Program Director: Azure Pellegrino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Overview

The 36-unit Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis includes the necessary coursework and supervision to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)®. The program contains behavior-analytic coursework meeting the Pathway 2 eligibility pathway to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements (e.g., supervision) before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.  The program offers the option to complete supervision with the university.

The program will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors, and teach individuals when to use new behaviors. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program. The references should attest to your professional qualities and academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Basic Principles of Behavior: Candidates learn the basic concepts and principles of operant and respondent conditioning.
2. Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis: Candidates learn the underlying theoretical and philosophical foundations of behavior analysis (i.e., behaviorism).
3. Research Methods in Behavior Analysis: Candidates will measure, display and interpret data, single-case designs, intervention and program evaluation, and research ethics.
4. Behavior Reduction Assessment and Intervention: Candidates will select and implement behavior reduction assessment and intervention techniques and approaches from applied behavior analysis. Additionally, candidates identify and integrate client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
5. Behavior Acquisition Assessment and Intervention: Candidates will select and implement behavior acquisition assessment and intervention techniques and approaches from applied behavior analysis. Additionally, candidates identify and integrate client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
6. Organizational Behavior Management: Candidates will conduct performance analysis and management, supervision, staff training, behavioral systems analysis, organizational culture, and leadership. Additionally, candidates will identify and integrate client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
7. Ethics in Behavior Analysis: Candidates will adhere to ethical principles, the BACB's ethics codes and requirements, the BACB's code-enforcement mechanisms, and professionalism.​

Locations Offered

Synchronous Online

Program Start/Semester Length

Cohorts begin in Fall and Spring

Degree Pathway

Applied Behavior Analysis MA Degree Pathway