Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed to prepare professionals to deliver ABA services to individuals with exceptionalities.

The program consists of 36 semester hours that include prerequisites, core and major requirements, and electives.

Non-degree seeking students (i.e., those that wish to complete the VCS coursework, but do not wish to complete the M.Ed.) may complete the Applied Behavior Analysis coursework within our Graduate Certificate Program.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. ABA has a specific focus on changing socially-significant behaviors; that is, things that are important for individual success.

To gain more information about the fields of application in ABA, visit the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies website.

Careers in ABA are growing. According to a survey conducted by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysis in 2014, the modal annual income for a masters-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) ranges between $65,000 and $75,000. To learn more about the credentialing process and career opportunities, visit:

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board
• Association for Behavior Analysis International
• Florida Association for Behavior Analysis

Certification Information

Completion of the ABA Concentration M.Ed. makes graduates eligible for Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with completion of:

• A Master's degree in Behavior Analysis, Education, or Psychology, with course content covering the 4th Edition Task List (Links to PDF.)
• Supervised Experience Hours
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification examination, with a passing score

University of North Florida's M.Ed. ABA Concentration offers an Intensive Practicum experience that may be taken as elective courses. The Intensive Practicum provides Supervised Experience Hours that may be used towards satisfying certification requirements.

Admissions to the Program

Fall Admit Only 

Initial application review deadline for Fall admission: March 31st. Final Application review deadline for Fall admission: August 1st. Preference will be given to applications submitted by the March 31st deadline. Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet Graduate School admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

1. Official transcripts from all attended institutions
2. Three current professional letters on official letter head (if applicable) with an original signature (electronic signatures are not acceptable). Letters from relatives will not be accepted. The letters should indicate:
   • Applicant's academic background.
   • Applicant's aptitude for graduate work.
   • Applicant's capabilities for future performance an scholarship.
   • At least one letter from a college/university professor is preferred.
    
3. Written statement of 500-1000 words that includes the following information:
   • Reasons for seeking admission into the M.Ed. in Special Education program
   • Professional goals
   • How the program will help attain goals
    
4. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admissions must apply under the college's exception policy.

NOTE:

• A minimum of 6 credit hours to be selected by the student in consultation with the program sponsor. Select from EED /EEX/ EGI/ EHD/ ELD/ EMR/ SPA/ EDG/ EDF/ EME/ TSL/ SDS/ MHS/ EDA/ EDS.
• A student may receive credit for a course only once. However, the GPA will reflect all repeated courses.
• No more than 10 semester hours can be completed before a student is fully admitted, including a maximum of 6 semester hours of approved credits from another institution.
• An approved dual/concurrent enrollment form is required prior to registering for courses at another institution.
• Students are strongly advised not to enroll in courses at another institution during their last semester at UNF.
• Graduation will most likely be delayed for students who attempt dual enrollment in their last semester.

Exceptional Student Education Program

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Initial Certification for Exceptional Student Education, is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in obtaining their initial Florida Certification in Special Education. The program consists of 75 semester hours that include prerequisites, core and major requirements. The amount of prerequisite course work will depend on the individual students educational background and ranges from 18 to 32 hours. The program is approved by the Florida Department of Education.

Admissions to the Program

Rolling admissions

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet Graduate School admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

1. Official transcripts from all attended institutions
2. Three current professional letters on official letter head (if applicable) with an original signature (electronic signatures are not acceptable). Letters from relatives will not be accepted. The letters should indicate:
   • Applicant's academic background.
   • Applicant's aptitude for graduate work.
   • Applicant's capabilities for future performance an scholarship.
   • At least one letter from a college/university professor is preferred.
    
3. Written statement of 500-1000 words that includes the following information:
   • Reasons for seeking admission into the M.Ed. in Special Education program
   • Professional goals
   • How the program will help attain goals
    
4. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admissions must apply under the college's exception policy.

Two years of current teaching experience is required, or must complete clinical requirement. If clinical requirement is satisfied by teaching experience, additional course work must be taken to satifsfy degree requirements.

NOTE:

• No more than 10 semester hours can be completed before a student is fully admitted, including a maximum of 6 semester hours of approved transfer credits from another institution.
• A student may receive credit for a course only once. However, the GPA will reflect all repeated courses.
• The College of Education and Human Services is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
• Graduation will most likely be delayed for students who attempt dual enrollment in their last semester.
• Student must apply for the graduate practicum (EEX 6841) during the term prior to graduation.
• Passing all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam is required for the teacher certification endorsement to be included on transcripts to complete internship and be eligible for graduation.
• An approved dual/concurrent enrollment form is required prior to registering for courses at another institution.
• Students are strongly advised not to enroll in courses at another institution during their last semester at UNF.

Master of Art in Teaching in Exceptional Student Education

The Master of Art in Teaching in Exceptional Education (MAT) provides initial licensure for individuals with bachelor's degrees in other areas who wish to become teachers. This will bring individuals with life experiences into the classroom. The proposed program will address the needs of ESE teacher candidates to ensure they have the skills necessary to work with students with disabilities (eligible under any of the 13 disability categories) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Critical ESE pedagogy addressed in coursework will include:

1. high leverage practices in special education,
2. universal design for learning,
3. special education law,
4. positive behavior supports, and
5. data driven instruction.

In addition, the degree will ensure endorsement in reading and English learning for speakers of other languages (ESOL) as required by the state. Course work will be scaffolded through field work (e.g., assignments designed in courses will be implemented in the field under the direction of mentors and field supervisors) to ensure students develop the knowledge and practices needed for educator certification in the state of Florida (i.e., Florida Educator Accomplished Practices).

Admissions to the Program

Fall Admit Only

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet Graduate School admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

The following must be submitted by the posted deadline. Incomplete applications with outstanding requirements, or those post-marked after the posted deadline, are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been cancelled, the applicant will be required to apply for the next available term, or as agraduate non-degree seeking applicant(limitations apply).

• UNF admission application
• Application fee
• If applicable, collection holds and judicial holds must be cleared
• All of the below university and program requirements

University requirements:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or its equivalent from a foreign institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.
• Official transcripts, and foreign evaluations if applicable, from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Program requirements - Applied Behavior Analysis, Disability Services concentrations:

• Potential students must have a bachelors degree. This program is designed for individuals who received a degree in a non-educational field and want to teach in the ESE field.

Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Disability Services

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Disability Services, is designed to meet the needs of professionals who serve individuals with disabilities in general education and non-school settings. The program consists of 36 semester hours that includes core and major requirements. This program does not carry any additional endorsements.

Admissions to the Program

Rolling Admissions

Those entering the College of Education and Human Services must meet Graduate School admissions requirements as well as specific COEHS admissions criteria.

1. Official transcripts from all attended institutions
2. Three current professional letters on official letter head (if applicable) with an original signature (electronic signatures are not acceptable). Letters from relatives will not be accepted. The letters should indicate:
   • Applicant's academic background.
   • Applicant's aptitude for graduate work.
   • Applicant's capabilities for future performance an scholarship.
   • At least one letter from a college/university professor is preferred.
    
3. Written statement of 500-1000 words that includes the following information:
   • Reasons for seeking admission into the M.Ed. in Special Education program
   • Professional goals
   • How the program will help attain goals
    
4. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admissions must apply under the college's exception policy.

Graduate School Program Overview

NOTE:

• No more than 10 semester hours can be completed before a student is fully admitted, including a maximum of 6 semester hours of approved transfer credits from another institution.
• A student may receive credit for a course only once. However, the GPA will reflect all repeated courses.
• An approved dual/concurrent enrollment form is required prior to registering for courses at another institution.
• Students are strongly advised not to enroll in courses at another institution during their last semester at UNF.
• Graduation will most likely be delayed for students who attempt dual enrollment in their last semester.