MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Pepperdine University’s on-campus Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students to become board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®) while providing them with a thorough understanding of how to utilize applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques to enrich lives.
Featuring in-person coursework at Pepperdine's West Los Angeles campus, students learn the skills necessary to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings, including education, developmental disabilities, autism, residential supports, and rehabilitation. They also learn how ABA can be used for organizational behavior management (OBM).
MSABA students gain in-person experience and BCBA supervision while working at approved clinical sites while attending a practicum course, wherein they discuss their clinical cases and receive feedback.
For more information, view the BACB exam pass-rate data. Pass-rate data are not published for verified course sequences within their first four years of operation.
Employing the practitioner-scholar model of professional training, a rigorous theoretical study is paired with in-depth clinical training where students will accrue experience hours working alongside professional behavior analysts, helping patients to develop adaptive skills for optimal functioning in educational, family, social, and occupational roles.
*As of January 1, 2023, the BACB no longers provides certification outside of the U.S. and Canada. If you are considering certification outside of the U.S. or Canada, please see updates about BACB global certification.
Program Benefits
Reputable Program
Pepperdine University is one of the highest-ranked universities in the United States by U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities.
Values Centered
Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
Quick Facts
| Format: | Evening |
| Terms: | Fall |
| Location: | West Los Angeles |
| Length: | 16 months / 30 units |
| Tuition: | $1,565 per unit* |
50+ Clinical Practicum Sites
With over 50 high-quality site partners, ABA students experience hands-on clinical practice as a signature component of a comprehensive approach to preparing behavior analysts.
Verified Course Sequence (VCS)**
Verified Course Sequence (VCS) Program by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Convenient Evening Format
Evening format class schedules to accommodate working professionals.
Meet Fieldwork Requirements
Students currently working in an ABA-based setting can meet fieldwork requirements at the site of their current employment.
No GRE or Standardized Tests Required
We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
Networking Opportunities
through our alumni network with more than 20,000 professionals.
Increase In Nationwide Demand For Individuals
Holding BCBA Certification From 2022-23***
California Had The Highest Demand For Behavior Analysts In 2023***
Clinical Practicum Sites
Units Of Supervised Field Placement
Start Term in the Fall
Program May Be Completed In Only 16 Months
GSEP Student:Faculty Ratio
GSEP Average Class Size
Up to $10K Available in Scholarships
*There is a one-time fee of $498 upon the first time enrolling in PSY 620 Practicum in ABA.
**The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. View the verified course content hours here.
***Verified by the BACB Certification Board
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program.
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Deadlines
Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement
The MSABA and GSEP psychology division stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.
Curriculum Overview
Designed for both working professionals and full-time students alike, the ABA degree program provides a thorough understanding of the concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
This program provides the breadth and depth of topics, theory, and practicum needed to become a highly competent and compassionate board-certified behavior analyst.
Upon graduation and completion of all necessary experience hours, students will be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
Expand Your Career Possibilities
There is an increasingly high demand for behavior analysts with BCBA credentials, particularly in behavioral health care, educational services, and social services. After earning your degree, you may pursue certification and employment in a variety of roles.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.
GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.
The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities.
To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"I was under the impression that going into a master’s program; I would be a little more isolated, doing work on my own, just completing a degree. I was met with a community of professors, faculty members, and students who all worked together to get each other to our licensure exams. They’re some of the most meaningful relationships and friendships I’ve made to date." - Azizull Dhadwall, Alumni
"My relationship with the faculty was excellent. I felt very supported as a student. They guided me and modeled pivotal skills that a clinician would have."
-Svetlana Danielyan, MS in ABA '20
"If you're really interested in understanding behavior in a scientific way and an applied way in terms of how you can use it almost every day, this is a program for you."
-Azizull Dhadwall, MS in ABA '17
Contact Us
Gary Younger
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP
310.568.2334
Email
Schedule a Phone Appointment
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Learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program.