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The applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs at Mississippi State University (MSU) are designed to provide education, training, and experience to students with the goal of preparing them for practice in real-world settings.

Program highlights:

  • In-state tuition for all students.
  • Completely online.
  • 21 credit hours (7 courses)
  • Offered at Graduate level
  • Application Deadline: Fall semester: March 15

Student’s will take courses that map on to the 5th edition of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) task list. Completion of the certificate program leads to certification as a BCBA. BCBA’s are commonly employed in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and schools. To learn more about the ABA Program, check their website.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $558.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

 

What are some potential careers?

 

Program Structure

The certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed to lead students to certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by offering classes that are approved as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). This is a 21-hour certificate program designed to begin in the Fall semester and be completed within 2 years.

Applicants must already have a master’s degree in Education or Psychology prior to enrollment in the certificate program. To obtain the certificate in ABA, students complete all 7 of the courses that make up the 21 ABA concentration credit hours.

Required ABA Concentration Curriculum:

  • EPY 6113 Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
  • EPY 6223 Applications of Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
  • EPY 8493 Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessment (3 hours)
  • EPY 8763 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
  • EPY 9603 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
  • EPY 9443 Single Subject Design (3 hours)
  • EPY 9613 Consultation, Supervision, and Personnel Management (3 hours)

Admissions Process

To apply for the certificate program, you must have both a bachelor’s and master’s degree completed.

Admissions

  1. Submit an online application. You will choose Certificate/Applied Behavior Analysis as your program of interest and Online Education as the campus.
  2. Statement of purpose describing your interest in the degree program and career goals.
  3. Email contact information for 3 references; they will be prompted to submit electronic letters of reference.
  4. 4. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes prior education and employment experiences.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Pay $60 non-refundable application processing fee

Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the certificate program, your advisor will send you an email to your MSU account, providing information for course registration for the upcoming semester. Virtual, individual, and group advising sessions may also take place.

Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. Please check your MSU email account (NetID@msstate.edu) daily. Information on setting up your MSU email can be found at the link for student services.

Courses in the ABA concentration have been developed and sequenced by program faculty. Students will be admitted into a cohort and the cohort will follow the pre-determined course sequence each semester.

Halle Smith Headshot

Dr. Hallie Smith

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

  • Primary Advisor for ABA Concentration

Faculty and Staff

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Daniel Gadke Headshot

Dr. Daniel Gadke

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

  • Department Head
Halle Smith Headshot

Dr. Hallie Smith

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

  • Primary Advisor for ABA Concentration