MSU announces new bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis

Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.-Mississippi State is launching a new bachelor's degree to meet the growing demand for applied behavior analysis service providers nationwide.

Beginning fall 2025, MSU's Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis will be among only a few undergraduate ABA programs in the country, preparing students for impactful careers in behavioral health. Applications are now open for the program housed in the College of Education's Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations, the new program builds upon the success of the university's existing ABA minor and offers a dedicated pathway to MSU's graduate ABA program, which provides necessary coursework for credentialing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Students in the new program will learn how to utilize the concepts and principles of behavior analysis to effectively design, implement, assess and analyze intervention programs for individuals or groups in a variety of settings, such as clinics, homes and schools. ABA practitioners seek to improve quality of life for a variety of individuals across the lifespan, but most frequently provide services to individuals diagnosed with autism or an intellectual or developmental disability.

Offered in Starkville and online, the curriculum meets the coursework requirements for two certifications in the field of ABA: Registered Behavior Technician and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. It also positions students to pursue licensure, which is required by most states, including Mississippi.

Taylor Moore, a master's student in MSU's Applied Behavior Analysis program, gains hands-on experience working with a child at the MSU Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic in Starkville. (Photo submitted)

According to U.S. Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts, the demand for behavior analysts is growing, with a 38% increase statewide and 14% increase nationwide from 2022 to 2023 for BCBA or BCBA-D practitioners. Since Mississippi passed legislation in 2015 to create a governing body for the profession, MSU has been on the front line of providing support and delivering a workforce through its graduate degree and minor in ABA.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program," said Rebecca Spencer, assistant professor and ABA undergraduate program coordinator. "Our ABA minor has exponentially grown in popularity since its launch a few years ago, and this new degree will be the perfect option for many of our current minor students who wish to pursue a career in ABA. By equipping students with the expertise and practical experience necessary to excel in this field, we are committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities, and to help address the growing need for skilled behavior analysts in Mississippi and beyond."

Daniel Gadke, College of Education associate dean of research, professor and Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations head, echoed Spencer's excitement over the new degree program.

"MSU's College of Education has been at the forefront of creating ABA practitioners for the state since 2015," said Gadke. "With this new degree, we will not only be one of the few universities in the country to offer a BS in ABA, but one of the few universities in the world to offer certification pathways in the field at each level, RBT, BCaBA, BCBA and BCBA-D. I am really thankful for all the hard work the faculty, particularly Ms. Beca Spencer, put into making this new degree a reality."

Learn more about MSU's Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations at www.chef.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

Monday, August 19, 2024 - 2:28 pm