Applied Behavior Analysis (Plus One/MS-Online/ MS-Hybrid)

Program Overview

Since 1976, Northeastern University has provided quality graduate instruction in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Along with our hybrid program in Charlotte Nc, our online graduate programs which include a Master of Science and Plus One program, are designed to develop teaching and intervention skills based on the principles of the science of behavior analysis. Hundreds of our graduates have gone on to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA™), working to improve the lives of clients and consumers all over the world. To learn more, contact Dr. Nicole Davis, Director of Applied Behavior Analysis Programs at [email protected].

ABAI VCS PROGRAM 2019 White Background
WIBA Emblem

Providing Over 45 Years of Instruction in Applied Behavior Analysis

 An online program since 2013

Northeastern’s ABA program is a sponsor of the Women in Behavior Analysis organization

Study Online or join our Hybrid Program in Charlotte, NC

Evidence-based practice in learning experience design

Verified Course Sequence by ABAI

45 year history of instruction in ABA

Optional Supervised Fieldwork

Northeastern’s master’s program in Applied Behavioral Analysis was recently ranked among the top ABA programs in the country.

Learn more

Programs

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting the coursework requirements to sit for the 5th Edition Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam.
This online program includes seven core courses in behavior analysis plus an additional three courses that extend the student’s familiarity with clinical procedures and with the research supporting their use. Students are given the option of completing supervised fieldwork on their own or by enrolling in courses that provide supervision through the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork option.
Northeastern University became one of the first universities to offer a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis when it was created in 1976. In 2013, the MABA program became a fully online program which employs evidence-based practice in applied behavior analysis and online learning experiences.

Courses are designed to allow students to choose to complete lectures and other learning tasks on their own time throughout weeks of the semester. Most classes also have the option to attend synchronous meetings, for those students looking to connect in real-time with professors and classmates around the globe. The extensive access to online resources supports a connected, flexible experience that fits into even the busiest life.

A professional portfolio is the capstone for the Master of Science program. This electronic portfolio is compiled of competencies students have achieved while in the program. Evidence is gathered from projects that students conduct as part of their coursework, including assessments, teaching protocols, and intervention programs.

Applicants to the Master of Science Program must possess a Bachelor’s degree and demonstrate an understanding of what a degree in ABA is. All applicants are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

APPLY NOW

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS — HYBRID (Online and in person on our Charlotte NC campus)

Northeastern’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares you to be a BCBA with the knowledge to develop teaching and intervention skills based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. The program also provides the experience needed to oversee the educational and behavioral programming of individuals with autism or behavioral needs.

The hybrid program on our Charlotte campus is delivered online and in person. The industry-aligned curriculum allows you to work independently for most of the semester, with face-to-face instruction at critical points in your studies. You’ll complete seven foundational courses in behavior analysis and three advanced clinical procedures and related research courses. Graduates are fully prepared for board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) coursework requirements and able to demonstrate assessed skills.

APPLY NOW

PLUSONE PROGRAM

The PlusOne Program in ABA is an accelerated Master’s program between all Northeastern undergraduate programs and the Department of Applied Psychology (Bouvé College of Health Sciences) that allows students to earn an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis three semesters after the graduating with an undergraduate degree from Northeastern.

Undergraduate students who pursue the PlusOne in ABA may take up to five graduate courses in ABA which double count towards their requirements for the BS degree and their requirements for the MS degree.

LEARN MORE

Curriculum

All Northeastern University graduate programs in applied behavior analysis are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA exam. Courses are provided online and make use of cutting-edge technology to permit flexible schedules while creating opportunities for increased interactions between students and instructors. In 2019, our curriculum was updated to meet new 5th edition task list requirements of the BACB and to strengthen the skillsets acquired by our students. BACB VCS pass rates can be found at: BCBA-Pass-Rates

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Single Case Research Design

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1

Fall Year 2
CAEP 6335 Applied Programming 2
CAEP 6332 Advanced Learning 2

Spring Year 2
CAEP 6324 Programmed Learning
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Curriculum subject to change

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Single Case Research Design

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1

Spring Year 2
CAEP 6335 Applied Programming 2
CAEP 6332 Advanced Learning 2

Summer Year 2
CAEP 6324 Programmed Learning
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Curriculum subject to change

Most students take two courses a semester, which can be altered based on the need of each student. Students work closely with their faculty advisors to determine the plan that works best for them. Students who choose to take 1, 2, 3, or 4 semesters of the Intensive Practicum courses to obtain supervised fieldwork hours, may begin in their second semester.

APPLY NOW

Faculty

Andrew C Bonner Northeastern University

Andrew Bonner, PhD, BCBA-D
Program Director for ABA, Charlotte, and Assistant Clinical Professor
[email protected]

Nicole Davis

Nicole Davis, PhD, BCBA
Program Director and Associate Clinical Professor
617.373.5917
[email protected]

Maeve Donnelly Northeastern University

Maeve G. Donnelly, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA
Director of Supervision               Assistant Clinical Professor
617.373.3076
[email protected]

LD Photo 700

Laura Dudley, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA
Associate Clinical Professor
617.373.5150
[email protected]

Part-time Lecturers

Paula Braga-Kenyon, PhD, BCBA-D
Mike Dorsey PhD. LABA, BCBA-D
Ksenia Gatzunis PhD. BCBA-D
Shawn Kenyon, PhD, BCBA
Amanda Laprime, PhD, BCBA-D
Hanna Rue, PhD, BCBA-D
Ashley Williams, PhD, BCBA

Admission

Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science program must possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Related work experience with individuals with special needs is a plus. All applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0. To apply, click on the “Apply Now” button, below.

Where to Send Your Documents

Please choose from the following two mailing addresses:

1. If you are mailing your documents from within the U.S., use this address:

Northeastern University
Bouve College of Health and Sciences
Applicant ID: XXXXXXX (insert your Applicant ID number)
Graduate Application Processing Center
P.O. Box 1434
Portsmouth, NH 03802

2. If you are mailing your documents from outside the U.S., use this address:

Northeastern University
Bouve College of Health Sciences
Applicant ID: XXXXXXX (insert your Applicant ID number)
Graduate Application Documents
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115 USA

APPLY NOW

Admissions Checklist

Completed Application Form

Statement of Purpose

3 Letters of Recommendation

Official Transcripts

Referencing Your Applicant ID (AYID)

Please include your 7-digit Applicant ID with your documents. Northeastern uses the Applicant ID to match your document with your official admissions record. If you have more than one Applicant ID, use the one associated with the College/Degree/Program in which you plan to enroll. Your Applicant ID may have been emailed to you by your graduate college admissions office.

If you do not know your Applicant ID, follow these steps:

1. Login to your application (ApplyYourself) account
2. Click EDIT APPLICATION

Your Applicant ID will appear towards the top of any introductory language or content, and/or can be referenced on the left-hand side of screen menu under the Important Links section. There you will see “Check Your Applicant ID XXXXXXX” (where XXXXXXX will be your 7-digit unique ID).

Other Information

Choice for Supervised Fieldwork

Choice for Supervised Fieldwork

The Northeastern University Applied Behavior Analysis Programs are designed to give students options to allow them to learn and meet their goals wherever they are. Thus, they have the option to complete supervised fieldwork requirements through a Northeastern provided course, or on their own.

Students may enroll in elective practicum courses to gain experience in the field under the supervision of NU faculty. These courses are designed to meet the requirements set forth by the BACB for Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Our faculty supervisors bring a rich array of practical experience in public and private settings. Students enrolled in practicum courses meet twice weekly with their assigned faculty supervisors in group and individual formats. Students who meet the stated requirements in all four practicum courses complete 100% of the fieldwork needed to sit for the BCBA examination. Students who are already employed in a behavior analytic role may be eligible to complete their fieldwork in their current professional setting. Other students may gain assistance from NU faculty in identifying practical settings for fieldwork.

Learning Partnership

Learning Partnership

The ABA programs at Northeastern are excited to partner with organizations in the community providing behavior analytic services to clients in need. The partnerships allow student-employees to practice what they are learning and have a streamlined path to the best option for accruing supervised fieldwork.

Organizations interested in partnering with the Northeastern ABA graduate programs should contact Nicole M. Davis at [email protected].

Professional Portfolio

Professional Portfolio

The Professional Portfolio is the capstone for the Applied Behavior Analysis Programs at Northeastern University. This portfolio documents the student’s behavioral competency in critical clinical skills. These skills include ethical decision-making, assessing behavior, planning for behavior reduction, teaching and training, and professional supervision and consultation skills.

Each student completes projects associated with the above clinical skills, and each project culminates in professional documents to be included in the student’s Professional Portfolio. A faculty member reviews and signs each project in the Professional Portfolio. The faculty member’s signature indicates that the student has achieved the faculty-established standards for the project. Graduates are encouraged to use their Professional Portfolio when applying for employment.

A Sampling of our Alumni
Jan Allar, M.S., BCBA Behavior Consultant, William Beaumont Hospital (Detroit, MI)
C. Brooke Allen, M.S., BCBA Behavior Analyst, Behavior Based Learning, LLC (Springfield, MO)
Ellen Attaliades, M.S., BCBA Chief Executive Officer, The Edinburg Center (Lexington, MA)
Tom Barnes, PhD School Psychologist, Council Rock School District (Newtown, PA)
Joseph Bartholomew, M.S., BCBA Supervisor of Autism Programs, Boston Public Schools (Boston, MA)
Casey Bethay, M.S., BCBA Behavior Specialist, The Ivymount School (Baltimore, MD)
Nick Chappell, M.S., BCBA President and Founder, Verbal Beginnings, LLC (Ellicott City, MD)
Rishi Chelminski, M.S., BCBA Director of Behavioral Services, Services for the Underserved (New York, NY)
Ruth DeBar, PhD, BCBA-D Associate Professor, Caldwell College (Caldwell, NJ)
William Dube, PhD, BCBA Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, UMass Medical School (Worcester, MA)
Gesell Gavidia-Layton, M.S., BCBA Program Director, Behavior Analysis, Inc. (Davie, FL)
Lenwood Gibson, PhD, BCBA Assistant Professor, Queens College (New York, NY)
D. Daniel Gould, PhD, BCBA-D Chief Clinical Officer- UAE, The New England Center for Children (UAE)
Richard Graff, PhD, BCBA-D Clinical Director, The New England Center for Children (Southboro, MA)
Jamie Granatino, M.S., BCBA Regional Coordinator, Early Autism Project (Tampa, FL)
Megan Hafen, PhD, BCBA Clinical Director, Addison Behavioral Resources (Los Angeles, CA)
Brandon Herscovitch, PhD, BCBA-D Executive Director, ABACS, LLC (Woburn, MA)
Arianne Kindle, M.S., BCBA Director, Kindle Behavior Consultants (Burlington, MA)
Elisabeth Kinney, M.S., BCBA Behavior Analyst, Behavioral Learning and Leadership (Hallowell, ME)
Candace Colon Kwedor, PhD, BCBA Senior Clinical Director, The May Institute (Randolph, MA)
Joseph Lambert, PhD, BCBA Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Jill Larsen, M.A., BCBA Executive Director, The Futures Clinic, Inc. (Beverly, MA)
Russell Maguire, PhD, BCBA-D Assistant Professor and Chair, Simmons College (Boston, MA)
Kimberly Mitchell, M.S., BCBA Clinical Director, The COR Behavioral Group (New York, NY)
Pamela Olsen, MS.Ed., BCBA Program Director- Abu Dhabi, The New England Center for Children (UAE)
Becky Parenteau, M.S., BCBA Clinical Director, Alaska Center for Autism (Eagle River, AK)
Jill Parkin, M.A., BCBA Special Education Coordinator, Arlington Public Schools (Arlington, MA)
Sacha Pence, PhD, BCBA Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Auburn University (Auburn, AL)
Griffin Rooker, PhD, BCBA Research Scientist, Neurobehavioral Unit, The Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore, MD)
Flint Simonsen, PhD, BCBA Associate Professor of Special Education, Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA)
Mary Tinsley, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor, Jigsaw Junction (Seattle, WA)
Nicholas Vanselow, PhD, BCBA-D Assistant Professor, Graduate Program Director, Salve Regina University (Newport, RI)
Joseph Vedora, EdD, BCBA-D Vice President of Behavioral Services, The Evergreen Center (Milford, MA)
Preeyavata Wanapun, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor, Easter Seals of Southern California (Chino Hills, CA)
Julius Warindu, PhD, BCBA-D Clinical Director, New England Behavioral Services (Attleboro, MA)
Brittany Wolfson, M.S., BCBA Organizational Behavioral Health Specialist, People’s Care (Los Angeles, CA)
FAQs

Are all courses provided online?
Yes, all of our courses are provided exclusively in an online format.

Do students have to log in at a certain time each week to participate in online classes, or can students participate on their own schedule?
Our courses are asynchronous. That is, students are not required to log in at a specific time each week to participate. Rather, course materials are made available each week, and students are expected to complete required readings, view lecture materials, and complete assignments and discussion requirements by the end of the week. Some of our courses do include optional synchronous video discussions during select weeks of the semester.

How many students are in each class?
Classes have up to 19 students.

Are there opportunities to interact with other students and with faculty members?
There are many opportunities to interact with other students and with faculty members within our courses. Weekly discussions, projects, presentations, and other assignments allow for students to interact with one another and with the instructor on a weekly basis. Some courses also include collaborative assignments and group-based teaching pedagogies that create the opportunity for interactions.

How do students accrue supervised experience hours required to sit for the BCBA exam?
Students may either achieve their supervised fieldwork hours under the supervision of a BCBA at their place of work, or they may achieve their experience hours under the supervision of an NU faculty member, by taking our elective Intensive Practicum courses. One semester of Intensive Practicum provides students with up to 375 supervised fieldwork hours. (See the BACB Handbook  here)

When do students take the Intensive Practicum courses if they elect to do so?
Students may take the Intensive Practicum courses at any point after their first semester in the program, alongside their other coursework. Alternatively, students may take the Intensive Practicum courses after they have completed their other coursework.

I have completed previous coursework in ABA. Can I transfer those credits to Northeastern’s ABA Program?
In some cases, students may transfer credits from a previous institution, but only if those courses align closely with our own. Students may transfer up to 3 graduate level courses (9 credit hours), provided they received a 3.0 or better in those courses, provided the coursework was completed within the last 5 years, and provided the course did not lead to a terminal degree (e.g., a master’s degree). It is important to note that our program is a verified course sequence (VCS); when students transfer coursework from a previous institution, they are no longer following an approved course sequence. Students who transfer coursework will need to submit evidence of all coursework to the BACB in order to sit for the BCBA exam. It is ultimately up to the BACB to determine if students have completed all of the necessary coursework prior to sitting for the BCBA exam. In order to transfer credits, students must first apply to the program. Once accepted and enrolled, students complete a Petition to Transfer Credits form which must be approved by the Program Director and the Bouve Graduate Office.

Are the GREs required to apply?
We do not require GREs for admission to our programs.

When do students start in the program?
We enroll students in the fall and in the spring. The deadline to apply for the fall is 8/1, and the deadline to apply for the spring is 12/1.

How much does tuition cost?
The cost is a per-credit rate for 30 credits that may change. The current rate can be found here.

Is the tuition rate different for out-of-state students?
Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Is financial aid available?
Students may take advantage of financial aid opportunities. More information about financial aid can be found here.

What do students do after graduation?
Most of our graduates plan to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts after completing our program. Many of our graduates work in schools or private agencies, providing oversight of behavioral and educational programming for individuals with autism and related disabilities. Many of our graduates also work in research or in academia. See our website for a sampling of our alumni and where they work.

Where do I send my admissions documents?
All documents may be included with your application electronically. If you need to mail them: 1. If you are mailing your documents from within the U.S., use this address:

Northeastern University
Bouve College of Health and Sciences
Applicant ID: XXXXXXX (insert your Applicant ID number)
Graduate Application Processing Center
P.O. Box 1434
Portsmouth, NH 03802

2. If you are mailing your documents from outside the U.S., use this address:
Northeastern University
Bouve College of Health Sciences
Applicant ID: XXXXXXX (insert your Applicant ID number)
Graduate Application Documents
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115 USA

Please include your 7-digit Applicant ID with your documents. Northeastern uses the Applicant ID to match your document with your official admissions record. If you have more than one Applicant ID, use the one associated with the College/Degree/Program in which you plan to enroll. Your Applicant ID may have been emailed to you by your graduate college admissions office.

If you do not know your Applicant ID, follow these steps:
1. Login to your application (ApplyYourself) account
2. Click EDIT APPLICATION
Your Applicant ID will appear towards the top of any introductory language or content, and/or can be referenced on the left-hand side of screen menu under the Important Links section. There you will see “Check Your Applicant ID XXXXXXX” (where XXXXXXX will be your 7-digit unique ID).

Who are the ABA program faculty?
Nicole Davis, PhD, BCBA, LABA (Program Director)
[email protected]
Maeve G. Donnelly, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA (Director of Supervision)
[email protected]
Laura Dudley, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA (Associate Clinical Professor)
[email protected]
Andrew Bonner (Program Director Charlotte ABA Programs)
[email protected]
Paula Braga-Kenyon, PhD, BCBA-D
[email protected]
Shawn Kenyon, PhD, BCBA
[email protected]
Mike Dorsey, PhD, LABA, BCBA-D
[email protected]
Amanda Laprime, PhD, BCBA, LABA
[email protected]
Ashley Williams, PhD, BCBA, LABA
[email protected]
Rob Volpe, PhD (Department Chair)
[email protected]