Online M.Ed. in Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning is supported via:

• Group assignments, where you will collaborate with peers to learn relevant skills via hands-on learning opportunities.
• Contributions to dynamic discussion forums, where you will be in direct communication with faculty and peers.
• Peer reviews, where you and your colleagues will support each other’s learning while also growing your own clinical and analytic skills.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor via email, discussion boards and via Zoom.
• Participate in and guide online discussions.
• Attend online office hours virtually from the comfort of your home.
• Some course instructors may also be available for in-person office hours for students on or near our Salt Lake City campus.

The mission of the University of Utah’s online ABA program is to support the professional development of behavior analysts who are skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate, and ethical through high-quality training and mentorship.

• We are committed to the continuous improvement of the science and practice of behavior analysis with a focus on socially significant behavior change.
• We believe that the effectiveness of interventions is defined by meaningful impact on the consumer and that interventions must be centered on consumer needs.
• We center social validity as a core tenet of applied behavior analysis and believe that seeking consumer feedback to inform research and practice is an essential value of the field.
• We believe in centering the autonomy of individuals with disabilities and designing interventions that promote quality of life as defined by people with disabilities and their supporters.
• We value the flexibility of applied behavior analysis and the application of behavioral principles to meet the needs of consumers from all backgrounds through contextually relevant practice.
• We are committed to the ethical and compassionate practice of applied behavior analysis, centering well-being and positive behavioral supports in our research and in our practice.
• We acknowledge harm when caused and work with consumers to improve our field and our practice to avoid future harm.

Professional Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from the College of Education. 

All courses at the University of Utah, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members. 

You must meet the following requirements for eligibility in UOnline’s special education ABA program:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA. 
• Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor before applying. 
• Related human service experience (paid or volunteer) is strongly recommended prior to applying. 

The University of Utah’s online ABA program is a full-time, two-year program requiring 36 graduate credits. To graduate, you must fulfill the following degree requirements:

• Earn a grade of "C" or higher in all coursework
• Complete four semesters of supervised practicum experience
• Submit a Thesis Equivalent Project

The course of study for BCBA certification (PDF) builds foundational knowledge in year one and advances to more complex coursework in year two.

view program curriculum & requirements

UOnline’s master’s in special education degree program has a tuition rate of $600 per credit hour. Tuition is subject to change without notice. Use our tuition estimator to review program costs. 

Tuition does not include additional fees such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program. 

Get details on UOnline's cost and explore graduate funding opportunities.

Note: This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

Start your application for UOnline’s master’s in special education degree—submit the following materials:

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Three professional and/or academic letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Résumé

Note: Standardized test scores are not required to apply.

Do you have questions about the online ABA program application? Schedule a meeting with the Special Education Academic Advisor.