Shenandoah University

What you'll study

The program totals 33 credit hours: 21 credit hours of core ABA coursework, 6 credit hours of electives and 6 credit hours dedicated to a capstone project. Courses combine synchronous and asynchronous delivery via Canvas and Zoom.

• Core and capstone courses (examples listed by Shenandoah):
• PSY 561: Foundations in Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• PSY 565: Advanced Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• PSY 562: Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• PSY 550: Capstone Research Proposal (2)
• PSY 564: Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis: Capstone Project (4)
• PSY 572: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Conduct in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• PSY 571: Special Populations and Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• PSY 563: Classroom Management and Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• PSY 580: The Organizational Context for Applied Behavior Analysis (OBM) (3)

Entry requirements

The program admits a single cohort each fall. Applicants must meet Shenandoah University graduate admissions standards and hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. An undergraduate major is preferably in psychology, education, special education, social work, speech pathology or a related field.

• Required application materials include: graduate application and $30 non‑refundable fee, official transcripts, a personal statement describing reasons for applying and professional goals, and three letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors or practitioners in ABA or related human services fields.
• Transfer credit requests must be submitted in writing to the ABA Program Coordinator; up to nine credit hours may be considered for transfer.

Career prospects

Graduates work in a wide range of settings — classrooms, homes, mental health centers, residential clinics, schools, healthcare institutions and organizational contexts — serving clients such as people with ASD, individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, students, patients, and employees. The program prepares students academically for the BCBA exam (additional supervised experience is required before exam eligibility). Shenandoah notes starting BCBA salaries typically range from $50,000 to $100,000.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page directs applicants to the Office of Graduate Admissions for application handling; for information on tuition assistance, scholarships or other funding options prospective students should contact Shenandoah’s graduate admissions or financial aid offices directly.