Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed.

Program Overview

Elevate Your Career with Our M.Ed. in Special Education and Child Development with a Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Education in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is crafted for those seeking to advance their expertise in special education and fulfill the coursework required to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Our program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) that aligns with the 5th Edition coursework requirements set by The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, qualifying you to sit for the BCBA exam.

Program Highlights

  • 100% Online Coursework: Enjoy the flexibility of completing your 33-credit hour program entirely online. Most courses are offered in a “live” synchronous format, providing real-time interactions between instructors and students to foster a supportive learning community.
  • Specialized Instruction: Courses are tailored to discuss strategies and concepts specifically for supporting individuals with disabilities in various settings such as schools, homes, and communities.
  • Professional Faculty: Learn from distinguished faculty members who are either board certified behavior analysts or have extensive training and experience in applied behavior analysis.

Program Contact

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  • Delivery
    Online
  • Credits
    33 Credit Hours
  • Admits
    Fall, Spring & Summer

Advance your expertise with the Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. program at UNC Charlotte. Designed for educators and professionals, this program equips you with the skills to support individuals with developmental and behavioral needs. Learn evidence-based practices and prepare for BCBA certification.

Courses

The majority of coursework is offered via synchronous instructional formats. Synchronous online learning involves live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots.

Introductory Research Course (3 credit hours)

  • RSCH 6101: Research Methods (3)

Introductory Concentration Courses (6 credit hours)

  • SPED 5200: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5300: Lifespan Development for Exceptional Individuals (3)

Core Courses (15 credit hours)

  • SPED 5201: Science and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5202: Supervision and Consultation in Behavior Analytic Programming (3)
  • SPED 5203: Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
  • SPED 6502: Behavioral Assessment (3)

Research Courses (9 credit hours)

  • SPED 6694: Research Dissemination and Leadership (2)
  • RSCH 7113: Single-Case Research (3)
  • SPED 6692: Research Proposal (2)
  • SPED 6693: Research Implementation (2)
Admissions

Admissions & Requirements:

  • Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor, in special education, psychology, social work, or a related field.
  • All previous work beyond high school documenting an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale).
  • Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
  • Official agency reports of satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score (30th percentile or above).
  • At least 6 months of documented experience working with individuals with exceptionalities.
  • Three recommendations from professional educators familiar with the applicant’s personal and professional qualifications. Applicants will provide reference contact names and email addresses through the application portal.
  • A copy of resume, listing the applicant’s professional experience. 
  • An statement of purpose of no more than two pages describing the applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in applied behavior analysis.

Please note: The Applied Behavior Analysis concentration will not lead to eligibility for advanced teaching licensure.

Application

Application Deadlines: 

  • August 1 (fall)
  • December 1 (spring)
  • May 1 (summer first half term)
  • June 15 (summer second half term)

Applicants can apply via the Graduate Admissions web portal.

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Outlook

What Can You Do With the UNC Charlotte Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. program?

UNC Charlotte alumni who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts serve in diverse occupations such as:

  • School Psychologists
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Middle School Teachers
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
  • Medical Assistants

Strong salary expectations

Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, collects job and salary data from UNC Charlotte graduates. Lightcast surveyed UNC Charlotte graduates who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and found their estimated average annual salary to be $72,400.

Why UNC Charlotte?

Why Choose Our Program?

• Flexible Learning: Study from the comfort of your home or office with our fully online program.

• Interactive Community: Participate in synchronous classes that promote a collaborative learning environment, offering support and problem-solving opportunities with peers and instructors.

• Career-Ready Skills: Develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to become an effective behavior analyst, improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Tuition

*Rates are subject to change*

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».