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University of Illinois Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees

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

The need for certified behavior counselors has more than doubled over the past few years. Applied behavior analysts work with individuals who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities, especially those who are on the autism spectrum. The therapy method helps individuals gain better social skills, maintain positive behaviors while also helping them transfer skills from one situation to another in an effort to minimize negative behaviors. The University of Illinois offers a Learning & Behavior Specialist II graduate degree that helps prepare those who wish to work in applied behavior analysis. The program provides the tools and skills necessary to work with those who suffer from multiple and severe disorders, including autism. The program is designed for those who are practicing professionals and are currently teaching students with severe disabilities. Students may choose from the Master of Education, which is available both on-campus and online, or the Master of Science which is only available on campus.

The Master of Science program focuses on practical skills used when working with individuals with disabilities. The Master of Education focuses on theoretical research into treatment programs. Core courses required for both programs include:

  • Collaborative Leaders in Special Education
  • Communication and Physical Disabilities
  • Curriculum Development III
  • Disability Issues in Special Education
  • Instructional Strategies I
  • Learning Environments II
  • Multiple Disabilities

Students must also complete a field study and thesis.

About University of Illinois

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, an order that created land-grant colleges throughout the country. The Illinois Industrial University was one of the universities who used land granted to them by the federal government to establish an institute of higher education. Initially, classes were taught in one building between Champaign and Urbana. The name of the school was changed to the University of Illinois in 1882.

Over the years, the university has merged with other locations to become the University of Illinois System. Today, the University of Illinois is a leader in research, not only in the United States but around the globe. It is an innovative, diverse university with a desire to enrich society, create prosperity and to serve the public. The school has an enrollment of over 83,300 students.

In 2017, 89 percent of graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months and more than 5,700 companies recruited on the campus in 2017. US News & World Report ranks the University of Illinois as 13th among public universities and 46th among national universities. The publication also ranks the graduate program in library and information services first while the Department of Accounting is ranked 2nd for undergraduate and 3rd for graduate programs. Open Doors ranks the University first among public universities for international students and the Peace Corps ranked the school 20th among major universities for the number of students who volunteered for the organization.

University of Illinois Accreditation Details

The University of Illinois is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools of the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the university provides students with an above-average education and that they have the resources that allow them to meet their goals. They also strive to make any improvements identified by the accrediting agency during their periodic reviews. Programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • American Bar Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • 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 Theater
  • Planning Accreditation Board

University of Illinois Application Requirements

Applicants to the Learning & Behavior Specialist II program must provide transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must have a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must provide a current resume and letters of reference. A writing sample is required along with GRE scores. Applicants must also pass a test of academic proficiency and a content test. Applicants must also hold certification in special education before applying for admission.

The University of Illinois Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time tuition for the Learning & Behavior Specialist II is $12,942 per year for Illinois residents and $27,960 for non-residents.

Financial aid is available. Students may qualify for the following awards and scholarships:

  • Al S. Davis Leadership Award
  • Charles E. and Nora D. Fletcher Scholarship
  • Frederick A. Rodgers Award
  • Goldstick Fellowship
  • William Chandler Bagley Scholarship

Students must apply for each scholarship and award separately. There are also several fellowships available for graduate students or they may be offered graduate assistantships. Students may also qualify for stand-alone tuition waivers which provide a full waiver of tuition and some fees. These are awarded on a competitive basis. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for assistance. Loans are also available to cover the cost of tuition.

The University of Illinois creates graduates who wish to address the challenges faced in today’s world. Their mission is to provide advanced knowledge and create individuals who want to impact the world through research, learning, and outreach. Graduates of the University are innovative, lifelong learners who want to make a difference in the world. The University of Illinois engages in research, prepares leaders who assume roles as policymakers and understand the need for alternative methods to deal with issues that face others on a local, regional, national and global level.

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