Master of Arts in Disability Studies-Applied Behavior Analysis

Online Master of Arts in Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis

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Quick Facts (PDF)

Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center

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The Master of Arts in Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis is an online degree program that allows you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to become a caring, competent, and culturally aware practitioner of applied behavior analysis. This program prepares you for a career working alongside neurodiverse individuals — including people diagnosed with autism — and their families.

Comprehensive online curriculum
Three live sessions per term
Engaging and interactive asynchronous content
Internship
Preparation for certification exam
Completed in two years as full-time
Focus on Cultural Awareness

Our program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements by the Behavior Analytic Certification Board (BACB) for those pursuing the [BCBA/BCaBA] Pathway 2 eligibility route. Our program has a qualified Pathway 2 Program Contact, Dr. Maryellen Jensen, who can submit the Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation for applicants who are applying for certification on or after January 1, 2026.

The program has been found eligible to apply for recognition (for Tiers 2a-4b) by the ABAI in the Tiered Model of Education.

The Master of Arts degree in Disability Studies – Applied Behavior Analysis follows a cohort model. Applicants will need to complete supervised fieldwork before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. For more information regarding the complete requirements to become eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

For information on State licensure requirements in a particular state or territory, see State Authorization.

Why Truman?

Program designed for working professionals

Combination of online classes and field experiences

Research-based cohort mode

Provides knowledge and skills to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Learn from the best

Meet the Faculty

Slide 1 - Maryellen Jensen

Dr. Maryellen Koch Jensen, Director of Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis

Dr. Jensen, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, is the Program Chair of Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst also serving as the Director of the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center at Truman State University. Her area of specialty is working with individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Jensen has been involved in the field of Developmental Disabilities and Autism for 34 years. First as a mom and a Chiropractor and then as a Special Educator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has worked with individuals from birth to 65 years old, in clinics, schools, homes, habilitation centers and now at the new Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center. Dr. Jensen earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC, her Masters of Education from Arkansas State University and her graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is Board Certified and a Licensed Behavior Analyst as well as a member of Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Dr. Jensen is a strong advocate for clients and their families, as well as students learning to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

Slide 5 - Michelle Thorn

Dr. Michelle Thorn, PhD, Adjunct Instructor

Dr. Thorn has worked in the field of ESE since 2005. She has experience in residential, home, and school settings plus at the University level. Dr. Thorn earned her undergraduate degree in psychology/criminal justice in 2005, a master's degree in criminal justice in 2007, and a master's degree in special education/autism in 2009 from the University of Central Florida. She then earned her doctorate in special education/applied behavior analysis degree in 2017 from Nova Southeastern. Her dream job was to be a profiler for the FBI. However, after graduating with her bachelor's degree, she started working in a residential school for individuals with developmental delays and fell in love with this field. She went back and earned her master's in special education with a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders and then her doctorate in special education and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Thorn has a wonderful husband, two kids, and a Labrador. Her family is an outdoor family and they love to be on their boat and go to the islands to camp or hang for the day plus go fishing and scuba diving for fun or for lobster.

Slide 6- Jessica Hinman

Dr. Jessica Hinman, PhD, BCBA, Adjunct Instructor

Dr. Hinman is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has worked within the field of ABA for over 10 years working with autistic persons and those with other developmental disabilities. Dr. Hinman received her Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and her Doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus on Disability Studies from University of Illinois Chicago. As a BCBA and researcher, her work primarily focuses on clinical behavior analytic services including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions to promote empowerment and independence in the clients she serves. While Dr. Hinman has lived in four states over the past 10 years, she now enjoys her life in the Midwest. Dr. Hinman and her husband are blessed to have their two dogs and a cat. Their greatest joy is the birth of their new child who bears the middle name of a professional wrestler.

Slide 7 - Jennifer Stam Fountain

Jennifer Stam Fountain, BCBA, LBA, Adjunct Instructor

Jennifer Fountain is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and works full time at Kirksville Primary School in addition to teaching at Truman State University. She attended William Penn University and William Woods University to earn a degree in Elementary Education in 1997, she became a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst in 2004, achieved a Masters in Elementary Administration in 2011, and she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst 2012. Originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jennifer attended undergrad at William Penn University in Iowa, and then moved to Kirksville, Missouri to begin her teaching career. She met her husband and his two children in Kirksville and they married in 2003. They enjoy their 4 children and love to travel. Jennifer with her husband and their young twins have taken many road trips all over the United States in the last several years. They also love traveling to see family in Iowa, Ohio, Maryland, and California. Her parents shared with her their love of reading books and being a life-long learner. It is her desire to share this love with her children as well. She has enjoyed teaching in Kirksville for 25 years and she is enjoying her role at Truman State University!

ABA Program—Academic Calendar

Program starts in the fall of each year. Eight-week courses offered year-round.

2026
Spring First Block	Spring Second Block	Summer Eight-Week
1/7/26-3/3/26	3/16/26-5/9/26	6/1/26-7/24/26
Fall First Block	Fall Second Block
8/12/26-10/6/26	10/12/26-12/12/26

Admission

Admission is made on a rolling basis but is limited to 24 students per cohort. Apply early for priority consideration.

Regrettably, we are unable to consider applications for fully-online programs by individuals who reside outside of the United States and its territories at this time. International applicants are still encouraged to consider our face-to-face programs located on campus in Kirksville, Missouri.

Application Requirements

Online Application

Personal Statement

Official Transcripts

Background Check

Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA

Application Guidelines

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Tuition

credit hours

$527

per credit hour

$20,026

total estimated tuition*

*Total estimated tuition based on 2025-26 academic year. Tuition subject to change.

Graduate Tuition

Financial Aid

Degree-seeking students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester are eligible for federal financial aid programs. For more information, see Financial Aid Resources for Graduate Studies or contact the Financial Aid Office at (660) 785-4130 or finaid@truman.edu.

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