Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

Vision Statement

The University of Nebraska Omaha and Munroe Meyer Institute Applied Behavior Analysis Program’s mission is to graduate students who have met high levels of academic excellence in clinical and research skills in behavior analysis. The ABA Program trains students to provide person-centered, culturally responsive, and collaborative services for individuals across the lifespan, including those with neurodevelopmental disabilities, to promote behavioral health outcomes.

Program Contact Information

Mark Shriver, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
Munroe Meyer Institute
402.559.6408
mshriver@unmc.edu

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

The UNO and MMI ABA MS program leads to Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA). This involves completion of (1) the program’s Association for Behavior Analysis International Verified Course Sequence and (2) the Behavior Analyst Certification Board fieldwork experience (1500-2000 hours). See BACB website for more details on attaining BCBA.

The majority of coursework is online. However, most online courses require a synchronous meeting, typically weekly, which students will join via Zoom video. All courses, including online courses, follow a semester schedule sequence.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admissions Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Fall 2025)

  • Fall:  January 10

Other Requirements

  • A minimum of 15 undergraduate semester hours (or the equivalent) of psychology courses including: basic statistics and an upper level laboratory course, independent research, or equivalent, emphasizing the experimental method, data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing are required.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
    • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110

  • Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose should include: the applicant's purpose in applying for graduate study, the particular area of specialization within the major field, the applicant's plans for future occupation or profession, and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating their preparation and their aptitude for graduate study. The applicant should specifically address their goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study.
  • Writing Sample: Senior authored writing sample
  • Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three required

Degree Requirements

Required Courses
Grades of B- or better are required for each course with a cumulative GPA not less than 3.0.
PSYC 8000THE PROFESSION OF PSYCHOLOGY0
PSYC 8550PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS 13
PSYC 8576BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND INTERVENTIONS 13
PSYC 8700ETHICS AND LAW FOR PSYCHOLOGY AND APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 13
PSYC 9040PROSEMINAR LEARNING 13
PSYC 9050APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IN EDUCATION3
PSYC 9100SMALL N RESEARCH DESIGNS 13
PSYC 9130APPLICATIONS OF ADVANCED STATISTICS IN PSYCHOLOGY 13
PSYC 9140ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 13
PSYC 9150EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR3
PSYC 9160BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC APPROACHES TO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT 3
PSYC 9470PRACTICUM IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 112
PSYC 9560PROSEMINAR: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSYC 9570APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 13
Select one of the following:3-6
THESIS (6 hours)
RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS (3 hours)
Total Credits51-54
1

Students may take these courses through UNMC, Munroe Meyer Institute (MMI) by completing an intercampus registration form. 

Exit Requirement

  • Comprehensive Examination

The ABA Handbook is a comprehensive resource for prospective and current students in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at UNO. Refer to this document for information concerning the program content, training, policies, research, and more.