Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization, MA

Description of Program

The Master of Arts (MA) program enables students to pursue advanced study in psychology that can lead to careers in the helping professions, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program also provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral-level study.

Click here for potential career opportunities within the MA in Psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze theories and principles in psychology to inform professional contexts
• Examine research methods and data analysis in psychology
• Apply psychological principles and research in personal, social, and organizational issues
• Relate ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional issues
• Examine diversity issues in professional contexts
• Model clear and effective communication for fellow professionals and the public

Basis for Admissions

Admission to the Master of Arts program requires a conferred bachelor’s and/or a conferred master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.

Additional State requirements may need to be met for Basis of Admissions into a program:

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis degree  requires a total of 30 credit hours at the graduate level.

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Arts in Psychology for graduate course work completed at an external accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy  for additional information.

All master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NCU
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Official documents on file for basis of admission
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their diploma and/or degree posted transcript.

Time to Completion

NCU allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 27 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 19 to 20 months.

Course Sequence

The Master of Arts in Psychology program can be completed in 30 credits (36 credits for the Sport Psychology specialization). 

Students who complete at least 15 semester credit hours in a single area of specialization at NCU (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma.

In some cases, specialization courses listed on the initial degree plan can be changed at the student’s request. Please contact your Academic and Finance Advisor for more information.

• PSY-5101ABA - Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology
• PSY-5104 - Theories of Human Development and Functioning
• PSY-5103ABA - Professional Ethics, Law, and Psychology for Behavior Analysts
• Specialization Course 1
• Specialization Course 2
• Specialization Course 3
• Specialization Course 4
• Specialization Course 5
• PSY-5107ABA - Research Design and Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis (Experimental Design and Data Interpretation)
• Capstone Course