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Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees at the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Online Master’s in Educational Psychology.

Adults and children with psychological or developmental disorders often have difficulty in social settings. Applied Behavior Analysis is one type of therapy that has demonstrated improvement in behaviors that are often associated with these types of disorders. Applied behavior analysis is often used as a therapeutic intervention for people who are on the autism spectrum. It helps improve social interactions, learn new skills and promotes positive behavior. The process also helps those with developmental disorders learn to transfer skills and behavior from one situation to another that may lead to negative behavior, minimizing those behaviors. Over the past three years, the demand for behavior analysts has doubled. The University of Alabama offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis that is designed to meet the growing need for behavior specialists.

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Alabama is available on the Huntsville campus. It is designed for those who wish to work with individuals who have been diagnosed with developmental disorders. The program prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination. The program requires 33 credit hours of graduate courses, 21 credit hours of applied behavior analysis content as well as credits in courses that focus on the autism spectrum plus electives.The program is offered online through synchronous and asynchronous activities. Courses required include:

  • Assessment and Behavioral Applications
  • Cognitive Developmental Learning Theories*
  • Ethics and Professionalism in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Functional Assessment and Observation with Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Introduction to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Positive Behavioral Support Systems
  • Psychobiology of Stress and Illness*
  • Psychometrics*
  • Psychopharmacology*
  • Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis I & II
  • Special Topics: Brain and Behavior*
  • Theories of Abnormal Psychology*

*Electives – students choose two to complete the degree

Clinical experiences are also required as part of the program. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction works with students to help them identify areas to complete their clinical experiences.

A Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Learning and Assessment is also offered online.

About University of Alabama

In 1818, the Alabama territory was authorized to set aside a township in order to establish a seminary of learning. Alabama was officially admitted to the United States in 1819 and part of the state constitution added a second township to be used for an institute of higher learning. In 1820, the University of the State of Alabama was officially chartered. The state capital of Tuscaloosa was chosen as the location for the school and classes began in 1831.

By 1851, enrollment had more than doubled at the school, rising from 52 students to 126. In 1860, the University became a military school with martial departmental and disciplinary systems established. During the Civil War, the school closed and, in 1865, all but seven buildings were burned by Union troops. The University reopened in 1871 during the Reconstruction area as a reorganized university. Women were first admitted to the school in 1893 and in 1903, the military system was discontinued. African-American students began attending regularly in 1963.

Today, there are more than 38,000 students enrolled at the University of Alabama. It is ranked as a very high research university by the Carnegie Foundation. US News & World Report ranks the school’s online business master’s program 13th in the country.

University of Alabama Accreditation Details

The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation is a peer-review process that provides a periodic evaluation of programs offered through the University of Alabama. The evaluation confirms that the school continues to have the resources to meet its goals and objectives. It also confirms that programs offered continue to meet the criteria set forth by the Commission that indicates the highest quality of education. The following organizations accredit specific programs throughout the college as well:

  • ABET
  • Accrediting Council for Graduate Medical Education
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
  • American Bar Association
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Library Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council on Rehabilitation Education
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Liaison Committee for Medical Education
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Dance
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

University of Alabama Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate studies and a minimum GRE score of 300 or GMAT score of 410. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended along with official GRE or GMAT scores. An interview with a department head is required as well.

The University of Alabama Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is $759 per credit hour for Alabama residents and $1,713 for non-residents.

Financial aid is available and more than 67 percent of students who attend the University of Alabama receive some type of financial assistance. Financial aid may be in the form of grants or scholarships. Students in the Applied Behavior Analysis program may also be offered loans. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for financial help.

The University of Alabama was the first institute of higher learning in Alabama and is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Students are provided the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in their field of study. The University of Alabama focuses on creating graduates who make a difference in the world.

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