Are the ABA programs all about autism?

No. The ABA program’s hallmark is its interdisciplinary nature and its thoroughgoing approach to behavior analysis. Faculty research interests and classes offered include autism and intellectual disabilities, but also include other areas of behavior analysis  such as school psychology, organizational behavior management, behavioral  economics and basic behavior analysis.

Does the M.S.Ed. program meet course requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®?

Yes. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® Examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination (but see below).

Does the M.S.Ed. program meet all requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®?

No. In addition to coursework, individuals must complete supervised experience to qualify for the exam. Temple’s M.S.Ed. program requires two, 150 hour practica, and students can complete more than the minimum 150 hours per practicum. However, it is the student’s responsibility to meet all the BACB requirements, including the remaining required hours. For more information, visit www.bacb.com.

I already have a master’s degree and I want to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. Do I have to enroll in the M.S.Ed. program to complete the BCBA coursework?

No. If you are interested in completing only the ABAI-verified course sequence, you should apply to the Graduate Certificate Program in ABA.

Does the program lead to teacher certification in special education?

No. Temple’s College of Education and Human Development has other flexible options for applicants interested in teaching certification. For more information, explore the Special Education programs at Temple.

I think I want to pursue a doctoral degree at some point. Will the M.S.Ed. in ABA program help me?

The program is a terminal master's program -- you are finished when you earn your master's degree. You may choose to apply for doctoral study in behavior analysis after completing the program. Although past performance is no guarantee of future performance, our experience over 15 years has been that students who excel in this program are very often highly sought after by doctoral programs around the country, especially due to the research project incorporated into the master's degree.

Will I be able to stay at Temple for a doctorate?

Because the program is a terminal master’s degree, if you wish to stay at Temple to earn your doctorate you must apply to a doctoral program as a new student.  Successful completion of this program is no guarantee of admission to a doctoral program at Temple. In the past, some students who have completed the program have applied to and have been admitted into PhD programs in the College of Education and Human Development. If admitted, you may be able to count some of the credits earned from the M.S.Ed. in ABA towards your PhD program. Explore doctoral programs in the College of Education and Human Development >>

Admission to the doctoral program in Psychology is very competitive, and students from the ABA program do not normally apply to the Psychology Department for doctoral study. For more information about psychology doctoral programs at Temple University, visit the Department of Psychology.