Students

Mission of the ABA Program at UTSA

The Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis aims to prepare graduate students to become scientist-practitioners trained to provide high quality and impactful services for all populations benefiting from behavior analysis. Students will obtain competency in the basic principles of learning with an emphasis on treating children, youth, and adults in community, clinic, hospital, and as consultants in educational settings. Program graduates acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in scholarly inquiry; to deliver accountable, research-based services; and to understand how to use behavior analysis as a force for positive change.
The program is an in-person program with courses offered exclusively at the UTSA Downtown Campus. 
The Department of Educational Psychology has been successful in developing effective partnerships with local clinics and community agencies, which gives graduate students an advantage when securing paid fieldwork opportunities. Faculty members are also involved in high-impact research projects and participate in local and national professional organizations. Behavior Analysis program faculty provide supervision opportunities through our university-supported clinic (on-site at UTSA Downtown Campus) and multiple dynamic research labs.​

Program Objectives

Why UTSA? 

Why our students love ABA at UTSA

Program Options at UTSA

Student Funding Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions 

are there funding opportunities for prospective students? 
Yes! UTSA Faculty are consistently applying for and securing grants to provide funding opportunities for students. 

We have two funding opportunities, Project EARLY and Project ABA TEACHER. For project EARLY, funded scholars will cross-train in ABA, school psychology, and early childhood subject matter with a goal to prepare scientist-practitioners who can identify early signs of ASD and provide culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate treatment. With combined training and expertise, the diverse group of scholars served by this grant will be able to identify autism symptomatology earlier, facilitate diagnosis, and start treatment earlier across settings.For project ABA TEACHER, funded scholars will receive training in the use of ABA in school settings. The goal is to prepare educators to become school based BCBAs who can provide culturally responsive services to students with autism and other disabilities, as well as training and supervision of school personnel.​
I already work at a company and want to earn my hours there. Which program is best for me?
We would recommend the focused program! It will provide you with all the coursework needed for the certification test, but allows you to choose where to earn your fieldwork hours. 
Will i have to write a thesis paper in order to graduate? 
Students will be required to complete a thesis-equivalent project.
WHAT kind of jobs do students take after graduation? 
The majority of our students go on to work as clinical BCBAs, serving children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. However, we also have previous students enrolled in doctoral programs to earn their Ph.D., working as researchers to improve the quality of interventions, and serving as clinical directors to expand the accessibility of services. Other students have found careers in the juvenile justice system, Texas education system, and as faculty members training future BCBAs. 

On average, our graduates earn $75,000 starting salary at their new jobs. 
I AM A TEACHER WHO IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BCBA - IS THERE A PROGRAM FOR ME? 
Absolutely! We have a grant-funded program specifically designed to provide special education teachers the opportunity to complete their coursework, earn their degree, and accumulate fieldwork hours while teaching. Project ABA TEACHER pairs teachers with BCBA supervisors with experience in implementing ABA in a classroom setting and providing supervision and feedback via telehealth. Teachers in this program also get to participate in Camp Durango and other in-person ABA events to practice implementing the principles of behavior analysis across a variety of settings. 
I do not live in san antonio, is there an online program i could enroll in? 
Because research has shown it is more effective to provide in-person practice opportunities and feedback, we do not offer an online-only option at this time. However, we would be happy to recommend housing options in the area! 
WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE A MASTER'S DEGREE, or am already enrolled at utsa? 
If you're already enrolled at UTSA in a graduate program and are interested in learning a little more about ABA, you can add the certificate to your degree plan. Please note that the certificate will not lead to being eligible for the BCBA exam. If you already have a master's degree and are interested in becoming a Board Certified Analyst (BCBA), you will have to complete the master's degree as this is the only path that will allow you to meet the requirement to sit for the BCBA exam. 
do you have information on past students? 
Yes! Please see our Self-Report linked below to read about the median years until graduation, number of students enrolled, pass rate for the BCBA exam, and more! 

ABA at UTSA 2024 Annual Report 
Does this program meet the requirements to become a BCBA? 
Yes! This program includes a course sequence verified through the Association for Behavior Analysis International. It also includes experiential learning and research opportunities. Additionally, the program also meets the requirements for Texas State Licensure contingent on students completing the program, 2,000 internship hours, and passing the national certification exam. 
Is there a handbook to learn more about the program activities and expectations? 
Great question! Please see below for the handbooks for both the Comprehensive and Focused programs: 
ABA at UTSA  2024-2025 Program Handbook
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