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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology
female psychologist with patient

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Pepperdine University’s on-campus Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students to become board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®) while providing them with a thorough understanding of how to utilize applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques to enrich lives.

Featuring in-person coursework at Pepperdine's West Los Angeles campus, students learn the skills necessary to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings, including education, developmental disabilities, autism, residential supports, and rehabilitation. They also learn how ABA can be used for organizational behavior management (OBM). 

MSABA students gain in-person experience and BCBA supervision while working at approved clinical sites while attending a practicum course, wherein they discuss their clinical cases and receive feedback.

For more information, view the BACB exam pass-rate data. Pass-rate data are not published for verified course sequences within their first four years of operation.

Employing the practitioner-scholar model of professional training, a rigorous theoretical study is paired with in-depth clinical training where students will accrue experience hours working alongside professional behavior analysts, helping patients to develop adaptive skills for optimal functioning in educational, family, social, and occupational roles.

*As of January 1, 2023, the BACB no longers provides certification outside of the U.S. and Canada. If you are considering certification outside of the U.S. or Canada, please see updates about BACB global certification.

Program Benefits

Reputable Program

Pepperdine University is one of the highest-ranked universities in the United States by U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities.

Values Centered

Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.

Quick Facts

Format: Evening
Terms: Fall
Location: West Los Angeles
Length: 20 months / 37 units
Tuition: $1,510 per unit

 

 

50+ Clinical Practicum Sites

With over 50 high-quality site partners, ABA students experience hands-on clinical practice as a signature component of a comprehensive approach to preparing behavior analysts. 

 

Verified Course Sequence (VCS)*

Verified Course Sequence (VCS) Program by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

 

Convenient Evening Format

Evening format class schedules to accommodate working professionals.

 

Meet Fieldwork Requirements

Students currently working in an ABA-based setting can meet fieldwork requirements at the site of their current employment.

 

No GRE or Standardized Tests Required

We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.

 

Networking Opportunities

through our alumni network with more than 20,000 professionals.


50+

Clinical Practicum Sites

6

Units Of Supervised Field Placement

1

Start Term in the Fall

20

Program May Be Completed In Only 20 Months

12:1

GSEP Student:Faculty Ratio

14

GSEP Average Class Size

$7K+

Scholarships Available

*The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. View the verified course content hours here.

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program.

Get in Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.

Attend an Info Session

Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.

Start Your Application

Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.

 

Deadlines

MAR
26
Fall Term 2024: Priority Application Submit - Submit the application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $3,000 scholarship.

 

 

partnership

Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement

The MSABA and GSEP psychology division stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.


curriculum

Curriculum Overview

Designed for both working professionals and full-time students alike, the ABA degree program provides a thorough understanding of the concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). 

This program provides the breadth and depth of topics, theory, and practicum needed to become a highly competent and compassionate board-certified behavior analyst.

Upon graduation and completion of all necessary experience hours, students will be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.


female therapist with child

Expand Your Career Possibilities

There is an increasingly high demand for behavior analysts with BCBA credentials, particularly in behavioral health care, educational services, and social services. After earning your degree, you may pursue certification and employment in a variety of roles.


scholarships form

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.

GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.

The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities. 

To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator

Alumni and Faculty Spotlight

"I was under the impression that going into a master’s program; I would be a little more isolated, doing work on my own, just completing a degree. I was met with a community of professors, faculty members, and students who all worked together to get each other to our licensure exams. They’re some of the most meaningful relationships and friendships I’ve made to date." - Azizull Dhadwall, Alumni

What Our Alumni Are Saying

 

Svetlana Danielyan headshot

"My relationship with the faculty was excellent. I felt very supported as a student. They guided me and modeled pivotal skills that a clinician would have."

-Svetlana Danielyan, MS in ABA '20

Azizull Dhadwall headshot

"If you're really interested in understanding behavior in a scientific way and an applied way in terms of how you can use it almost every day, this is a program for you."

-Azizull Dhadwall, MS in ABA '17

Why Pepperdine

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

 

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

  Passion and Purpose Driven

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

  Reputable University

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

 

  Distinguished Faculty

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.
  Alumni Network

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.
  Student and Career Support

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.
  Veteran and Military Support

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

 

 

Accreditations and Recognitions

wasc logo

vcs logo

bhcoe logo

AICCU logo

US News National Universities 2024

US News Best Collages Veterans 2024

Yellow Ribbon Program logo

Contact Us

Gary Younger Headshot

Gary Younger
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP

310.568.2334
Email 
Schedule a Phone Appointment

Take The Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program.