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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Andrew Bonner, PhD, BCBA-D
Program Director for ABA, Charlotte, and Assistant Clinical Professor
[email protected]
Nicole Davis, PhD, BCBA
Program Director and Associate Clinical Professor
617.373.5917
[email protected]
Maeve G. Donnelly, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA
Director of Supervision Assistant Clinical Professor
617.373.3076
[email protected]
Laura Dudley, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA
Associate Clinical Professor
617.373.5150
[email protected]
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
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.
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
Completed Application Form
Statement of Purpose
3 Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcripts
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).
Life can be quite chaotic taking classes, while balancing a career and family. I needed a master’s program that fit into my life that didn’t take away from the things that were important to me. That is why I chose Northeastern University’s MABA program. The online format afforded me the time to reach my goals academically, continue on my career path, and spend quality time with my family. I would recommend Northeastern’s MABA program to anyone, but particularly those balancing a family and career.
Carmen Susman, MS ’17
The structure of Northeastern’s on-line program facilitated rich, informative, and engaging interactions between classmates and professors. The discussion board, live online discussions, and virtual lectures are a few of the tools that allowed for the establishment of enduring professional relationships. Professors provided timely and relevant feedback to all students and were available for consultation and assistance as needed. Northeastern’s MABA program left me well prepared to sit for the board examination and improved my professional practice. Thank you Northeastern, Dr. Dudley, all my professors, and my classmates.
Pamela Fasciani, MS ’16, BCBA
Northeastern's ABA program consists of rigorous and dynamic classes with professors who adapt to the resources of the students. The program allowed me to concurrently pursue my school psychology degree while I completed my BCBA training, and this was largely due to the fact that many of the classes were available online via a remote classroom. Although I am now a school-based BCBA, I valued problem-solving and collaborating with classmates who worked in different settings. From the intensive Learning Principles course that allowed me to develop a firm understanding of basic ABA principles to the Systematic Inquiry and Practicum courses that required independent presentations and defense of programming decisions and data interpretation, Northeastern’s program prepared me to take the BCBA exam with confidence in the breadth and depth of my knowledge and skills.
Diana Stoianov, MS ’16, BCBA
I researched a number of programs in ABA when I was applying to graduate school. Northeastern's program struck me as very impressive. When I first met with Professor Dudley to get more information about the program, I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. While Northeastern is a fairly large school, the focus they put on each individual in their program is second to none. I remember receiving an email from Professor Dudley midway through my first semester, asking if we could meet to check in and see how I was progressing. I never expected that at the graduate level, let alone at a school as large as Northeastern. Another aspect that I love about Northeastern is the intensive practicum they offer. The instructors in intensive practicum push you to learn as much as you can; they are supportive, and they go above and beyond to get you to where you need to be.
Ben Ficociello ‘17
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.
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].
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.
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) |
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]