Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
Online
About the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis at Loyola
Loyola University Chicago’s MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed to help you make a real difference in the lives of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent individuals. You’ll learn how to use evidence-based strategies to support meaningful behavior change in schools, clinics, hospitals, and community settings. The program will also prepare you to supervise registered behavior therapists, behavior clinicians, and assistant behavior specialists. Learning skills to consult with teachers, parents, psychologists, mental health professionals, and healthcare professionals is also emphasized throughout the program.
ABA is all about understanding how people learn and behave—and using that knowledge to help them reach their goals. In this program, you’ll build skills in behavior assessment, intervention planning, consultation, supervision, data analysis, and ethical decision-making. You’ll also explore how ABA can be used across a wide range of populations and settings.
Whether you’re coming from psychology, education, special education, or a related field, this program can help you take the next step in your career. Graduates go on to work in schools, ABA centers, Autism centers, hospitals, mental health programs, and other places that serve individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral needs.
Program Structure
The MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to prepare you for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam, which most of our graduates plan to take. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of ABA principles, ethical practice, behavior consultation, and evidence-based interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent individuals.
The program also covers key topics like single-subject research design and current developments in ABA and ASD. While supervision hours for BCBA certification are completed separately, this degree will give you the academic foundation you need to sit for the BCBA exam.
You’ll complete 30 credit hours in total, including a 3-credit capstone course focused on fieldwork or practical application. The program is fully online and asynchronous, offering the flexibility to finish your degree in 18 to 24 months—on your schedule.
Why Choose Loyola for the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis?
Graduates of Loyola’s MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent populations. Through a blend of research, hands-on practice, and scholarship, they are equipped to lead meaningful change in schools, clinics, and communities.
In your final course, EABA 560: Field-Based Experience and Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. Working alongside a BCBA or BCBA-D supervisor, you’ll start or continue collecting field-based hours and complete a capstone project that connects research with practice. This course is designed to give you meaningful, applied experience that strengthens both your skills and your résumé.
All our core faculty have doctoral degrees and the BCBA or BCBA-D credential. Our faculty bring years of experience in ABA research, clinical practice, and education. They’re dedicated to supporting your growth as a thoughtful, ethical, and effective behavior analyst. You’ll learn directly from professionals who are actively shaping the field.
This program is 100% online and asynchronous, meaning you can complete coursework on your own schedule—wherever you are. It’s ideal for working professionals or those with busy lives who still want a high-quality, graduate-level education.
Loyola’s ABA program is grounded in a commitment to social justice and service. You’ll join a community of educators and practitioners who are passionate about improving the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental needs—through research, compassionate care, and ethical practice.
School Psychology Department
The Department of School Psychology fosters a close-knit community where future school psychologists are trained to collaborate with educators, parents, and community members. Students gain the skills to provide high-quality academic, behavioral, and mental health support to PK-12 students, all while focusing on social justice. Aligned with Loyola’s mission, the program emphasizes research and evidence-based practices to create equitable school experiences for historically underserved populations. Through collaboration and a commitment to justice, we prepare school psychologists to drive transformative change in education. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.
Department WebsiteMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Applied Behavior Analysis MEd program.
FacultyApplied Behavior Analysis: Career Connections
Demand for professionals trained in Applied Behavior Analysis is on the rise—especially in Illinois, where schools, ABA centers, hospitals, and autism treatment programs are expanding rapidly. With a master’s degree in ABA from Loyola, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of career paths that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Graduates work in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, autism centers, mental health facilities, correctional institutions, geriatric care facilities, and agencies supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Specific job options include:
- ABA Therapist
- Behavioral Health Therapist
- Behavioral Therapist
- Autism Therapist
- Behavior Clinician
- Behavioral Specialist
- Behavior Interventionist
- Clinical Supervisor (with experience)
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Applied Behavior Analysis MEd program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Applied Behavior Analysis MEd learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMEd in Applied Behavior Analyses Results and Skills
By the time you complete Loyola’s MEd in ABA program, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to make an immediate impact in the field of behavior analysis.
- Graduates are academically prepared to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam after completing supervised fieldwork hours.
- Gain strong skills in behavioral assessment, intervention design, and the implementation of evidence-based ABA strategies.
- Apply behavior-analytic principles in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the cultural backgrounds of clients and families.
- Be ready to lead teams, support organizational change, and contribute to systems-level improvements using ABA principles.
- Graduate with a deep understanding of professional ethics, social justice, and service—aligned with Loyola’s Jesuit values.
- Complete a practice-based capstone project and fieldwork experience that demonstrates your ability to apply ABA knowledge in real-world contexts.
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Applied Behavior Analysis MEd totals $32100.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,070.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost and Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education. You may also visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Applied Behavior Analysis MEd are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall, Spring, & Summer: Rolling admission
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Applied Behavior Analysis MEd include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2.75 Minimum GPA
A minimum undergraduate overall GPA of 2.75 or higher or a GPA of 3.0 or higher in last two years of undergraduate study
Please note that applicants should have an undergraduate degree in the fields of education, psychology, special education, sociology, counseling, school psychology, or a closely related field.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students. Please note this online program does not qualify international students to receive the F1 student visa.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Applied Behavior Analysis MEd program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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