Applied Behavior Analysis Degree (ABA)

About This Program

Applied Behavior Analysis is a well-developed discipline among the helping professions, with a mature body of scientific knowledge, established standards for evidence-based practice, distinct methods of service, recognized experience and educational requirements for practice, and identified sources of requisite education in universities. ... Based on a curriculum that addresses the behavioral theory and its real-world application, this two-year program prepares you to step into top positions in the field. Students will receive on-the-ground training in clinical settings arranged by CSUN, with faculty guidance each step of the way.

Programs Highlights

94% of CSUN's ABA graduates passed the 2023 BCBA Exam on their first attempt. That's compared to a national average of just 56%. (See BACB pass rates). CSUN ranked third internationally in pass rates of first-time test-takers in 2018.

On-campus and off-site practicum options are arranged for you so you can obtain the required supervised fieldwork hours.

Students could be eligible for paid positions with partnering agencies, federal work study, student assistantships, and more. In prior years, more than 80% of our students held at least one paid position.

Many students get hands-on experience such as working as a student assistant, presenting at conferences, or conducting research.

Upon graduating, 90% of our students have jobs in the field of Behavior Analysis.

CSUN's cohort model lets you progress through the program with the same peer group. With this format, enrollment is guaranteed in all courses, leading to exceptionally high graduation rates.

Job Outlook: Public Sector

CSUN ranks 3rd as a talent provider for occupations like Social and Community Service Managers, Chief Executives, General and Operations Managers, Legislators, Administrative Services Managers, and Managers, all other in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim.

Job Outlook: Social Services

CSUN ranks 1st as a talent provider for occupations like Social and Community Service Managers; Marriage and Family Therapists; Counselors, all other; Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Social Workers, all other; and Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim.

About the Master of Applied Behavior Analysis Program at CSUN

All courses are taught by doctoral-level faculty and feature ABAI® approved content, including curriculum in human development, psychopathology, developmental disabilities (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder), and behaviorism. The program’s course work is designed to promote the progressive development of behavior analytic skills. Upon graduating and successful completion of supervised fieldwork hours, you will be eligible to sit for the BCBA examination.*

Behavior analysts (BCBAs) focus on the direct behavioral outcomes of their interventions. They typically start by identifying current contexts that are responsible for behavioral problems, then design changes to those same contexts to promote better behavior. In doing so, the BCBA works with the people who play an active role in the context of the behavior, such as family, teachers, other caregivers, and other health care providers. Behavior analysts typically work directly with the client and caregivers to arrange practice opportunities to promote the desired behavior change.

What Do Behavior Analysts Do?

This program opens the door to a range of exciting career opportunities, including—but not limited to—the ones listed below:

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Clinical Behavior Analyst
Autism Specialist
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) Consultant
Program Coordinator or Director in ABA Agencies
Researcher in Behavior Analysis
Forensic Behavior Analyst
School Psychologists
Mental Health Therapists
Mental Health Counselors
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Outpatient Therapists

A female psychologist works with an adult boy with autism in the office.

Meet your Faculty

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Peter Adzhyan

Psy.D., L.E.P., BCBA-D

Adjunct Faculty
Off-site Clinical Practicum Supervisor

Marlesha Bell

Ph.D., BCBA

Assistant Professor of Psychology
Research and Clinical Practicum Supervisor

Chunying Jin

Ph.D., BCBA-D

Academic Director of M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Research and Clinical Practicum Supervisor

Gary Katz

Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Associate Professor of Psychology

Ellie Kazemi

Ph.D., BCBA-D

Professor of Psychology
Research and Clinical Practicum Supervisor

Debra Berry Malmberg

Ph.D., BCBA, Licensed Psychologist

Associate Professor of Psychology
Research and Clinical Practicum Supervisor

Brian Rice

M.A., BCBA

Adjunct Faculty
Off-site Clinical Practicum Supervisor

Career Connections

As a CSUN graduate, you become part of an extensive network of over 435,000 alumni—an invaluable source of support for your professional success.

CSUN's M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis graduates have built successful careers in these organizations and many others: Los Angeles Unified School District, University of California, Kaiser Permanente, Pasadena City College, Los Angeles Valley College, Santa Monica College, University of Southern California, Glendale Community College, and Los Angeles Pierce College.