Master’s Degree in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
Available Fall 2025
Discover How a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis Can Help Shape Your Future
Are you ready to take your passion for helping others to the next level? With Liberty University’s residential Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), you can prepare to make a difference in the lives of those around you. Whether you’re looking to work with individuals with developmental disabilities or other behavioral challenges, this degree can help you explore the tools and hands-on experience to grow both professionally and personally.
Imagine working alongside professionals, applying what you’ve studied to help individuals live more fulfilling lives. With every step in your academic journey, you can grow not just as a student but as a person of faith, developing skills that reflect the values of service and compassion.
Here, you won’t just study theories. You can be in the field, gaining real-world experience through supervised practicum hours. Liberty’s commitment to a Christ-centered education means you will explore how to apply behavioral principles while embodying the fruits of the Spirit, serving others in a way that honors faith. This on-campus program is our first to combine rigorous ABA coursework with this kind of direct training.
By the time you graduate, you can be ready to pursue credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and step into a role where you can help make a lasting impact. Partner with us and discover how Liberty’s master’s degree in ABA can help you turn your calling into a career!
What is an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis?
A master’s in ABA is a program that helps you gain the knowledge and skills to understand and change behavior in important ways. At Liberty University, our residential ABA program is designed to help prepare you to work with people who face challenges like developmental disabilities and behavioral problems. Through advanced classes, you will explore behavior modification and how to use those ideas in real-life situations.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our Master’s Degree in ABA
Network and Grow Outside the Classroom
Build your professional network through psychology department–hosted events – including guest speaker sessions, service projects, and internship opportunities designed to expand your experience and connections.
Prepare for Certifications and Your Future
Gain knowledge and tools to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam upon graduation – equipping you to take the next step toward a rewarding career in behavioral and mental health services.
Access Exceptional Resources
Make the most of our cutting-edge facilities and academic support – including a career center, writing assistance, and professional development opportunities that can help you grow both personally and professionally.
Study Under Seasoned Experts
Study under expert faculty with extensive backgrounds in counseling, research, and specialized areas such as child development, marriage and family studies, and substance abuse intervention – all while completing 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in ABA?
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Autism specialist
- Behavior analyst
- Behavior technician
- Clinical research associate
- Special education teacher
Some career options may require additional certifications and/or the completion of fieldwork and passing of the BACB exam.
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Master’s in ABA Program?
In our MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, you can gain an understanding of how behavior works and how to apply scientific principles to bring about meaningful changes. The program begins by introducing you to the foundational concepts of behavior analysis, where you’ll study how to assess and measure behavior effectively. You’ll explore the core principles that guide behavior modification, helping you understand why people behave the way they do and how to create interventions that bring about positive change.
As you progress, the program dives deeper into advanced techniques for behavior change. You’ll study step-by-step procedures for developing behavior plans and using evidence-based strategies to support individuals with different challenges. This knowledge can help empower you to create personalized plans that can improve communication, social skills, and daily living activities for those you work with.
In addition to exploring behavior modification, you’ll study data collection, measurement, and experimental design skills. You can discover how to analyze behavioral data to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
One of the unique features of the program is the focus on ethics and professional standards. You’ll explore the ethical guidelines for working in the field of behavior analysis and study how to maintain a high level of professionalism. This training can help prepare you to handle complex situations with integrity.
Our ABA master’s degree program also includes specialized training in verbal behavior, giving you insight into how language develops and how it can be shaped or improved. This is especially important for working with individuals who have communication difficulties, as you’ll study techniques to help them express themselves more effectively.
Throughout our master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, we emphasize hands-on experience, giving you opportunities to apply what you’ve studied in real-world settings through supervised fieldwork. By the time you graduate, you can be prepared to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam and pursue credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Featured MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Courses
APBA 500 – Behavior Change Procedures I
APBA 513 – Basic Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis
APBA 520 – Personnel Management and Supervision
APBA 630 – Verbal Behavior
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s in ABA Degree?
Experience Life at Liberty
At Liberty University, you’ll study on our beautiful campus in Lynchburg, Virginia – surrounded by a caring, Christian community. As an institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), your degree will meet rigorous academic standards you can rely on.
Get Involved and Make Connections
Life at Liberty goes beyond the classroom. With more than 150 student clubs – including service groups, professional organizations, and special interest clubs like Club Psych – you’ll find countless ways to build friendships, explore your passions, and grow in your faith.
Enjoy Top-Tier Facilities
Make the most of your free time with Liberty’s outstanding recreational spaces. Hike or bike along our 75-mile trail system, swim or work out at LaHaye Recreation and Fitness Center, or join one of many group fitness classes offered each week.
Stay Engaged and Inspired
From exciting campus events like concerts and student-led activities to spiritual growth opportunities such as Convocation and campus ministry programs – Liberty offers a vibrant community where you can thrive personally, spiritually, and socially while pursuing your degree.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3 .0 GPA for admission in good standing
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.