Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Applied Behavior Analysis, MS


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” Currently accepting students for Summer and Fall 2022. “

For students with an interest in a career in the field of applied behavior analysis.  Behavior analysis is a science and there are a variety of interventions based in the principles of behavior analysis.  Behavior analysts assess challenging behavior using research based functional behavior assessment methods.  They develop function based interventions and prevent and replace challenging behavior.  Behavior analysts also focus on the learning process and increasing student achievement across all areas of education and social/emotional learning.  Behavior analysts may work in a center, clinic or home-based settings. Behavior analysts also work with adolescents and adults with autism and related disorders with a focus on increasing functional skills as appropriate. The behavior analyst develops learning plans and behavior intervention plans that are based in evidence-based methods and have continuous data collection and monitoring. Behavior analysis is an evidence-based and data driven field which uses empirically supported methods to make socially significant changes. 

Students completing this online program are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) examination if they meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements. Behavior Analysis License applicants must also meet additional requirements as outlined by NYS Education Department

This is a 37 credit program and includes a practicum course. The program goal is to develop ethical scholar-practitioners who will be committed to providing behavior analytic services to individuals with autism and related disorders in a variety of settings.

Admissions Requirements


Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet the GPA requirement but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.​

  1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an approved human services field.
  2. A completed application form to the master’s program
  3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or it’s equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
  4. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the field of applied behavior analysis.  
  5. A written personal statement of professional intent.
  6. Interview with a faculty member.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 37


A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading to the master of science in applied behavior analysis degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Courses in which students receive grades below C- confer no credit toward the graduate degree but are included in determining grade point average.

Reflective Practice - Semester Hours: 3


Admission by permission of the graduate program director and application to the Office of Field Placement and the Department of Specialized Programs in Education, due on May 1 for the succeeding spring semester and February 15 for the succeeding fall semester. Application forms are available in Hagedorn Hall, Room 230.

Field Experiences Before Practicum


Students must complete the following fieldwork requirements. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement and the Special Education program director.​

                20 clock hours in a setting with students with autism.

                20 clock hours in a setting implementing methods of applied behavior analysis.

Practicum


Students will qualify for admission to Practicum SPED 222 when they have satisfied the following requirements:

  1. Successful completion of 27 semester hours of core course work, including all courses from Phase I and II;
  2. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate course work and all special education core courses.

Note:  In order to apply to NYS for licensure, fieldwork will be required as per the current state regulations regarding licensure. 

Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of 37 s.h. with no fewer than 25 s.h. in-residence.
  2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
  3. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Licensure Requirements


Upon the successful completion of a Hofstra state-approved behavior analyst program, students are eligible for New York State licensure.

In addition to coursework students must complete the Child Abuse Training in the Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law. 

Fingerprinting
Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, the Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE), requires that applicants for teaching and administrative and pupil services personnel certification and prospective employees of covered schools (school districts, charter schools and BOCES) must undergo fingerprint supported criminal history background check. However, many school districts and institutions across the metropolitan New York area are now requiring that all student teachers, observers, interns or externs receive fingerprint clearance before they are placed in educational settings that are required for this degree program. Therefore, we recommend that you apply for fingerprint clearance upon acceptance to the program. Fingerprint clearance is also required for New York state certification. For information on how to register to be fingerprinted, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/colleges/soeahs/CESS/cess_requirements_fingerprints.html.

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