We offer a unique practicum experience in the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation, and Support (CARES) located on the first floor of the College of Education at our beautiful San Marcos Campus. Students gain valuable hands-on experience applying behavior-analytic concepts and procedures with clients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Practicum students accrue a high percentage of unrestricted hours focusing on data analysis and treatment planning. Opportunities to participate in applied research are also available.
After completing supervision requirements and passing an external certification exam, our graduates become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) 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 Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration:
General SPED email
sped@txstate.eduDr. Tracy Raulston
(512) 408-7434
tjr27@txstate.edu -
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is your program offered online?
No, our program is Hybrid in modality. Classes are offered in-person on Tuesday/Thursday evenings with online classes (synchronous and asynchronous) on Mondays/Wednesdays.
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Is the practicum required?
Yes, students are required to take a clinical practicum at least once for 3 credit hours. Students are encouraged to repeat practicum 1-2 times in order to build clinical knowledge and skills and strengthen confidence.
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How long does the program take?
Typically, full-time students finish the program in 1.5 years. Part-time students typically finish in 2 years.
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Do you accept students in the Fall/Spring?
Yes, we accept students in Fall and Spring semesters.
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