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 Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 37

A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate coursework leading to the Master of Science in applied behavior analysis degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

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.

• SPED 222 - Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis  Semester Hours: 3.0

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.​

• SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders  

20 clock hours in a setting with students with autism.

• SPED 259 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Educators  

         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.