Residential
Applied Behavior Analysis
Accelerated Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies
OVERVIEW
Advance Your Career
If you are considering a career centered on application of behavior-analytic principles to teach new behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors, particularly in the areas of education or human service, then this program is for you. Be prepared to: work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across settings; work with individuals with and without disabilities who engage in challenging behavior and/or who are in need of increasing skills; consult with teachers and school systems to create positive behavior support systems; train parents; and collaborate with medical professionals.
The Accelerated 4+1 Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) allows current Purdue undergraduates to work on a master’s degree while completing an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate and graduate courses will be combined over two to three years, permitting completion of both the BS and MSEd degrees in five years for students engaged in full-time study. The ABA program will provide learners with advanced knowledge and skills in behavioral approaches to instruction and supports for students.
Who can apply for the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in ABA?
Purdue Juniors and Seniors with the following majors:
- General Education: Educational Studies
- General Education: Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
- Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
- Psychological Sciences
- Human Development and Family Studies
What degree is conferred upon satisfactory completion of this program?
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies with a concentration of Applied Behavior Analysis. This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective.
Program Information
- 39-credit masters program (33 content credits; 6 practicum credits)
- Begin taking courses during your Junior (60 credits) or Senior year
- Flexible plans of study to accommodate Junior or Senior year start dates
- Students applying must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25
Program Overview
Choose the Right Program for You
The Purdue College of Education offers three graduate Applied Behavior Analysis programs. If the residential Master of Science in Education (MSEd) isn’t what you’re looking for, please explore the additional ABA program options.
Each program remains the same at its core and contains the following:
- Cohort model to foster professional learning communities
- Community developed with collaborative opportunities in the coursework
- Opportunity to participate in independent applied behavior analysis research
- EDPS 55200 Basic Concepts and Principles
- EDPS 53300 Introduction to Educational Research (offered every semester)
- EDPS 54700 Foundations and Principles
- EDPS 54800 Ethics of ABA
- EDPS 61200 Advanced ABA
- EDPS 68800 Single Case Research
- EDPS 62800 Behavior Analyst as Supervisor
- EDPS 54900 Verbal Behavior and Social Communication
- EDPS 50800 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
- EDPS 55300 Application of ABA to Manage and Support Personnel
- EDPS 59200 Philosophy of ABA
- EDPS 55900 Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Students will register for two practicum courses during their final year. Practicum courses are designed with flexibility and student support in mind. The ABA Practicum Coordinator will work with each student to locate and register a supervision site with Purdue University by the end of their first Spring semester. Students may also refer to our already registered supervision sites. These sites have been vetted by Purdue University as ethical and effective supervision sites.
- EDPS 55100 Practicum
- EDPS 55100 Practicum
See Fieldwork Supervision Requirements below for additional information and a list of practicum location partners.
Students will be required to register for two 1-credit Capstone courses. These courses provide students with the option to complete a clinical project, a systematic literature review, or an experimental project under the mentorship of a faculty member.
- EDPS 57201 Capstone in ABA
Practicum Overview
Fieldwork Supervision Requirements
As part of the practicum course students will need to select a supervision site and an affiliate agreement must be in place with Purdue University prior to the beginning of the practicum course.
As part of practicum, students will enter into a multiple supervisor contract between Purdue University and their supervision site. Students will earn supervision based on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® fieldwork supervision requirements. A fee may be assessed to support the supervision being provided by their supervisor at the affiliated site.
Our goal is to support both the students and their site supervisor in providing the most effective and ethical supervision practices. Students will attend group supervision meetings with their practicum supervisor and receive individual supervision from their onsite supervisor. This supervisor will observe the student implementing behavior analytic interventions and perform behavior analyst duties and provide feedback to the student directly during those observations and during one-on-one meetings.
Our practicum courses not only include the coordination of fieldwork but also exam preparation. Students will complete test preparation modules throughout the program to ensure students graduate ready to take the BACB® certification exam.
Apply Now – Two ABA Graduate Assistantships Available for 2026
Admissions
Apply for Admission in Your Junior Year!
Undergraduate and graduate courses will be combined over the next two years, permitting completion of both the BS and MSEd degrees in five years for students engaged in full-time study. Students applying must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Applications are due April 1.
A graduate application must be submitted and application fee paid (if applicable) by the application deadline. In addition, the materials listed under the Application Requirements section below must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and for the application to be reviewed for admission consideration. Please review the How to Apply section below before submitting an application.
Below are the materials required for this application. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the requirements below.
- An updated Purdue University official transcript
- 3 Recommendations
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- The completed Combined Degree Program Form (Form 27) with student signature and return to edgrad@purdue.edu
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Current Purdue undergraduate students admitted to the 4+1 program are admitted to a residential (on-campus) program. Students are not able to transfer to the online Master’s in ABA program once they have been admitted to and started the 4+1 program.
When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Accelerated Applied Behavior Analysis
- Please select a Degree Objective: Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential
Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step
Licensure
Licensure Information
This program does not lead to an instructional or administration licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Program completion will prepare students to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam. Please email us with any additional questions regarding the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam.
program FACULTY
Learn From the Experts
Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the residential Accelerated MSEd in Applied Behavior Analysis can prepare you to help all students learn.
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