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 ABA, and fulfill the degree and coursework required to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Our program includes coursework that will meet the BCBA Pathway 2 Eligibility and aligns with the 6th Edition coursework requirements set by The Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Along with the completion of supervision requirements (not part of the program), the Master of Education in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in ABA will qualify you to sit for the BCBA exam.

Note: Individuals who already hold a master’s degree elsewhere may pursue the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis to become BCBA.

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, clinics, 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.

Cato College of Education

Program Contact

Mieke Olin

Enrollment Team

online@charlotte.edu

704-687-5235

Schedule appointment

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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 using applied behavior analytic approaches. Learn evidence-based practices and prepare for BCBA certification.

Delivery

Online

Credits

33 Credit Hours

Admits

Spring, Summer & Fall

Program Mission

The mission of UNC Charlotte’s M.Ed. in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is to support the academic and professional growth of our students within the science of behavior analysis that addresses ethical and contemporary issues. Through evidence-based education and practical experience, students will enhance the well-being and vitality of the field and global communities to transform lives and human performance.

Program Objectives

Mastery of the science of behavior analysis
Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the science & philosophy of behavior, concepts and principles of behavior analysis, assessment, and instructional strategies to then apply this knowledge to improve the well being of all partners, collaborators, and clients.
Application of the science of behavior analysis
Students will design and implement (a) assessment procedures (e.g., functional behavioral assessment process, indirect assessments, criterion-referenced assessments, performance diagnostics) and (b) interventions (e.g., behavioral interventions, prompting procedures) to impact lives and human performance.
Demonstration of strategies that address ethical and contemporary issues
Understand the ethical standards, behavioral assessments, contemporary interventions, and supports to address needs of all partners, collaborators, and clients.

Courses

The majority of coursework is offered via synchronous instructional formats. Synchronous online learning involves live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots. Program generally can be completed between 6 to 7 semesters, depending on the admit term.

Introductory Concentration Courses (6 credit hours)

SPED 5200: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 5300: Lifespan Development for Exceptional Individuals (3)
or EDUC 6254: Individualizing Instruction for All Learners (3) (for candidates who have a special education background)

Core Courses (18 credit hours)

SPED 5201: Science and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 5203: Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 5204: Organizational Behavior Management (3)
SPED 5205: Basic Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 6202: Behavioral Assessment (3)
SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)

Research Courses (9 credit hours)

RSCH 7113: Single-Case Research (3)
SPED 6692: Research Proposal (2)
SPED 6693: Research Implementation (2)
SPED 6694: Research Dissemination and Leadership (2)

Admissions & Requirements

Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor, in special education, psychology, social work, or a related field.
All previous work beyond high school documenting an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale).
Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
Official agency reports of satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score (30th percentile or above).
At least 6 months of documented experience working with individuals with exceptionalities.
Three recommendations from professional educators and/or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s personal and professional qualifications. Applicants will provide reference contact names and email addresses through the application portal.
A copy of resume, listing the applicant’s professional experience.
A statement of purpose of no more than two pages describing the applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in applied behavior analysis.

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

Application Deadlines

August 1 (fall)
December 1 (spring)
May 1 (summer first half term)
June 15 (summer second half term)

Recommended admission start is Summer First Term or Fall for the most efficient program completion.

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 various settings such as autism clinics, school districts, or having own clinical or consulting practices.

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

NC Resident: $341.21 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,305.87 per credit hour

More information regarding tuition and fees

Graduate Cost Calculator

Please note: Rates are subject to change.