special education and fulfill the coursework required to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Our program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) that aligns with the 5th Edition coursework requirements set by The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, qualifying you to sit for the BCBA exam.

Program Highlights

  • 100% Online Coursework: Enjoy the flexibility of completing your 33-credit hour program entirely online. Most courses are offered in a “live” synchronous format, providing real-time interactions between instructors and students to foster a supportive learning community.
  • Specialized Instruction: Courses are tailored to discuss strategies and concepts specifically for supporting individuals with disabilities in various settings such as schools, homes, and communities.
  • Professional Faculty: Learn from distinguished faculty members who are either board certified behavior analysts or have extensive training and experience in applied behavior analysis.

Program Contact

Special Education and Child Development: ABA, M.Ed. at a Glance

Advance your expertise with the Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. program at UNC Charlotte. Designed for educators and professionals, this program equips you with the skills to support individuals with disabilities. Learn evidence-based practices and prepare for BCBA certification.

Delivery
Online
Credits
33 Credit Hours
Admits
Spring, Summer & Fall
Courses

The majority of coursework is offered via synchronous instructional formats. Synchronous online learning involves live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots.

Introductory Research Course (3 credit hours)

Introductory Concentration Courses (6 credit hours)

Core Courses (15 credit hours)

Research Courses (9 credit hours)

Admissions & Requirements

The next available term for admission will be Spring 2026. 

Please note: The Applied Behavior Analysis concentration will not lead to eligibility for advanced teaching licensure.

Application Deadlines

The next available term for admission will be Spring 2026. 

Applicants can apply via the UNC Charlotte Graduate Admissions website.

Outlook

What Can You Do With the UNC Charlotte Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. program?

UNC Charlotte alumni who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts serve in diverse occupations such as:

Strong salary expectations

Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, collects job and salary data from UNC Charlotte graduates. Lightcast surveyed UNC Charlotte graduates who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and found their estimated average annual salary to be $72,400.

Why UNC Charlotte?

Flexible Learning: Study from the comfort of your home or office with our fully online program.

Interactive Community: Participate in synchronous classes that promote a collaborative learning environment, offering support and problem-solving opportunities with peers and instructors.

Career-Ready Skills: Develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to become an effective behavior analyst, improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Tuition

Resident: $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident: $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident: $1,098.21 per credit hour

Please note: Rates are subject to change.