Grad FAQs

The goal of our program is to prepare students for careers in the application of behavior-analytic principles to the behavioral habilitation of diverse populations and for careers in the experimental analysis of behavior. The program also provides the required coursework to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). This training prepares students to conduct behavioral assessments and implement evidence-based interventions in a variety of human service settings.

No. Although the graduate program in psychology is designed to train students who want to improve the lives of others, it does not provide the coursework necessary to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in the state of Alabama. Students interested in careers requiring counselor licensure should consider the master’s degree programs in Counselor Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies at Jacksonville State University.

No. We consider applications from students with a wide range of undergraduate degrees. Students without prior coursework or experience in behavior analysis may be admitted conditionally (see the Graduate Catalog for details).

Yes. Limited funding is available in the form of graduate assistantships and paid positions in some practicum settings for highly qualified students. Opportunities vary from year to year.

Graduates typically pursue positions in human service and behavioral health organizations or continue their training in doctoral programs. For examples of careers in behavior analysis, visit the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) website.

No. Students are admitted for the fall semester only.

All application materials must be received by Graduate Studies by July 15^th for fall admission. Applications completed by April 1^st receive priority consideration. Applications completed after July 15^th will be considered for admission the following year. See the Graduate Catalog for a complete list of required materials.

Visit the official GRE® website for information about test dates, locations, and registration. Please note: We do NOT require the Psychology Subject Test.

GRE® scores must be received by Graduate Studies by July 15. The GRE® must have been taken within the past five years.

There is no minimum score for conditional admission. Applicants with a combined score of 300 or higher will be considered for unconditional admission. Admission is competitive, and scores are reviewed along with all other materials.

There is no minimum GPA for conditional admission. Applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher will be considered for unconditional admission. The committee places particular emphasis on performance in behavior analysis courses, core psychology courses such as statistics and research methods, and other science/math courses.

References should come from professors or BCBA supervisors who can evaluate your academic and professional potential. At least two should be from doctoral-level faculty when possible.

• Contact information
• Education
• Research experience
• Applied/practicum experience
• Professional experience
• Presentations
• Honors and awards

You should describe:

• Why you are applying to this program
• How your background has prepared you for this program
• Your professional goals after graduation and how this program will help you attain them

1. You submit your application to Graduate Studies
2. Graduate Studies forwards your completed application to the M.S. in ABA program
3. The ABA Graduate Committee reviews the application and notifies you if you’ve been selected for an interview
4. The ABA Graduate Committee makes a recommendation to Graduate Studies following the interview
5. Graduate Studies notifies you of the decision

Note, admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of all application materials. We focus on your likelihood of success in the program and your fit with the program’s training goals.

Dr. Makenzie Bayles advises all incoming students and will email you each semester with your approved course schedule before registration.

Classes are offered in person. Each class meets one day per week Monday-Thursday from 2:00-5:00. Please note this is subject to change if needed.

No. The ABA program is a cohort-based program, meaning students enter the program together and progress through the curriculum as a group. Students do not individually select their courses. Instead, the program follows a structured sequence of courses. Students typically take three courses in the fall semester, three courses in the spring semester, and one course in the summer semester. The specific course offerings are listed below and are subject to change as needed.

Fall Semester 1^st Year

• ABA 5528 Applied Behavior Analysis I
• ABA 5508 Personnel Supervision and Management
• ABA 5505 Professional Behavior

Spring Semester 1^st Year

• ABA 5529 Applied Behavior Analysis II
• ABA 5530 Single-Subject Research Methods
• ABA 5534 Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Summer Semester 1^st Year

• ABA 5538 Ethics and Professional Development

Fall Semester 2^nd Year

• ABA 5521 Functional Assessment
• ABA 5511 Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis
• Research and Clinical Practicums

Spring Semester 2^nd Year

• ABA 5642 Translational Perspectives in Behavior Analysis
• ABA 5643 BCBA Test Content: A Comprehensive Review
• Research and Clinical Practicums

Only under limited conditions that must be approved by the ABA Graduate Program Coordinator and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Yes. We partner with several sites for practicum/fieldwork placement. The Graduate Program Coordinator will assist you with obtaining placement, but it is ultimately the student’s responsibility.

If you still have questions about our program after reviewing our website, please e-mail the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Makenzie Bayles ( mbayles@jsu.edu ).

We provide additional information about BCBA requirements at Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and you should review the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's website for up-to-date requirements.