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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology
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MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program will prepare students to become board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®)*, working with individuals with impairments such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injury.

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.

*As of January 1, 2023, the BACB will no longer be providing 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, Summer, Spring
Location: West Los Angeles
Length: 1.5-2 years / 37 units
Tuition: $1,365 per unit

 

 

50+

Clinical practicum sites

 

Verified Course Sequence (VCS)

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

 

Convenient 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

$10,000+

Scholarships Available

GRE

Not Required

Format

Evening

 

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.

Request Information

Attend an Info Session

Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.

See the Schedule

Start Your Application

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

Apply Now

 

Program Deadlines

NOV
23

Spring Term: Early Enrollment: Submit deposit and Intent to Enroll form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $2,000 scholarship.

FEB
22
Summer and Fall Terms: Early Application Form Submit: Submit the application form. Supplemental materials are not yet required. You may be eligible to receive a $4,000 scholarship.
More Information

Information Sessions

DEC
06

MS Applied Behavior Analysis Information Session: Virtual

More Sessions

 

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.

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Curriculum Overview

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


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

Course Listing
Program Learning Outcomes

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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.

Career Outcomes

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Tuition and Scholarships

Pepperdine GSEP generously offers $5,500,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving some form of financial assistance. An incoming GSEP student is eligible to be awarded up to $10,000 in Pepperdine scholarships.*

Please note: Online psychology programs are not eligible for GSEP Scholarships.

Total tuition $50,505
GSEP scholarships available -$10,000
Total tuition after GSEP scholarships $40,505

*GSEP scholarship amount is based on data from the 2019-2020 academic year and only includes new incoming students who received aid from Pepperdine within GSEP programs. Does not include other external forms of financial aid.

 

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 the #46-ranked university 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

* U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities

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.
  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 the #46-ranked university 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

* U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities

  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.

 

Accreditations and Recognitions

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Contact Us

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Gary Younger
Enrollment Officer
6100 Center Drive, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045

310.568.2334

Email

Schedule a Phone Appointment

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