Applied Behavior Analyst

Oregon’s first stand-alone master’s degree in applied behavior analysis.

What You'll Learn

Meeting the demand for highly qualified Behavior Analysts

Licensure and Certification

ABA Verified Course Sequence

MS-ABA prepares students to meet national certification and Oregon licensure requirements.

  • BCBA course sequence: The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. BCBA course descriptions
  • ABA Practicum: second year practicum placements provide students with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. ® approved supervised experience required for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® exam. Practicum placements are paid positions with approved ABA agencies and, in Klamath Falls, with Oregon Tech’s BIG ABA clinic and local schools

In-depth focus on Applied Behavior Analysis

Oregon’s first master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, the MS-ABA curriculum focuses on providing a rigorous and thorough foundation in the science of behavior analysis. Students will be prepared to apply the principles of behavior analysis with diverse populations and in a wide variety of settings.

Accessible and Personal

The use of synchronous videoconferencing technology provides an alternative to fully online, asynchronous programs for students in all areas of the state who prefer the real-time, face-to-face educational experience. Courses are taught on the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses and are available to students everywhere via Zoom (a synchronous videoconferencing program). Zoom provides students with the immediate interaction of a traditional face-to-face course, while providing access from anywhere.
 

Oregon Tech’s experienced and highly qualified ABA faculty are located on both the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses. Students can meet with faculty in person on their preferred campus or by phone or zoom.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach for understanding and addressing socially significant problem behaviors and teaching meaningful skills. ABA is based on the science of behaviorism and is an evidence-based, data-driven, systematic approach to intervention that improves the quality of life for individuals.

Applied Behavior Analysis emphasizes understanding the effects of environmental factors on observable behavior. Methods in applied behavior analysis stress direct measurement of target behaviors, understanding the causes of behavior, manipulating environmental variables to produce socially significant effects, and evaluation of outcomes. While validated intensive behavioral interventions have been most publicly recognized for treatment for children with an autism spectrum disorder, the principles and methods of ABA has successful applications in a wide range of other areas including:

  • Business management and safety
  • Education
  • Gerontology
  • Child abuse and neglect
  • Behavioral medicine and public health
  • Language Acquisition
  • Community improvement
  • Mental health
  • Sports
  • Animal training

 

 

Master of Science
Master of Science

Careers in Applied Behavior Analysis

Settings where behavior analysts provide services include homes, clinics, rehabilitation settings, residential facilities, social service agencies, mental health facilities, schools, and in business and industry. Some of the areas in which ABA is used include child abuse and neglect, behavioral medicine, gerontology, sports, education, performance management, autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injury, and organizational behavior management.

Behavior analysts work with organizations, businesses, and industry applying principles of behavior analysis to improve workplace performance. Behavior analysts are in high demand, particularly for providing autism related services. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is recognized as the Standard of Care for Autism when provided by well-qualified professionals.

Career Success

Demand for Behavior Analysts continues to grow as indicated in this report on workforce demand.

The 2014 survey conducted by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) reported that the modal income for behavior analysts was between $65,000 and $75,000, with 30% reporting income over $75,000. Behavior analysts reported working in a variety of areas including autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, education, child welfare, brain injury, corrections and delinquency, and organizational behavior management.

 

FAQs

Faculty for this program are located at both the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses. Some courses may be taught at the campus a student is located at or courses may be delivered via Zoom depending on qualified and experienced faculty campus location.

Yes, this program consists of courses designed to prepare students for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® in a variety of clinical settings. Oregon residents who complete the program and earn certification as a BCBA® will be eligible to apply as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Oregon. Oregon Tech also offers a standalone Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis for individuals who already have a graduate degree.

Yes. Graduate Assistantship positions at our BIG ABA clinic in Klamath Falls are available for qualified students.