Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis)

Your path to advanced practice in special education

Preparing skilled behavior analysts for impact

At Arizona State University, the online master’s programs from Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation combine accessibility with excellence. ASU’s MA in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) program equips current behavior technicians and therapists with the knowledge, skills and credentials to advance in the field and create meaningful, measurable changes in the lives of others. Courses meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® behavior-analytic coursework pathway to eligibility requirements for those pursuing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® credential.

Improve the lives of people as an ABA practitioner

Degree details

The MA in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) program helps you apply the science of behavior to assist individuals across diverse settings. You’ll learn how to encourage socially significant growth, foster autonomy and enhance daily experiences. As an ABA practitioner, your approach will be tailored to each person or situation, with the overall goal of promoting learning and reinforcing helpful behaviors and skills.

Program benefits

Purpose-driven, evidence-based training

Our coursework centers on ethical, data-informed and culturally responsive practices that promote socially significant outcomes across clinical and community settings.

BCBA®-aligned curriculum

Students complete coursework designed to meet the academic requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam, preparing them for advanced roles in behavior analysis.

Expert faculty, real-world focus

All courses are taught by board certified behavior analysts who bring deep field experience and instructional expertise into the online classroom.

Flexible online format with personalized support

Students benefit from a flexible, online structure that fits full-time work schedules while staying connected through interactive coursework, structured collaboration and one-on-one faculty guidance.

Proven program, national reach

As one of the largest and most established online ABA graduate programs, ASU offers students — and their clinical employers — access to a powerful professional network and a legacy of innovation.

Our programs are built for people who want to do work that truly matters. Our students are balancing careers and real life, and they’re driven to make a difference. We give them practical tools, strong mentorship and the flexibility to grow, so they can create real change for the individuals and families they serve.

John O’Brien, Director, PK-12 Strategic Partnerships

Outcomes

Our commitment to delivering exceptional online education spans the full spectrum of what it means to be an educator today. Whether you aspire to work directly with children and young learners, lead as a principal or system administrator, or innovate at the intersection of learning design and technology, ASU excels at bringing people and ideas together to make education systems work better for learners, educators and the communities they share.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Partnership benefits

Get started

Pursue your professional goals by completing the following steps.

Step 1: Submit your ASU application

Apply via ASU’s Application for Admission.

Step 2: Follow up with any questions

For information about admissions and general program questions, contact us at [email protected] or 480-965-5555.

For information about partnering and partnership opportunities, contact us at [email protected].

Flexible start dates

Join the program in fall A or B session, spring A or B session, or summer — whenever it fits your schedule. Our academic calendar follows Arizona State University’s term schedule.

ASU term schedule

Why partner with MLFC?

Additional services provided by Mary Lou Fulton College

Professional Educator Learning Hub Education Workforce Solutions Community Educator Learning Hub Youth-Serving Workforce Solutions