Degree Offered

• Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Certificate Offered

• Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate

Oregon’s only master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, the MS-ABA curriculum focuses on providing a rigorous and thorough foundation in the science of behavior analysis. Students will be prepared to apply the principles of behavior analysis with diverse populations and in a wide variety of settings. Oregon Tech’s MS-ABA prepares students to meet national certification and Oregon licensure requirements.

Courses are taught on the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses and are available to students everywhere via Zoom (a synchronous videoconferencing program). The use of Zoom technology provides an alternative to fully online, asynchronous programs for students in all areas of the state who prefer the real-time, face-to-face educational experience.

Program Mission

The mission of the MS-ABA program is to enable students to become effective and ethical behavior analysts. Students will be prepared to apply principles of behavior analysis to enhance the lives of individuals across a wide variety of settings. The program emphasizes a foundation in theory, concepts, and principles, development of basic behavior analytic skills, and an emphasis on professional and ethical responsibilities. 

Program Objectives

1. To produce competent graduates who can work effectively and ethically across settings and with diverse populations
2. To enable students to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for immediate employment in ABA and/or further graduate study in ABA and related areas
3. To prepare students for national certification and Oregon licensure as behavior analysts

Licensure and Certification

MS-ABA prepares students to meet national certification and Oregon licensure requirements. The program includes the Behavior Analysts Certification Board® verified course sequence and an intensive practicum experience that meets national certification requirements for supervised experience

BCBA course sequence: the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® has verified these courses as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam. (Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify)

ABA Practicum: second year practicum placements provide students with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. ® approved supervised experience required for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® exam. Practicum placements are paid positions with approved ABA agencies and, in Klamath Falls, with Oregon Tech’s BIG ABA clinic and local schools

Admissions

In order to ensure that students have the necessary preparation for success in the MS-ABA program, applicants must meet the Oregon Tech requirements for admission as well as the MS-ABA program specific requirements.

Applicants to the MS-ABA program at Oregon Tech shall meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in Psychology or a related field.
• GPA: Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and 3.0 for the last 90 quarter credits (60 semester) credits of coursework.
• Undergraduate Coursework: A grade of B or better in General Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics.
• Academic Standing: Be in good academic standing at last college or university attended.
• GRE Scores: Graduate Record Examination scores for Verbal Reasoning at 150, for Quantitative Reasoning at 141, and for Analytical Writing at 3.5. GRE scores over five years old are not accepted.
• Personal Statement and Resume: Applicants will be required to write a statement that addresses career goals and relevance to the program, evidence of aptitude for graduate work and evidence of potential for success in the field. 
• Reference Letters: Applicants to the program will be required to provide three letters of reference (at least one academic and one professional) that address the applicant’s preparation, abilities, and character.
• Background Check: Due to the sensitive nature of this program in regards to work with children and/or vulnerable populations, applicants must pass a criminal background check such as that conducted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).
• The department and university can grant conditional admission to candidates not meeting all of the minimum requirements.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based, data-driven, systematic approach to intervention. Practitioners of ABA apply principles of reinforcement and focus on applications that improve the quality of life for individuals. Behavior analysts provide services in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, rehabilitation settings, residential facilities, social service agencies, mental health facilities, businesses, and client homes. They work with diverse populations including individuals and families affected by autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injury, mental health, geriatrics, child abuse, and neglect.

Program Objective

Meet the demand for competent behavior analysts by providing BACB® approved course work to professionals seeking national certification and/or licensure as a behavior analyst in Oregon.