Online Master of Arts in Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis

Why Truman’s Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis Program?

No pre-requisite courses to start this program.

Our Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed to take you from where you are all the way to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 24 credit hours (certificate route) or 42 credit hours (master’s route).

Our Disability Studies master’s will help you stand out as a BCBA.

Our program approaches the field of Applied Behavior Analysis with a quality care, best-practices lens. With an emphasis on Disability Studies, you’ll be better equipped to support clients by demonstrating an understanding of the social, cultural, and political aspects of disabilities. This additional perspective truly supports a comprehensive person-centered approach to treatment.

You have options that work for you.

Whether you’re interested in getting a master’s degree or a certificate because you already have a master’s, we’ll help set you up in the program that’s right for you.

Our degree program is designed for working professionals so you can keep your job and still complete this program.

Our online program allows you to set up appointments with faculty or do your coursework around the clock, so you can tackle your program from anywhere.

Our program is flexible in it’s design and offerings.

Our courses meet live only three times a term. This model allows students to engage in meaningful discussions regarding course content and connect with their peers and instructor. Class times are scheduled to align with student availability and occur after traditional work hours. Our students appreciate the flexibility of a mostly asynchronous online experience with regular support from their instructor.

Our students receive support in their internship placements. If you’re currently in a field where you can complete your internship without switching jobs or experiences, lots of students are able to make their internship happen at their current job. We’ll help you out either way.

Our cost.

Our tuition is competitive with most online ABA programs and has the additional perks of more specialized courses and better student support to make sure you’re well-prepared for your next steps after graduation.

Tuition is currently estimated at $18,544 for a master’s degree and $11,712 for the certificate (estimates based on 23-24 academic year program tuition; tuition is subject to change). A complete breakdown of estimated costs per year for graduate students can be found at Graduate Cost of Attendance.

FAQs

Brooke Beahan“The Applied Behavior Analysis program at Truman has allowed me to expand my knowledge in behavior change and to recognize the importance of social significance. Truman is preparing me to significantly change lives in a positive way. I am excited for the future and becoming a future BCBA.”
—Brooke Beahan, Class of 2025
You can check how our program works for state authorization here. We update our state authorization page with updates regularly so you don’t have to worry.
You’ll want to apply by August 1 to be considered for our next program start date, on August 16, 2023.
Admission is made on a rolling basis but is limited to 24 students per cohort. Apply early for priority consideration. New cohorts start each fall. Once a given cohort is full you will be asked to defer until the following term.
Because there are not pre-requisite courses required to start either program your other credentials (Registered Behavior Technician, Nursing, etc.) are helpful for discussions, but won’t start you further along in the program.
While we’re unable to offer direct program assistance, we encourage students to explore outside resources to assist in lowering the cost of attendance. See Financial Resources for Graduate Studies.
While there are some bachelor’s programs that help you become a BCaBA, the program at Truman State University focuses on training graduate-level behavior analyst.

  • Online application
  • Personal statement
  • Official transcripts
  • Background check
  • Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA

Click this link. It should only take 15 minutes or so to complete. We’ll follow up if we need anything else from you.
Dr. Chris Rosado, PhD, BCBA-D, Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Behavior Analysis Program is our go-to for all things regarding either program, courses, and experiences within either program. You can contact him at crosado@truman.edu.

Allison Gus is our resident expert for application and admission review questions. You can contact her at gradinfo@truman.edu.