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Healthcare
Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties
Applied Behavior Analysis
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis

Simmons University Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (MSBA) online

Prepare to make a lasting impact on children and adults in your community as a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), with an online MS in Behavior Analysis from the Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University.

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About the program

BCBA® exam ready: Learners complete all coursework and 2,000 hours of mentoring and supervised fieldwork required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.
Mentorship component: A Simmons-appointed BCBA mentor will provide personalized guidance and insights to supplement the skills developed during fieldwork.
BCBA education leaders: Simmons has been a leader in the field of behavior analysis for more than 20 years. Learners who graduate from this program become part of an ongoing legacy.

About Simmons University

Simmons University was founded in 1899 with one mission: to help learners build successful careers and lead meaningful lives. This mission continues with the online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program. Today, learners across the country can train to become effective BCBAs with Simmons, and pay it forward by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The curriculum and course sequence are verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International® and meet all the requirements for the BCBA® examination.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

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Practice-based curriculum

The 42-credit BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons curriculum explores the science behind behavior analytic principles and teaches learners how to apply them to a wide array of real-world applications. Simmons’ renowned faculty go beyond teaching strategies for behavior change — they guide learners through the powerful science of behavior, empowering them to become data-based designers and evaluators of behavior-change programs. Learners graduate prepared to pursue management or director roles in a variety of settings such as special education, autism services, behavioral medicine, and organizational behavior management. Featured courses include:

Behavioral Assessment: Learn how to conduct a functional behavioral assessment including planning, taking data, interpreting data, composing narrative reports, and establishing rapport with clients.
Methodologies for Behavior Change II: Study the foundational procedures and protocols to accelerate and decelerate behavior changes in clients.
Verbal Behavior: Explore research on and practical applications of the analysis of verbal behavior.

Admissions

BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. To complete an application, you will need to submit:

Current résumé
One essay
Official transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
TOEFL scores (if applicable)
GRE scores (optional)

Supervised fieldwork and mentorship

BehavorAnalysis@Simmons combines supervised fieldwork with a mentoring requirement, ensuring that learners gain the real-world experience they need to become effective behavior analysts.

Learners complete 10 credits of mentoring courses, 90 minutes per week of rigorous individual and group mentoring sessions, and 2,000 hours of supervised field work at a Simmons-approved clinical site in or near their community.

Learners work with a Simmons-appointed BCBA mentor throughout the mentorship and fieldwork components of the program. During weekly mentoring sessions, learners discuss techniques and best practices, and reflect on how to incorporate these strategies into their fieldwork experience.