Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis 

Mission

Jose Maria Vargas University (JMVU) aims to serve a diverse student population with the proposed Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, offered fully online and synchronous. This program targets individuals aspiring to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), including working professionals in fields such as special education, psychology, social and healthcare who seek to advance their careers without disrupting their schedules. It also appeals to recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees in relevant disciplines, international students seeking quality ABA education from a U.S. institution, and individuals looking to transition into the ABA field. The comprehensive and accessible format ensures that it meets the educational needs of these varied groups, helping them achieve their professional goals and advance their careers as BCBAs.

1. Advanced Application of Behavior Analysis: Apply advanced concepts and techniques of behavior analysis to design effective, evidence-based interventions across diverse populations and settings.

2. Research Proficiency and Data-Driven Decision Making: Develop and conduct rigorous research using experimental design and data analysis techniques, utilizing findings to inform practice and improve intervention strategies in applied settings.

3. Ethical and Professional Practice: Analyze ethical guidelines, cultural sensitivity, and legal standards in the delivery of behavior-analytic services, that adhere to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements.

4. Collaboration and Supervision: Lead and collaborate effectively with clients, families, and other professionals in the field, providing supervision and training that enhances the implementation of behavior-analytic practices.

5. Critical Analysis and Problem-Solving: Analyze complex behavioral challenges using theoretical and empirical foundations of ABA, developing solutions that address client needs while maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Graduate Regulations and Requirements

These general regulations apply to all students in all graduate departments. They are intended to ensure that the educational experience of graduate students is of a consistently high quality, and that the quality of experience is carefully monitored by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies and by the students’ home departments.

Individual departments may have additional procedures and regulations that supplement these general regulations. All such supplementary procedures and regulations must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and by published and available to students.

Admission as a Graduate Student

The selection process of the University will allow for admission of graduate students on the basis of the applicants’ academic credentials in addition to a holistic review of all the information contained in the application, both academic and personal.

Admissions requirements to specific graduate programs may vary – students should refer to the program descriptions found in the Catalog for additional information.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the University. An applicant’s total undergraduate record including grades, educational objective and pattern of courses completed, as well as personal and professional goals will be considered.

General Requirements for All Graduate Applicants

The general requirements which apply to all applicants for admission or readmission to Master’s degree programs include:

• Completed online admissions application, including a $75.00 nonrefundable application fee.

• Diploma indicating conferral of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution (Foreign diplomas or transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a member of NACES).

• Personal Statement

• Curriculum Vitae (resume)

• Admissions Interview

• Language Proficiency (as applicable)

  • Pearson Test for English Proficiency (Versant): for students enrolling in the English version of the program whose primary language is not English or who did not complete high school at an Englishspeaking institution. The test score must be at least 44.

  • Pearson Test for Spanish Proficiency (Versant): for students enrolling in the Spanish version of the program whose primary language is not Spanish or who did not complete high school at a Spanishspeaking institution. The test score must be at least 44. Students wishing to change the language of study for a program (program option)

Students wishing to change the language of study for a program (program option) must demonstrate proficiency in that language and sign a new enrollment agreement.

• University Orientation course of SLS 1601 Orientation & Study and Research 3 Credit offered at JMVU

Furnishing false or fraudulent statements or information in connection with an application for admission may result in disciplinary action, denial of admission and invalidation of credits or degrees earned.

Admission as a Graduate Transfer Student

The following requirements or conditions apply to students seeking admission as a graduate transfer student:

• Completed online admissions application, including a $75 nonrefundable application fee.

• Diploma indicating conferral of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution (Foreign diplomas or transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a member of NACES).

• Credit will not be granted for transfer courses in which the student has earned a grade of B- or below. (Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a member of NACES. GPA calculation must be included in the evaluation of transcripts).

• The acceptance of courses taken and approved in other graduate schools in other universities in no case will be greater than 50% of the credits that are required in order to obtain the Master’s degree at JMVU.

• The credits that may be accepted for transfer are determined according to the policy described under the section in the catalog titled “Transferability of Credits”.​

Transfer of credits not accepted

For students whose credits are not accepted for transfer, the University would inform them via email that they would be required to complete the courses in question.

1. ABA 501 Introduction to Ethics, Compliane Codes and Professional Conduct of Behavior Analysts 4 Credits

2. ABA 502 Basic Elements of Applied Behavior Foundations 4 Credits

3. ABA 503 Foundations, Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 4 credits

4. ABA 504 Introduction to Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Measurement 4 credits

5. ABA 505 Organizational Behavior Management Personnel Supervision, and Professionalism 4 credits

6. ABA 506 Behavior Assessment 4 credits

7. ABA 507 Behavior Change Procedures Part 1 4 credits

8. ABA 508 Behavior Change Procedures Part 2 4 credits

9. ABA 509 Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behavior Analysis 4 credits

10. ABA 510 Advanced Measurement and Experimental Design 4 credits

11. ABA 511 Developing ABA Interventions 4 credits

12. ABA 512 ABA Capstone final project 4 credits

Faculty, Students, and Other Resources

Faculty

• The program is supported by a team of qualified faculty members who hold doctoral or master’s degrees in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or related fields.

• Faculty members are experienced practitioners, many of whom are certified as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or BCBA-Ds.

• Instructors bring real-world expertise in working with diverse populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral challenges.

• Faculty engage in continuous professional development and are active in research, supervision, and community-based behavior analytic services.

Students

• The program serves a diverse and global student body, including:

  • Working professionals in psychology, education, healthcare, and social services

  • Recent graduates seeking advanced training in ABA

  • International students pursuing U.S.-based professional credentials

  • Individuals transitioning into ABA as a second career

• Students benefit from small class sizes, interactive synchronous sessions, and personalized feedback.

• Career services and academic advising are available to support student success throughout the program.

Other Resources

• Learning Management System (LMS): All course content is delivered through the university's secure online portal, providing access to materials, assignments, video lectures, and discussion forums.

• Synchronous lectures are taught through Google Meet

• Virtual Library Access: Students receive online access to academic journals, behavior analysis databases, and eBooks through partnerships with digital libraries.

• Technology Support: The university offers optional training in digital literacy, assignment submission, and software tools necessary for the program.

• Capstone Support: Students are assigned faculty mentors for their ABA Capstone Project to ensure research and practical application meet academic and ethical standards.

• Supervision and Fieldwork Preparation: While fieldwork is not part of the program, guidance is provided on how to obtain supervised experience hours in compliance with BACB guidelines.

Administrative Policies and Procedures

Jose Maria Vargas University ensures that all administrative policies and procedures governing the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program align with institutional standards and support the academic and professional success of its students. The program is delivered in accordance with university-wide policies related to admissions, academic progress, student records, and graduation requirements.

Admissions

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• The admissions process includes submission of a government-issued ID, and completion of an online application.

Registration and Enrollment

• Academic advisors are available to guide students through course selection and program progression.

• Continuous enrollment is expected unless a leave of absence is formally requested and approved.

Attendance and Participation

• Students are expected to attend all synchronous online classes and participate actively in discussions and assignments.

• Attendance is monitored through the LMS and live session logs.

Grading and Academic Progress

• The program follows the university’s grading scale and policies on academic standing.

• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.

• Academic probation, suspension, or dismissal may occur in cases of unsatisfactory performance, per university policy.

Student Records and Privacy

• Student academic records are maintained securely and in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Technology and Online Learning Policies

• Students must comply with the university’s online conduct standards and ensure the security of their LMS login credentials.

Graduation Requirements

• Students must successfully complete all required coursework (48 credit hours), including the Capstone Final Project.

• All financial obligations and career services requirements must be met prior to degree conferral.

• Successful completion of the university career services requirements

Academic Integrity

• The university enforces a strict academic honesty policy. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program.

Research and Practicum Experiences

Research Experiences

The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program emphasizes the development of research skills critical to evidence-based practice. Students are trained to design, implement, and evaluate behavior-analytic research using single-case experimental designs and data analysis techniques aligned with the standards of the field.

• Research concepts are embedded throughout the curriculum, particularly in courses such as:

  • ABA 504: Introduction to the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Measurement

  • ABA 510: Advanced Measurement and Experimental Design

  • ABA 512: ABA Capstone Final Project

• Students engage in literature reviews, data collection, and analysis tasks to evaluate behavioral interventions across populations and settings.

• The Capstone Final Project serves as a culminating academic experience, where students synthesize theoretical foundations and empirical methods to address a real-world behavioral issue.

Practicum Experiences

While the program does not include supervised fieldwork hours required for BCBA certification, students are advised and supported in identifying opportunities to obtain these hours independently, in compliance with BACB Fieldwork Standards.

• Students receive guidance on:
  

  • Securing supervision from qualified BCBAs

  • Structuring and documenting their experience according to BACB’s current requirements

  • Integrating academic learning with practical application in diverse settings

• Faculty members provide mentoring and consultation related to practicum planning, ethical considerations, and implementation strategies, although direct supervision is not part of the university’s role.

• The program strongly encourages students to begin accruing supervision hours concurrently with academic coursework to ensure timely progress toward certification eligibility.

Accrediting Agency Jose Maria Vargas University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

1. Advanced Application of Behavior Analysis: Apply advanced concepts and techniques of behavior analysis to design effective, evidence-based interventions across diverse populations and settings.

2. Research Proficiency and Data-Driven Decision Making: Develop and conduct rigorous research using experimental design and data analysis techniques, utilizing findings to inform practice and improve intervention strategies in applied settings.

3. Ethical and Professional Practice: Analyze ethical guidelines, cultural sensitivity, and legal standards in the delivery of behavior-analytic services, that adhere to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements.

4. Collaboration and Supervision: Lead and collaborate effectively with clients, families, and other professionals in the field, providing supervision and training that enhances the implementation of behavior-analytic practices.

5. Critical Analysis and Problem-Solving: Analyze complex behavioral challenges using theoretical and empirical foundations of ABA, developing solutions that address client needs while maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Alignment with Applicable Certification and Licensing Standards

The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at Jose Maria Vargas University is designed to align with the coursework requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for eligibility to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) examination.

Licensing Considerations

• While licensure is not required in every state, the program provides the academic foundation necessary for licensure in jurisdictions that regulate behavior analysis independently of the BACB.

• Students intending to practice in states with licensing boards are encouraged to consult the relevant state regulations to ensure full compliance with additional requirements.

Fieldwork Requirements

• The program does not include BACB-required supervised fieldwork hours.

• However, students receive academic guidance on how to secure appropriate supervision independently, in alignment with BACB standards for supervised experience.

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