Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis

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Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Certificates / Endorsements

Meets coursework requirements for two certifications—Registered Behavior Technician and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Prepares you for an impactful career in behavioral health, such as providing services to individuals diagnosed with autism

02

Positions you to pursue licensure, which is required by most states including Mississippi

03

Provides dedicated pathway to MSU's graduate ABA program, which provides required coursework for credentialing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

04

Offers distinctive coursework designed to equip you with both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience

05

Launched in fall 2025, helps meet a growing, nationwide demand and builds on the success of our ABA minor and graduate program

Core
Skills

  • A solid foundation in the principles of behavior analysis, including behavior assessment, intervention strategies and data-based decision-making
  • Analyzing and interpreting behavioral data to inform treatment planning
  • Strong communication skills for working with clients, families and interdisciplinary teams

Sample
Jobs

  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
  • Behavior Interventionist
  • Behavior Specialist
  • Behavioral Consultant
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Local school systems
  • ABA clinics
  • Hospitals/medical clinics
  • Residential care facilities
  • In-home services

Brag
Points

  • One of only a few undergraduate ABA programs in the U.S.
  • One of only a few universities in the world to offer certification pathways in the field at each level, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Experiential Learning Opportunities

- Faculty research labs
- T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability
- Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic (ADDC)
- Imaginarium Creativity & STEAM Discovery Center
- Pediatric Feeding Lab
- ACCESS Program
- Local school systems
- Local ABA clinics

Spotlight

A unique highlight of the program is the experiential learning opportunity, where you'll gain supervised, hands-on training working directly with individuals across various age groups and abilities in settings such as local school systems, campus clinics and community organizations. This practical training, combined with the opportunity to pair ABA studies with related fields such as psychology or education, prepares you for success in graduate programs or careers in behavioral health, education and human services.

Applied Behavior Analysis

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

General Ed Curriculum

2nd Year

General Ed Curriculum Continued
ABA 4113 - Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA 4103 - ABA for Behavior Technicians
EPY 2513 - Human Growth and Development
ABA 4223 - Applications of ABA
ABA 4443 - Basics of Single Subject Design
EDX 3213 - Foundations of Special Education
PSY 3343 - Psychology of Learning

3rd Year

Other Core and Elective Requirements 
ABA 4493 - Behavioral Assessment
ABA 4603 - Ethics in ABA
ABA 4303 - ABA in Education
EPY 3513 - Behavioral Science Writing
ABA 4893 - Supervised Experiential Learning in ABA
ABA 4703 - Theory and Philosophy of ABA
ABA 4663 - Organizational Behavior Management
EPY 4513 - Educational Research

4th Year

Other Core and Elective Requirements
ABA 4893 - Supervised Experiential Learning in ABA
ABA 4773 - Advanced Topics in ABA
ABA 4903 - Undergrad Capstone in ABA

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Get involved in the Behavior Analysis Student Organization (BASO) on campus to build your network, gain deeper insight into the field and collaborate with others who share your interests.

2nd Year

Explore summer jobs and experience related to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), either independently or with the help of your advisor and the Career Center. Take on leadership roles in student associations to build relevant skills. 

3rd Year

Seek leadership roles in BASO. Work with your advisor to secure opportunities to complete your supervised experience. 

4th Year

Identify any skill gaps and seek out volunteer work or related job opportunities to strengthen those areas. Schedule a final meeting with your advisor to ensure you're on track for graduation and to plan your next steps. Start applying to graduate programs if applicable.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Volunteer on or off campus with community organizations, such as MSU's T.K. Martin Center, Pediatric Feeding Lab, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic, local school systems and others to gain hands-on experience and give back to the community.

2nd Year

Gain valuable insight and hands-on experience by working alongside faculty in active research labs. These opportunities allow you to contribute to real-world projects while deepening your understanding of research methods and your field of study.

3rd Year

Continue building valuable clinical and transferable skills by volunteering in specialized settings like the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic and Pediatric Feeding Lab. Ongoing involvement in these environments provides practical experience and enhances your ability to work effectively with all populations. 

4th Year

Attend student conferences and connect with ABA-related alumni to expand your professional network and explore potential job opportunities.

Explore the World

1st Year

Investigate the multiple study abroad opportunities available during the academic year to travel throughout Europe and learn about the development and history of psychology in various countries including England, Spain and Greece. One 3-credit-hour study abroad course will satisfy a requirement within the curriculum.

2nd Year

Explore study abroad opportunities at MSU. Attend a study abroad fair or self-enroll in the free Study Abroad 101 Canvas course.

3rd Year

Consider and prepare for study abroad opportunities. (not required)

4th Year

Take advantage of study abroad opportunities. (not required)

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Meet with your advisor for initial guidance and identify your Career Center liaison. Explore the Career Center website. Job shadow professionals in potential career paths to begin developing the skills needed for success.

2nd Year

Connect with ABA professionals and alumni to learn from their experiences. Job shadow in various potential roles to further develop your skills. Schedule a meeting with your advisor or the Career Center for additional support and guidance. Attend Career Center events, workshops and information sessions, including ones on professional dress and writing cover letters. Create/update your resume tailored to your accomplishments and skills.

3rd Year

Work with your advisor to identify potential field experience opportunities. Build transferable skills by taking on leadership roles in student organizations and other activities. Develop an action plan for post-graduation goals. Participate in mock interviews. Begin researching/applying to graduate schools.

4th Year

Finalize plans for graduate school and/or employment. Attend conferences to gain field experience and strengthen employability skills. Collaborate with your advisor to fine-tune a strong resume and participate in workshops to enhance your interview skills. Meet with your Career Center liaison about job search strategies, navigating job offers, etc. Apply for jobs or graduate schools.

Student
Testimonial

"Applied behavior analysis allows me to turn a personal passion into a meaningful impact. As an ABA major, my interest in this field was sparked by my brothers who have developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. This major allows me to advocate for individuals like them and their families through evidence-based care.”
-Maggie Stevens
Applied Behavior Analysis | Walnut Grove, Mississippi

Learn More

Plan of StudyCurriculum OutlineCurriculum Outline (online program)Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations WebsiteCollege of Education WebsiteApply to MSU