The BGSU School of Counseling and Special Education (CSE) offers online graduate programs leading to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education and university certificates. Master’s degree specializations are available in Applied Behavior Analysis, Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Secondary Transition. Graduates are prepared to become leaders in the field and advocates for individuals with disabilities. The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program is intended for individuals interested in professional careers in education, healthcare, or other fields in which they work with children, adolescents, and/or adults who have behavioral challenges.
Information regarding Licensure, Endorsement, or Accreditation: The program provides preparation towards the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Applied Behavior Analysis program are expected to be able to:
- Examine basic behavior concepts, including behavior-analytic terms and the philosophical and defining characteristics of ABA.
- Apply fundamental elements of behavior change (i.e., procedures and systems) to socially significant behaviors.
- Complete a Functional Analysis for an individual and create programming based on the assessment results and knowledge of appropriate intervention.
- Apply the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (PECCBA) and relevant state ethical codes to issues of practice in ABA.
- Analyze educational applications of behavior analysis to areas of socially-significant behavior for populations other than individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Design a single-case design research experiment to systematically replicate findings from a study published in a peer-reviewed academic journal based on an experimental question grounded in applied behavior analysis.
- Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education through completion of the master’s capstone experience.
- Interpret research in special education.
- Apply theory to practice through field experience in special education settings.
Admission Requirements
Documents required:
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
The BGSU Graduate Special Education Program uses a holistic admissions review process. We value the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and individual perspectives applicants bring to our learning community. Every application is reviewed to gain insight into how an applicant’s academic preparation and experiences contribute to their interest and ability to be successful in BGSU’s online graduate program in special education.
The Statement of Purpose is an integral part of the application. This is your opportunity to tell the faculty about important experiences, values, and aspirations you bring to graduate study. The statement should be 300-700 words in length, adhere to APA style guidelines, and demonstrate graduate-level writing skills. A strong Statement of Purpose communicates the following:
- your motivation to pursue graduate study in Applied Behavior Analysis,
- your professional goals and why you feel our program can support you in meeting these goals,
- your personal attributes, background, and/or experiences that have prepared you for success as a graduate student.
The statement should also indicate your understanding that (a) the program does not lead to initial teacher licensure and (b) some coursework and assignments require access to people with behavior challenges.
International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.
Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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