Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- Three letters of reference from professors and/or employers who know the applicant well
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- One-page narrative describing the applicant’s experiences, training, and interest in Applied Behavior Analysis and in the Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at USF.
Specific Procedures
The primary assumption underlying admission to the major is that every student accepted is capable (a) of successfully completing his or her respective program and (b) of performing competently in the field as an Applied Behavior Analyst. Applicants are selected based on their potential to benefit from the major and their potential to contribute both to the Major and the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Within the admissions process, a culturally diverse student body is actively recruited, and applicants of academic and professional promise are not systematically excluded on the basis of race, ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, lifestyle, sexual orientation, or physical handicap. The admissions process is selective, but flexible–all pertinent data submitted for consideration will be evaluated as an entire package. The evaluation process, however, does involve both academic and interpersonal considerations. The profession of Applied Behavior Analysis requires that the practitioner possess personal characteristics as well as academic and technical competencies, and the admissions process attempts to evaluate both these areas.
Admission to the major is based on
- past academic work in Applied Behavior Analysis or related field,
- a CV outlining relevant work, volunteer, and extracurricular experience in applied behavior analysis;
- letters of recommendation; and
- a statement of ABA interests, and professional goals.
Students may apply, after conferral or anticipated conferral of their Bachelor’s degree. Applications should be submitted by the posted deadline to be considered for application in the following fall term. Late applications will be considered if space in the major is available.
For further Admissions Information, please visit Graduate Admissions.
A decision about each applicant’s candidacy is made by the Graduate Director based on the strength of the applicant’s record and his/her:
- Academic record and experiences as an undergraduate
- Career goals and their compatibility with those of the Major
- Potential for successful completion of the Major
- Sensitivity to the needs of potential client populations
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills, both oral and written
NOTE: The Graduate Director reserves the right to contact all references identified by the candidate.
Curriculum Requirements
Total Minimum Hours - 45 hours
- Shared Core Requirements – 18 Credit Hours
- Additional Required Courses - 11 Credit Hours
- Thesis – 8 Credit Hours
- Practicum – 8 Credit Hours
This is a cohort model with students completing Major in a face-to-face format on-campus. All courses must be earned with a grade of “B-” or better.
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