Special Education Graduate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Special Education Program at Texas State University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Mission Statement
We strive to prepare behavior analysts to integrate evidence-based practices with reflective, values-driven approaches that enhance developmental, educational, and behavioral health outcomes designed to promote meaningful improvements in quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, their families, and communities.

On-Site Pacticum

We offer a practicum in the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation, and Support (CARES) located on campus. Students gain valuable hands-on experience applying course concepts with clients with neurodevelopmental disorders BCBA supervisees are able to earn a high percentage of unrestricted hours focusing on treatment planning and data analysis and participate in applied research opportunities. After completing supervision requirements and passing an external certification exam, our graduates become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and obtain state licensure to provide behavior analytic services. Our graduates are highly successful. They go onto careers working in private clinical practice, public school systems, and other education and health agencies. Approximately 20% of our graduates continue their education elsewhere to earn doctoral degrees and work as researchers in the field.

Graduates of this program will receive:
(1) Master's of Education Degree (M.Ed.) with a concentration in ABA
(2) Coursework that meets the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s VCS requirements
(3) Supervised practicum hours that count towards the supervision requirements for BCBAs
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Coursework
The ABA concentration offers all required coursework necessary for graduates to be eligible to take the BCBA certification exam. The program is hybrid in modality, with a combination of face-to-face in-person, hybrid, and online classes. Students take the following required course sequence as well as four electives. The degree is comprised of 36 credit hours.
Class
Modality
Semester Offered
SPED 5316: Basic Principles of Behavior
Hybrid
Fall
SPED 5324: Ethics in Behavior Analysis
In person
Fall
SPED 5328: Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis
In person
Spring
SPED 5333: Research Methods in Behavior Analysis
Hybrid
Fall & Spring
SPED 5376: Challenging Behavior Assessment and Intervention
Hybrid
Fall
SPED 5378: Organizational Behavior Management and Supervision
Online
Spring
SPED 5384: Behavior Assessment and Intervention for Skill Acquisition
Hybrid
Spring
SPED 5391: Clinical Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders
In person
Fall, Spring, & Summer
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Helpful Links
Texas State
Alkek Library
Career Services
Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES)
Disability Services
Financial Aid Office
Graduate College
Special Education Teacher Certification
Speech Language Hearing Clinic
Student Learning Assistance Center
Technology Resources
Veteran's Affairs OfficeAutism Related
Autism Research Institute
Autism Speaks
Central Texas Autism Center
TASH
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)
The Organization for Autism ResearchOther
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
APSE (formerly Association for Persons in Supported Employment)
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Circle of Friends
Council for Exceptional Children
Division TEACCH
Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
Federation for Children with Special Needs
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Proed Publishing
Sage Publication Journals
The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
Wright’s Law -
Contact Us
For more information about the Special Education Graduate Program:
General SPED email
sped@txstate.eduDr. Tracy Raulston
(512) 408-7434
tjr27@txstate.eduDr. Alyson A. Collins
alysonacollins@txstate.edu
(512) 245-8389