What you will study
UCM’s online Behavior Analysis programs provide opportunities for you to gain the
education, professional experience and field work hours needed to take the Board Certified
Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam. In addition to core coursework, you’ll
take classes exclusive to the MS in Behavior Analysis - Applied Behavior Analysis
and Autism Spectrum Disorder degree track to give you a deeper understanding of the
unique approaches used to work with individuals with autism. These classes may include:
- Classroom Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Communication and Social Skills in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Early Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Fundamentals of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Excellence in Behavior Analysis
- Approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as a Verified Course Sequence, 5th Edition.
- Top 36: Online BCBA Master's Degree Program. Recognized for low tuition (Intelligent, 2022)
- A Best Online BCBA Master’s Degree Program (Intelligent, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in behavior analysis
The University of Central Missouri’s online Behavior Analysis programs provide you
with exciting immersive learning opportunities. In the program’s practicum, you’ll
put your applied behavioral analysis training into practice with clients. This supervised
field experience counts toward the fieldwork hours you’ll need to take the BCBA exam.
What can you do with an MS in Behavior Analysis from UCM?
At the University of Central Missouri, you’ll get the applied behavioral analysis
training you need to excel in a range of behavior analysis jobs. Once you get your
behavior analysis board certification after graduation, you’ll be ready to step into
roles in agencies, schools, educational administration, private companies and more
that provide services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and developmental
disabilities.
UCM’s MS in Behavior Analysis will also prepare you to enter a doctoral program to
continue your education.
Careers in behavior analysis
Use the interactive tool below to discover how you can apply your applied behavioral
analysis training to certain job tracks. Explore career trajectories, the salary outlook
for graduates of online Behavior Analysis programs and more.
Financial assistance options for your Behavior Analysis degree
The University of Central Missouri provides you with an affordable education so you
can focus on earning your Behavior Analysis degree. UCM offers many ways to help you
finance your graduate school education, including resources such as:
- Grants
- Graduate assistantships
- Scholarships
- Tuition awards
In addition to university-wide financial aid and access to federal assistance, we
offer scholarships exclusively to students in certain degree programs. You can learn
more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Cody M.
MS Behavior Analysis ’20
“I chose UCM because of what sets its Behavior Analysis program apart from others.
Their faculty are all doctoral-level BCBA instructors. Their program is approved by
ABAI as a 5th edition verified course sequence. You get your choice of a focused study
in subfields of behavior analysis, such as behavior therapy and ABA for individuals
with autism.”
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Applied behavioral analysis training for non-degree-seeking students
The University of Central Missouri offers a non-degree-seeking option to help you
prepare for the BCBA exam. This option is ideal for students who already have a graduate
degree in Education, Psychology or Behavior Analysis. Take the next step toward your
career in behavior analysis by completing the graduate coursework you need to earn
your BCBA certification.
Preparation for Licensure and Certification
The MS-Behavior Analysis program prepares you to meet the educational requirements
to be eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Supervised
field work is also required. Contingent on obtaining the BCBA, students are eligible
to become licensed in Missouri. Licensure requirements in other states may differ.
(Click here for more information on licensure: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/.
How to Apply
Apply through the online application form. Applications are accepted only for the fall semester and should be submitted prior
to April 15. The number of students admitted is limited. Applications submitted after
the date will be considered on a space available basis.
Goal statement
A typed, 500 word goal statement is required and addresses how your educational and
career goals fit with the content and training provided in the Master of Science in
Behavior Analysis program. The letter should include a discussion on your ability
to be successful in a science of behavior graduate program preparing practitioner-scholars.
Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from professionals who have served as university professors
or clinical supervisors are required. The letter must thoughtfully address the following:
(a) the writer's position; (b) the writer's relationship to you; (c) the context in
which they have observed your performance, e.g. classroom; (d) how long has the writer
known you; (e) the extent to which you are prepared and able to perform at the graduate
level in a science-based program in Behavior Analysis.
Official copies of final transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended
must be submitted to:
University of Central Missouri
Graduate and International Student Services
WDE 1800
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Fax: (660) 543-8517
Email: giss@ucmo.edu
Non-Degree Seeking Post-Master's Students (Certification Courses Only)
If you have a graduate degree in education or psychology you can take graduate courses
in behavior analysis that will allow you to meet the educational requirements needed
to take the BCBA examination. Non-degree seeking students must complete the graduate
studies application and submit all other program required documents to be accepted
into the MS-Behavior Analysis program as a non-degree seeking student. The deadline
for submission of documents is April 15.