Behavior Analysis Master's Degree
Now accepting students for fall 2025
Turn Your Passion for Helping Others Into a Purpose-Driven Career
As the need for compassionate, skilled behavior analysts continues to grow, Salve Regina University's master’s program in behavior analysis empowers you to turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful and impactful career. Designed to support your personal growth and professional advancement, this program opens doors to upward mobility, expanded career opportunities and lasting job satisfaction.
In this program, you will build a strong foundation in behavior analysis, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Additionally, our practicum placements across the region provide real-world experience, preparing you to become a confident, skilled practitioner.
Program Features
14 courses offered as evening classes at our Newport campus. Average completion time of 21 months.
Rooted in our mercy mission, Salve trains compassionate practitioners dedicated to uplifting every individual and promoting a more just society.
Salve’s master’s degree program in behavior analysis is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board.
Salve has an 86% pass rate - the highest 2024 pass rate of any behavior analysis program in the Northeast.
Learn By Doing
Following a scientist-practitioner approach, our program features exceptional opportunities to conduct mentored research, practice clinical skills in supervised settings and participate in unique hands-on experiences.
Upon graduation, you will:
- Use the principles of behavior analysis along with behavior-analytic research designs to conduct thorough assessments and implement effective and socially valid treatment with populations of need.
- Identify, evaluate and implement useful recommendations from behavior-analytic research.
- Discover a toolkit to become a contributor and leader in your prospective organization and career.
- Gain the foundational coursework and knowledge required to pursue BCBA certification.
Advance Your Career With Accelerated and Ph.D. Options
Our program offers a pathway to a Ph.D. in behavior analysis, as well as an accelerated option for Salve undergraduates who wish to begin graduate-level courses in their senior year.
Accredited for Excellence
"Our program is ABAI accredited. It's a very rigorous and standards-based accreditation process, so that is a huge indication of the quality of our program. We focus on the scientific repertoire necessary to implement effective procedures, but also develop the critical thinking skills to evaluate and adapt procedures based on clients' needs." - Dr. Cody Morris, assistant professor and program director
Prepare for BCBA Certification and Licensure
Students who are interested in a career in behavior analysis should be aware of the two credentials that are often required to practice applied behavior analysis – the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential and the Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) license.
The BCBA credential is a nationally recognized professional credential focused on discipline-specific professional standards. The LBA credential is a state-established credential that is related to specific state regulations on the practice of applied behavior analysis. Each state varies in terms of whether it requires licensure to practice and what makes someone eligible for licensure. However, most states require the BCBA certification for licensure.
Our program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International to provide the coursework needed to obtain the BCBA credential and our classes and embedded practicum experiences help students develop the technical skills needed to prepare for the BCBA exam.
Alumni Making Waves
Sofia Abuin ’24, ’25 (M)
Lead behavior technician
"The opportunities and learning experiences that I have had within the behavior analysis program have greatly impacted my academic and career goals. The learning environment that the BA faculty create is supportive and invested in meaningful skill development. Further, the courses offered encourage students to ask questions and discuss topics that go beyond class objectives. I feel prepared to sit for the exam to become a board-certified behavior analyst and continue learning to conduct behavior-analytic research.”
Caitlyn Ziolkowski ’23 (M)
Board-certified behavior analyst
"Salve's program in behavior analysis provided me with opportunities to work with multiple BCBAs with diverse skill sets which allowed me to learn from dedicated individuals who all had different backgrounds to expand my education. The practicum experience allowed me the privilege to obtain a wide range of clinical experience to better prepare me for writing my own plans and goals. The classes also touched upon topics that can often be over looked and provided me with a good foundation of knowledge to build my skills off of.”
Degree Options
Master of Science in behavior analysis
Our 14-course master's degree in behavior analysis provides the coursework and practicum experience required to sit for the BCBA certification exam and prepares you for leadership roles in the field.
Through coursework, you will build a strong foundation and fluency in critical behavior analytic content, while the supervised practicum nurtures your clinical skills, preparing you for the practicalities of designing behavioral programs for clients. The curriculum offered in the behavior analysis program is a verified course sequence per the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
Meet Our Experts
Our dedicated faculty are accomplished professionals and leading experts in the field, whose interests span the scope of behavior analysis. Their clinical expertise includes assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, skill acquisition and specialized instruction, and training and supervision.
