Health Sciences - Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S.)

Program Overview

The USD Master of Science (MS) in Health Science, Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is a unique training program from the many BCBA programs you may have researched. Each of the seven ABA courses is a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), a requirement for sitting for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certification Exam. Six of the seven classes are offered as an online synchronous course and are offered one class per semester for a total of 21 graduate credits. This is important as instructors will cover all critical ABA content necessary to prepare you for the national exam and provide real-life experiences and sometimes opportunities outside of class to further enhance your education. Additionally, you can round out your MS in Health Science, with a Specialization in ABA, by completing a Practicum, a Capstone Project, and an elective course within Health Science, resulting in 30 graduate credits for this degree. Learn more at usd.edu/MS-ABA

DELIVERY: Hybrid | USD-Sioux Falls

Master of Science, Health Sciences - Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization

Accelerated Master of Science in Health Sciences - Applied Behavior Analysis: B.S./M.S.

Up to 9 credits applied toward the B.S. Health Science (no specialization only) program may be used to satisfy graduate credit.  The following restrictions apply:

1. Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
2. The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
3. No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree.
4. Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the program coordinator for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree. Admitted students may enroll in the following in the first year:
   1. HSC 601: Principles and Concepts in ABA I 
   2. HSC 603: Principles and Concepts in ABA II
   3. Elective, 3 cr hrs
5. Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for accelerated program credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree program may be used to satisfy graduate credit. 

General Application Requirements

1. Completed application
2. $36 application fee
3. Official transcripts*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Distance Program Leading to Professional Licensure

Location Matters. This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for a professional license or certification and allows students to enroll in at least one course through distance education during the first semester. Pursuant to Federal Regulations, the program may only admit students who are located in states where the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or who attest in writing that they intend to seek licensure or employment in a state where the program meets those requirements. As part of your application to this program, you will be asked to provide additional information regarding your location to assist the program in determining your eligibility for admission. 

If you have questions regarding licensure, we encourage you to contact a program representative prior to submitting your admission application, as the application fee is non-refundable. For more information, visit USD’s Licensure-Track Programs page for links to the USD program websites and state licensure board websites. 

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. If you have questions regarding supervised field study, please contact a program representative. 

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outsides of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) whether the program meets licensure or certification requirements in the country including the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

Questions?

School of Health Sciences
605-357-1439 | aba@usd.edu | usd.edu/MS-ABA

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad