Master’s Degree in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

Available Fall 2025 

Discover How a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Can Help Shape Your Future

Are you ready to take your passion for helping others to the next level? With Liberty University’s residential Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), you can prepare to make a difference in the lives of those around you. Whether you’re looking to work with individuals with developmental disabilities or other behavioral challenges, this degree can help you explore the tools and hands-on experience to grow both professionally and personally.

Imagine working alongside professionals, applying what you’ve studied to help individuals live more fulfilling lives. With every step in your academic journey, you can grow not just as a student but as a person of faith, developing skills that reflect the values of service and compassion.

Here, you won’t just study theories. You can be in the field, gaining real-world experience through supervised practicum hours. Liberty’s commitment to a Christ-centered education means you will explore how to apply behavioral principles while embodying the fruits of the Spirit, serving others in a way that honors faith. This on-campus program is our first to combine rigorous ABA coursework with this kind of direct training.

By the time you graduate, you can be ready to pursue credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and step into a role where you can help make a lasting impact. Partner with us and discover how Liberty’s master’s degree in ABA can help you turn your calling into a career!

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Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s in ABA Degree?

At Liberty University, you’ll get the chance to study on our beautiful campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, while being part of a caring, Christian community. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so you can trust that your degree meets high academic standards. 

But there’s more to Liberty than just academics. Our campus is full of opportunities for you to get involved, make new friends, and grow in your faith. Whether you’re interested in sports, the arts, or student government, there’s a club or activity for you. Liberty offers over 150 student clubs, including service groups, professional organizations, and special interest clubs like Club Psych, which gives you the chance to connect with others in your field, attend conferences, and gain extra experience. 

In your free time, you can enjoy Liberty’s impressive recreational facilities, like our 75-mile trail system for hiking and biking or our LaHaye Recreation and Fitness Center, where you can work out, swim, or join a fitness class. Our campus events, including concerts, Convocation, and spiritual life activities, provide plenty of opportunities for you to stay active and engaged while you’re earning your degree. Check out this page to find out more ways you can have fun on campus and schedule your graduate tour today!  

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What Will You Learn in Our Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis?

In our MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, you can gain an understanding of how behavior works and how to apply scientific principles to bring about meaningful changes. The program begins by introducing you to the foundational concepts of behavior analysis, where you’ll study how to assess and measure behavior effectively. You’ll explore the core principles that guide behavior modification, helping you understand why people behave the way they do and how to create interventions that bring about positive change.

As you progress, the program dives deeper into advanced techniques for behavior change. You’ll study step-by-step procedures for developing behavior plans and using evidence-based strategies to support individuals with different challenges. This knowledge can help empower you to create personalized plans that can improve communication, social skills, and daily living activities for those you work with.

In addition to exploring behavior modification, you’ll study data collection, measurement, and experimental design skills. You can discover how to analyze behavioral data to track progress and make data-driven decisions.

One of the unique features of the program is the focus on ethics and professional standards. You’ll explore the ethical guidelines for working in the field of behavior analysis and study how to maintain a high level of professionalism. This training can help prepare you to handle complex situations with integrity.

Our ABA master’s degree program also includes specialized training in verbal behavior, giving you insight into how language develops and how it can be shaped or improved. This is especially important for working with individuals who have communication difficulties, as you’ll study techniques to help them express themselves more effectively.

Throughout our master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, we emphasize hands-on experience, giving you opportunities to apply what you’ve studied in real-world settings through supervised fieldwork. By the time you graduate, you can be prepared to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam and pursue credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon) and check out our featured courses below for more information!

Featured Courses