Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis Online

This online graduate program gives you the knowledge and credentials to work in schools, institutions, community agencies, or independent practice as an educational advocate for students on the autism spectrum.

Apply by 1/3/25
Start class 1/13/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

What our online autism and applied behavior analysis master's program offers

Develop the skills and know-how to use applied behavior analysis for children with autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral problems with the Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis. This 100% online program provides the foundation for working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is designed to teach you how to implement scientific-based techniques and strategies that encourage positive behavior change.

Study the principles of behavior analysis as applied to curriculum, methodology, and the management of students with disabilities. Learn how to design, conduct, interpret, and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. has approved our verified course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

Note: Supervised experience must be completed before you will be eligible to sit for the exam. Supervision requirements change from time to time. Please see the latest supervision requirements.

In this online autism master's program, you will:

  • Study the history and evolution of ASD and learn how to identify the characteristics of individuals with ASD
  • Examine case studies that present ethical dilemmas as you review legal issues and ethical decision-making processes
  • Learn and apply advanced principles of behavior management, including measurement systems, functional behavior assessment, schedules of reinforcement, etc., in order to create and implement proactive behavior intervention plans
In this online autism master's program, you will:+
  • Study the history and evolution of ASD and learn how to identify the characteristics of individuals with ASD
  • Examine case studies that present ethical dilemmas as you review legal issues and ethical decision-making processes
  • Learn and apply advanced principles of behavior management, including measurement systems, functional behavior assessment, schedules of reinforcement, etc., in order to create and implement proactive behavior intervention plans

What can I do with a master’s in autism and applied behavior analysis?

  • Behavioral Specialist
  • Independent Practitioner
What can I do with a master’s in autism and applied behavior analysis?+
  • Behavioral Specialist
  • Independent Practitioner
+

Online education programs also available:

Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of graduate education programs online. Check out our other quality online education programs.

Some programs may be TEACH Grant eligible. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.*

Total Tuition $14,124
Program Duration As few as 18 months
Credit Hours 33

Accreditation

CAEP Accredited

The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 800-985-7215

Call 800-985-7215

Tuition

Discover the value of our low-cost tuition

The M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis online program features the same affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Required Fees Total Program with Fees
M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Autism $412 $528 $14,124

Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.

Tuition Breakdown:

Total Tuition $14,124
Per Credit Hour $412

BCBA

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. has approved our verified course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.

Calendar

When to apply, when classes start, when tuition is due

With six start dates a year, the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis online program is flexible and convenient. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines.

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment Due
Spring 11/13/251/3/251/7/251/10/251/13/25
Spring 23/17/253/5/253/10/253/14/253/17/25
Summer 15/12/254/30/255/5/255/9/255/12/25
Summer 26/30/256/18/256/23/256/27/256/30/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 1/3/25
Class Starts 1/13/25
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Admissions

Qualifications for our online ASD teaching program

The admission process is the first step toward earning your autism & applied behavior analysis master’s online.

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
  • 2.75 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Valid teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent
View all admission requirements +

M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis Online Admission Requirements

  • Complete online application for admission
  • Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
    • If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institution(s)
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (general test) taken within the past five years
    • The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and for applicants who have already earned a master's degree from an accredited institution
  • Teaching Certificate: Submit a copy of current teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent. New teachers in Kentucky may submit a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility.
  • Teacher as Leader Admission Agreement: Print, sign, and submit the Teacher as Leader Admission Agreement to the Office of Graduate Education
  • Supplemental application

Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:

NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

[email protected]

Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.

Courses

Dive into the online autism and applied behavior analysis master’s program curriculum

In order to earn the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis online, students must complete 13 courses for a total of 33 credit hours. This includes 15 hours of core courses and 18 hours of concentration courses through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.

Expand All
Students must take the following courses:
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to school leadership. Students will engage in a thorough investigation of contemporary leadership research, scholarship, theory, and practice. This course will introduce the concept of “transformative” change in schools, classrooms, and in individuals. Participants will create personal and professional growth plans to enhance their effectiveness.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to education research enabling candidates to become effective consumers and users of research in education. It will improve candidates’ ability to apply research findings appropriately in school settings and will lay a foundation for an original action research project.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Research, theory, policy, and practice in multicultural and diversity education; recognizing race, class, gender, learning, and linguistic diversity within home, schools, and community settings; developing and demonstrating culturally relevant and responsive approaches to meeting the needs of students.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Orientation to the Master of Arts in Education program including graduate policies and procedures, selection of a specialization/endorsement, advising services, certification, educator dispositions, professional behaviors, online learning, and the action research sequence.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Research-based best practices and models of instructional design to meet the needs of all learners in a school setting.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Methods and skills needed to design, conduct, interpret and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools through data driven decision making; develop a research proposal related to a specific P-12 educational issues, secure permission from a local educational agency to conduct research, comply with regulations related to human subjects research, and develop an implementation plan for the proposed research project. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 690.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Methods and skills needed to design, conduct, interpret and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools through data driven decision making; develop a research proposal related to a specific P-12 educational issues, secure permission from a local educational agency to conduct research, comply with regulations related to human subjects research, and develop an implementation plan for the proposed research project. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 689 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 0.5
This course examines various aspects of conducting applied educational research. Students will complete a research project addressing a specific educational issue leading to enhanced P-12 student learning, including data analysis, written summary of research findings, and present their findings to faculty and peers. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 692.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 0.5
This course examines various aspects of conducting applied educational research. Students will complete a research project addressing a specific educational issue leading to enhanced P-12 student learning, including data analysis, written summary of research findings, and present their findings to faculty and peers. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 691 is taken.
Students must take the following courses:
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Understanding the fundamental concepts and principles that underlie behavior analysis. The course aims to provide comprehensive knowledge about the core foundations of behavior analysis.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the issues and applications of applied behavior analysis in applied settings (e.g., classrooms, homes, group homes and residential facilities). Candidates will review ABA principles and will select acquisition and reduction goals for behavior change based on assessment data; write specific programs for these goals; and combine their programs into a comprehensive intervention plan.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The focus of this course is research in applied behavior analysis. Topics include the issues and procedures for conducting single subject research including data collection, behavior change methods and an overview and application of various single subject research designs.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will cover the ethical responsibilities required of applied behavior analysts: including informed consent, protection of confidentiality, and selection of least intrusive, least restrictive behavior change procedures. Candidates will examine case studies which present ethical dilemmas and will review legal issues and the ethical decision making processes.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 652.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 651 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Theoretical perspectives, measurement systems, ecological inventories, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 656.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Theoretical perspectives, measurement systems, ecological inventories, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 655 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides guidance on using Behavioral Skills Training (BST) for teaching others to identify and address problem behaviors through evidence-based procedures grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), including data collection and analysis. By the course's end, participants will grasp effective ABA supervision, create a professional ePortfolio, enhance understanding of addressing challenging behaviors, and explain foundational ABA concepts clearly to non-specialists.

*The maximum grant amount can vary by year. TEACH Grants are available to qualified applicants and require approved recipients to sign a service agreement for certain teaching service obligations for four academic years. If obligations are not met within eight years after graduation, the grant will turn into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with all accrued interest from the date of disbursement. For more information, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach or contact the NKU Financial Aid Office.

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