Western Connecticut State University

What you'll study

The curriculum covers foundational theory, assessment, intervention, research methods, ethics and practice skills, plus a capstone and comprehensive exam. Coursework areas and contact-hour expectations include:

• Basic Principles of Behavior — 45 hours (EPY 655, 3 SH)
• Theory & Philosophy in Behavior Analysis — 45 hours (EPY 658, 3 SH)
• Research Methods in Behavior Analysis — 45 hours (EPY 659, 3 SH)
• Behavior Assessment — 45 hours (EPY 656, 3 SH)
• Behavior Intervention — 90 hours across two 3 SH courses (EPY 657, 3 SH noted in catalog)
• Organizational Behavior Management — 45 hours (EPY 664, 3 SH)
• Ethics and Professional Issues — 45 hours (EPY 660, 3 SH)
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior — 45 hours (EPY 662, 3 SH)
• Practice Skills in ABA — three 1 SH practice courses (EPY 665, EPY 666, EPY 667; 45 hours each listed across practice skills sequence)
• Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis — 45 hours (EPY 653, 3 SH)
• Comprehensive Examination — EPY 663 (0 SH); passing score requirement of 80% to complete the program

All courses are delivered 100% online. EPY 653 (Capstone) requires successful completion of the other ABA courses in sequence. Candidates must complete coursework and the EPY663 comprehensive exam to graduate; the program specifies that students should regularly consult bacb.com for current certification requirements.

Entry requirements

• Application to the Office of Graduate Studies with a $50 application fee; applications accepted on a rolling basis (applicants encouraged to apply by Nov. 1 for Spring entry and May 1 for Fall entry as space permits)
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• One official transcript from each previously attended institution
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8
• Professional resume/CV
• One-page, double-spaced essay describing relevant experiences, reasons for pursuing ABA, career goals and preparation for success in the program

Transcripts may be mailed to Western Connecticut State University or emailed to graduateadmissions@wcsu.edu.

Career prospects

The program prepares graduates to meet the coursework and knowledge requirements for BCBA certification and to work as applied behavior analysts in settings that use evidence‑based behavioral interventions. Students should note that BCBA eligibility also requires supervised fieldwork (1500–2000 hours of experience that complies with current BACB standards) and that state licensure rules vary; applicants are responsible for understanding licensure laws where they plan to practice.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships and tuition details are not provided on the program page. Prospective students should consult WCSU’s Office of Graduate Studies and financial aid offices for information about assistantships, institutional scholarships, external fellowships, and federal or private student loan options. Consider also employer tuition benefits if currently employed in relevant clinical or educational settings.