Our Purpose

The purpose of Ball State University's graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis with Emphasis in Autism is to train ethical, competent practitioners who apply the principles of behavior analysis to improve quality of life across diverse populations and settings. As a scholar-practitioner program, we emphasize evidence-based, diversity-affirming, and person-centered practices. Our courses prepare students for certification as behavior analysts while promoting the scientific and practical application of behavior analysis for both clinical and social benefit.

Our program emphasizes the development of competent professionals that can administer the science of behavior for both clinical and social benefit. Our program also provides instruction about various content areas in behavior analysis and emphasizes both practical and scientific advantages to this approach. 

Program Info

Our program offers a flexible 10-course online sequence that can be completed in under two years. The program includes additional autism-specific courses beyond the core sequence, designed to support your certification journey. Our dedicated faculty bring expertise and support to help guide your success in the program.

The program's structured course progression builds knowledge and skills over time: 

  • Foundational coursework (SPCE 609, SPCE 680) introduces core principles of behavior analysis, fostering critical thinking and professional discussions that help develop effective communication skills.
    • SPCE 609 — Prerequisites: None
    • SPCE 680 — Prerequisites: None
  • Intermediate coursework (SPCE 610, SPCE 619) builds on this foundation, deepening conceptual understanding and encouraging professional dialogue and teamwork through structured discussion boards.
    • SPCE 610 — Prerequisites: SPCE 609
    • SPCE 619 — Prerequisites: None
  • Advanced coursework (SPCE 611, SPCE 630) strengthens both analytical and practical skills, requiring students to manage complex case studies, interpret data, and present findings, enhancing their organizational and professional communication abilities.
    • SPCE 611 — Prerequisites: SPCE 609
    • SPCE 630 — Prerequisites: SPCE 609
  • Specialized coursework (SPCE 682, SPCE 689) focuses on real-world application, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving, further refining students' abilities to engage in critical conversations and navigate ethical dilemmas.
    • SPCE 682 — Prerequisites: None
    • SPCE 689 — Prerequisites: SPCE 609 and SPCE 611
  • Organizational Behavior Management and experiential coursework (SPCE 638, SPCE 691) provides practical opportunities for developing leadership skills, engaging in critical conversations, and applying behavior analytic principles in organizational and supervisory settings.
    • SPCE 638 — Prerequisites: SPCE 610, SPCE 611, SPCE 680, and SPCE 682
    • SPCE 691 — Prerequisites: SPCE 609, SPCE 610, and SPCE 611

Our program regularly evaluates and updates the curriculum to ensure it aligns with current industry standards, accreditation requirements, and emerging trends in the field.

For complete degree requirements and course descriptions, consult the Ball State University Graduate Catalog.

For specific questions or information, visit the FAQ page.


Graduation and Time Commitment

The master’s degree requires 30 credit hours and must be completed within six years, and no less than 3 consecutive semesters. Students may choose either 7-week or 15-week course formats, allowing for flexibility based on individual schedules.

The program consists of 10 courses (3 credits each). Nine courses are prescribed, and the final requirement is a course based within a student's identified field site (SPCE 638: Field-Based Experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism).

To be eligible for graduation, students must have met the following criteria: 

  • Successful completion of each Capstone component,

  • Complete all necessary coursework, 

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and 

  • Apply to graduate during their last semester. 

More information about graduation can be found here.

Time To Degree

Master's Program Learning objectives

The primary learning objectives of the master's program focus on students gaining knowledge in the following areas of ABA and autism. We strive to equip students with the skills necessary to:

  • PLO1: Apply the behavioral underpinnings and philosophical foundations of ABA; 
  • PLO2: Apply the concepts of behavior analytic principles in applied settings;
  • PLO3: Gain knowledge and understanding of different forms of measurement, data display and interpretation of data related to targeted interventions and experimental designs;
  • PLO4: Develop competence in implementing and interpreting single-case experimental designs that demonstrate functional relations between interventions and target behaviors
  • PLO5: Know the standards of professional practice and ensure the client’s right to effective behavioral treatment in therapeutic environments that promote personal welfare and engender functional skills;  
  • PLO6: Gain knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum disorder; 
  • PLO7: Demonstrate the ability to conduct effective behavioral assessments within a variety of settings; 
  • PLO8: Demonstrate the ability to develop, implement, and monitor behavioral programs with a variety of populations (e.g., individuals with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, disruptive behavior disorders); 
  • PLO9: Demonstrate knowledge and skills in selecting and implementing interventions and treatments specific to individuals with autism spectrum disorder; 
  • PLO10: Develop culturally informed intervention strategies, appreciate and acknowledge differences, and maintain clinical and professional skillsets that value diversity, equity, and inclusion 
  • PLO11: Design and evaluate different behavior change procedures; 
  • PLO12: Complete a supervised field-based experience with the goal of demonstrating mastery in the ethical application of behavioral interventions. 
  • PLO 13: Identify and apply strategies for personnel supervision and management;
  • PLO14: Pass the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). 

BACB Certification 

The purpose of our undergraduate Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism) program is to train competent and ethical practitioners who apply the principles of human behavior. We identify as a scholar practitioner program and educate future professionals to utilize evidence-based, diversity affirming, and person-centered practices to make socially meaningful improvements in the quality of life across a variety of populations and settings.  

Participating students must complete at least 120 semester hours to earn this degree.  Of the 120 semester hours, 48 semester hours are related to the Major in ABA with an emphasis in autism.  The degree is designed to be completed within four years and is delivered entirely online. 

The primary objectives of the bachelor's program focus on students gaining knowledge in the following areas of ABA and autism. We strive to equip students with the skills necessary to:  

  • PLO1: Apply the basic principles and procedures of behavior analysis;
  • PLO2: Identify the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder as well as the common methods used to identify and assess individuals suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder;  
  • PLO3: Practice ethical considerations related to assessment, data collection, and implementation of behavioral treatments;  
  • PLO4: Collect and interpret different types of data, and the importance of making data-driven decisions for change procedures;  
  • PLO5: Demonstrate the ability to develop a behavioral intervention plan based upon evidenced-based procedures;   
  • PLO6: Identify appropriate treatments and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.  
  • PLO7: Pass the examination to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.