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Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

At this time, we are NOT accepting applications.

 Students who are accepted to the UNF ABA program will complete 45 credits  to earn their M.Ed. in Special Education. The core course sequence (21 credits) represents an ABAI-approved verified course sequence that fulfills the coursework requirements to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam under Pathway 2: Coursework. Students planning to apply to sit for the BCBA exam must also complete supervised fieldwork and hold a master’s degree at the time of their application for the exam.

degree plus behavior analytic coursework plus supervised fieldwork, equals pass examination, equals certification

Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree may be eligible to complete our ABA Certificate, which includes only the coursework in the ABAI Verified Coursework Sequence (21 credits). Please contact Dr. Natalie Badgett if you believe this option might be right for you.

*At this time, the UNF ABA program does not offer supervision, but we would be happy to connect students with community- and school-based BCBAs who are qualified to supervise.

If you are interested in learning more about the UNF ABA program, please contact Dr. Natalie Badgett to schedule an informational meeting. You can find more information about program coursework here and learn about the admissions process here.

View Official Course Catalog

Program Admission Requirements

The M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis follows a cohort model that only accepts students to start coursework in the Fall semester.

At this time, we are NOT accepting applications.

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet Graduate School admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria. A complete application will include: 

  1. Official transcripts from all attended institutions 
  2. Three current professional letters on official letter head (if applicable) with an original signature (electronic signatures are not acceptable). Letters from relatives will not be accepted. The letters should indicate: 
    • Applicant's academic background. 
    • Applicant's aptitude for graduate work. 
    • Applicant's capabilities for future performance in scholarship. 
    • At least one letter from a college/university professor is preferred. 
  3.  Written statement of 500-1000 words that includes the following information:   
    • Reasons for seeking admission into the UNF ABA program 
    • Professional goals related to applied behavior analysis 
    • How the program will help attain professional goals 
  4. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admissions must apply under the college's exception policy. 

Please contact Dr. Natalie Badgett with any questions about the program or application process. 

Applied Behavior Analysis Coursework

Students who are accepted to the UNF ABA program will complete a 45-credit curriculum that includes an ABAI Verified Course Sequence, experiential learning, and the completion of a capstone project. Once admitted, students will determine whether they will join the part-time (2 courses per semester) or full-time (3 courses per semester) cohort. Coursework follows a carefully constructed progression designed to maximize learning by aligning course content with experiential learning targets in the practicum sequence.

  • ABAI Verified Course Sequence

    EEX 5612: Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis 

    In this foundational course, students will be introduced to terms, concepts, and principles of applied behavior analysis that will lay the foundation for advanced learning and application as the program progresses. This is a hybrid course, meaning that students will attend in-person class sessions 3-4 times in the semester but content will largely be delivered online. Offered in Fall in 2022, and in Summer starting in 2023. 

    EEX 5308: Single Case Research Design 

    Single case research designs are used in exceptional student education and related fields to determine the effectiveness of assessment and intervention strategies. In this course, students will learn how to design and evaluate single case research designs. Students will learn the history and utility of single case research design and will identify how this research method is different than other commonly used research methods in education and related fields. 

    EEX 6635: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports 

    Challenging behavior represents a major area of concern for individuals, their families, and the professionals who work with them. In this class, students will learn the theory and practice to support the implementation of positive behavior supports and interventions to prevent and address challenging behavior. Specific content includes tiered systems of support, functional behavior assessment, behavior intervention planning, contextual behavioral assessment and intervention, and working within systems to prevent and address challenging behavior at the individual level.

    EEX 6617: Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Skill Acquisition 

    Applied behavior analysis is the application of behavioral principles to change socially significant behavior. A major area of focus in research and practice related to applied behavior analysis is in intervention to teach new skills and maintain established skills. In this class, students will learn theory and practice related to the development and implementation of comprehensive behavioral intervention that targets skill acquisition. Specific content includes: best practice in comprehensive assessment, instructional design, behavioral strategies to develop and maintain target skills and behaviors.

    EEX 6664: Advanced Practices in Applied Behavior Analysis 

    Behavior analysts must address complex behaviors in diverse settings. This course will build upon basic behavioral concepts, principles, and practices to prepare students to meet the diverse, and often complex, needs of their clients. Content covered in this course will include behavioral theory, verbal behavior, functional analysis, and contemporary issues of behavioral theory and practice.

    EEX 6627: Supervision and Case Management in Applied Behavior Analysis and Education 

    A key responsibility of behavior analysts and educators is case management, which includes supervision and training. In this class, students will learn evidence-based behavioral practices related to supervision, strategies for coaching and training personnel, and skills related to case management within educational and therapeutic systems. 

    EEX 6747: Ethics and Professionalism in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education 

    Ethical and professional behavior are essential to practice as a behavior analyst. In this class, students will become acquainted with the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts© and will relate the Ethics Code to ethical guidelines in related educational fields. Students will engage in ethical decision making, using core principles that behavior analysts should (a) benefit others, (b) treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect, (c) behave with integrity, and (d) ensure their own competence. 

  • Experiential Learning

    EEX 5852: Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I 

    In this initial practicum course, students will learn basic behavior analytic skills and practices that align with content in lecture coursework. ABA Practicum 1 will provide supported opportunities for students to use behavioral measurement strategies, basic behavioral intervention strategies, and entry level consultative skills. Additionally, students will learn skills related to professionalism and ethical implementation of behavioral strategies in diverse applied and clinical contexts.

    EEX 6853: Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis II 

    In this second practicum course, students will apply functional assessment and intervention strategies to address challenging behavior. ABA Practicum II will provide supported opportunities for students to complete indirect and direct behavioral assessment data, engage in data analysis and interpretation, and apply their assessment findings to intervention design and implementation. Additionally, students will learn skills related to professionalism and ethical implementation of behavioral strategies in diverse applied and clinical contexts.

    EEX 6854: Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis III 

    In this third practicum course, students will use behavioral assessment and teaching strategies to promote socially significant skill development. ABA Practicum III will provide supported opportunities for students to complete comprehensive behavioral assessment, engage in data analysis and interpretation, identify socially significant target behaviors for intervention, and apply their assessment findings to intervention design and implementation. Additionally, students will learn skills related to professionalism and ethical implementation of behavioral strategies in diverse applied and clinical contexts.

    EEX 6856: Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis IV 

    In this fourth and final practicum course, students will use research-based behavioral strategies for supervision and case management. ABA Practicum IV will provide supported opportunities for students to develop and implement behavioral skills training programs, monitor staff behavior, and provide meaningful performance feedback using best practice coaching methods. Additionally, students will learn skills related to professionalism and ethical implementation of behavioral strategies in diverse applied and clinical contexts.

  • Capstone Sequence

    EEX 6636: Research-Based Design for Behavioral Intervention 

    Behavior analysts are research practitioners, meaning that they engage in research informed practice and use measurement and single case research methods to evaluate the effects of intervention on client behavior. A fundamental skill for behavior analysts is the ability to identify, interpret, and apply research to inform intervention development. In this course, students will use existing literature to design an intervention and a plan to collect data on that intervention to evaluate progress.

    EEX 6615: Implementation of Evidence-Based Behavioral Intervention 

    Behavior analysts are research practitioners, meaning that they engage in research informed practice and use measurement and single case research methods to evaluate the effects of intervention on client behavior. A fundamental skill for behavior analysts is the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based behavioral interventions using methods based in single case research design. In this course, students will implement an intervention plan and monitor the effects of the intervention on client behavior. Students will engage in data-based decision making, measurement of social validity, and measurement of fidelity of implementation.

  • Additional Core Coursework in Special Education

    EEX 5053: Foundations of Exceptional Student Education 

    This course focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for advanced study in the psychology and sociology of individuals with exceptionalities. The course examines individuals with exceptionalities in terms of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor characteristics and their functions within families, schools, and society.

    EEX 6402: Communication, Collaboration and Consultation Skills for Special Educators

    This course will be focused on the acquisition of knowledge and skills in communication, collaboration, and consultation and applying such knowledge and skills to interactions special educators have with general educators, administrators, parents, agency personnel and other stakeholders in the lives of individuals with disabilities. EEX 6402 includes the examination of specific techniques, related media, and experiences designed to equip special education teachers with skills to collaborate with school and community professionals and families to provide a necessary range of services to students.