Frequently Asked Questions 
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Graduates of the MS program in ABA have the coursework required for board certification in applied behavior analysis. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) can work as a behavior analyst in a variety of settings such as schools, residential, medical and community settings.

A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program at PCOM. The ABA programs have been designed to meet the BCBA® exam Pathway 2 coursework requirements*. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements to qualify for BCBA credential. Current and prospective students must submit an approvable application by December 31, 2026, to be eligible under the current (2022) coursework requirements. Effective January 1, 2027, new eligibility requirements will take effect for students applying via Pathway 2. Please review the BACB website for details about certification requirements and contact Dr. Jessica Kendorski if you have questions about your coursework and eligibility requirements.

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program provides a master of science degree in applied behavior analysis in addition to the verified coursework approved by the ABAI. The MS program has additional coursework, a year long practicum and applied research project. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis is for those that have completed a master's degree and provides approved coursework only. Applicants with a bachelor's degree may pursue a Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis with the option to transfer certificate coursework into the MS degree program.

More than 50 percent of the coursework is offered online with the remaining 50 percent offered in person. Online programming is a mixture of hybrid (live discussion components with instructor and classmates) and asynchronous content.

The master's program can be completed in accelerated and part-time options over four to eight trimesters (terms) and requires 36 credits.

Yes. The program has accelerated and part-time options.

The Office of Financial Aid provides detailed cost of attendance information.

The accelerated course sequence is intensive which would make it difficult to work full-time, however, all classes are offered in the evening and many students successfully complete the program on a part-time schedule while working full-time. 

Yes, the ABA degree program has practicum coursework built in that would enable students to complete some (or all) of the supervised fieldwork hours required for the BCBA examination. Visit BACB.com for more details about the national certification.

In most cases, students will be placed in practica experience sites affiliated with PCOM and local to campus. Students may also receive assistance from our Professional and Career Development Program run by the Office of Student Affairs.

For more information, please contact:

PCOM Office of Admissions
Email: admissions@pcom.edu
Phone: 215-871-6700 | Fax: 215-872-6719