Students

Mission of the ABA Program at UTSA

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Behavior Analysis aims to prepare graduate students to become scientist-practitioners trained to provide quality, impactful services for all populations benefitting from behavior analysis. This degree aims to provide students with a foundation in behavior analysis and prepare students to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Exam (BCBA®) to obtain national certification and state licensure as a Behavior Analyst. 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. The degree program prepares graduates for eligibility to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA®) through approved coursework and practicum opportunities. 
Typical clients include individuals diagnosed with developmental or other disabilities that can impact prosocial skill development (e.g., Autism, Emotional Disturbance, Conduct Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobias) as well as people without disabilities who need systematic support in the development of prosocial skills and behaviors. Certified behavior analysts at the master’s level work in a variety of settings as independent practitioners or contracted employees for an organization (e.g., public school, preschool, private school, clinic, hospital). The educational objectives of this degree are commensurate with professional competence and certification requirements as currently reflected by professional standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. ​

What is a BCBA? 

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis works with individuals with and without disabilities to apply the science of human behavior to consider the way the environment either promotes or inhibits the development of certain behaviors.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a certification in behavior analysis which requires a graduate degree, coursework, and fieldwork. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services. 

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. 

A current funding opportunity is through 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. ​
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. This option also allows for more flexibility in selecting your electives in case there is a class outside of the degree plan you find intriguing! 
Will i have to write a thesis paper in order to graduate? 
There is an option to write a thesis paper, but it is not required. 
WHAT kind of jobs do students take after graduation? 
The majority of our students go on to work as clinical BCBA's, 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 accesssibility 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 $70,000 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 accross a variety of settings. 
I dont 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? 
That's awesome! We would recommend the certificate program. It is designed for students who already have the master's degree qualification - but are in need of the VCS coursework. It also works for UTSA graduate students who want to study or add an emphasis in ABA. 

If you are interested in transferring to our program, or adding the certificate to your degree plan, please email Dr. Leslie Neely at leslie.neely@utsa.edu 
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