Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.

Student Handbook  Field Education Policy and Procedures Manual

Saint Louis University's program in applied behavior analysis involves the application of behavioral principles to produce socially significant changes in behavior. The curriculum includes six three-credit courses, six credits of thesis, and three three-credit practica. The program requires 39 credits, as follows:

• Principles and concepts in behavior analysis
• Measurement and experimental design
• Assessment and selecting interventions
• Behavior change and processes
• Behavior change and ethics
• Special topics I and II
• Mission and practice of global public health
• Practica (nine credits), each with an integrative seminar
• Thesis (six credits)

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes six three-credit courses, six credits of thesis, and three, three-credit practica courses. Students must complete 1,000 hours of field practicum under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst. This program is offered in full-time and part-time formats. This program is also offered with a specialization in gerontology, which includes two additional three-credit courses and requires that two of the practica focus on older adults. Students can complete the M.S. in either five semesters (full-time plan) or in six semesters (part-time plan) based upon the needs of the student and depending on thesis completion schedule.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Persons seeking BCBA certification must complete 1,000 clock hours of field practicum (333-334 hours per semester) under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Five hours a week needs to be research hours with SLU BCBA faculty.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The program offers students a practice-integrated education. Students are transformed into knowledgeable, ethical, scientist-practitioners prepared for a range of clinical and management careers across the health, education and social services sector.

Careers

After graduation, students are eligible to sit for the examination to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Alumni to date have gone on to provide behavioral health services to a range of individuals, from children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, to leading state education initiatives and advocacy projects. Practitioners use direct assessments, research evidence, and single-subject research designs to inform and evaluate interventions designed to increase behavior (e.g., social skills) or decrease behavior (e.g., aggression). ABA approaches may involve services for a full spectrum of mental health disorders, especially developmental disorders. Other areas of practice include work with communities and organizations.

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants should possess bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.

It is recommended students have taken prior coursework in applied behavior analysis or have independently studied ABA texts.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional)
• Résumé
• Interview
• Professional statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadlines

All applicants who apply by the priority deadline of Feb. 1 are reviewed for merit-based scholarships. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed for admissions July 1. To be considered for a graduate assistantship, students must fill out the GA application by March 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. As soon as an application is complete, it is reviewed.

Admission decisions are based upon overall application. Clinical experience in behavior analysis, potential or demonstrated leadership, and some background in research are important factors that are taken into consideration.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The College for Public Health and Social Justice offers several ways to help finance graduate education.  Opportunities include a limited number of merit-based scholarships and graduate research assistantships.  Awards are made to applicants with the highest combinations of GPAs and test scores who complete their applications by the priority deadlines.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Non-Course Requirements

Persons seeking BACB certification must complete 333-334 clock hours of ABA field practicum/semester under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Five hours a week need to be research under the supervision of Alyssa Wilson, Ph.D.   Fall practica placement is dependent upon initial meeting with practicum liaison and date of acceptance.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions please contact,
Kristi Richter, MSW, LCSW
Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
School of Social Work
(314) 977-2752