The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Disability, and Diversity in Urban Society prepares individuals to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) with the skills to work effectively with marginalized populations. The program draws on strengths-based approaches to develop person-centered supports to assist children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities increase their access to school and community.
The program consists of 40-total credits and optional supervised fieldwork hours. Upon successfully completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam.
ABA Program Interest Forms
Please complete the form at this link to indicate interest and receive program updates.
Degree Requirements
Information Session Dates
Interested in pursuing a special education license, endorsement, or in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst? Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about our programs. All information sessions start at 5:00pm on the following dates. Please complete the interest form to receive the login information prior to the session.
Note: Information Sessions will resume in the fall. There are not Information Sessions during the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis?
With a master’s degree, you can practice applied behavior analysis in clinic and school settings, disability service agencies, hospitals, and other educational settings.
What is the focus of the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis?
The purpose of the master’s degree in applied behavior analysis is to prepare you to provide behavioral assessment, intervention, and programming for individuals with and at risk for disabilities from historically underserved groups. Our program will give you the skills to work with adults with developmental disabilities, youth at risk for disabilities from urban communities, and children and adolescents with developmental disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
How long does the program take?
This is a 40-hour master’s degree program. Students who take two to three courses per fall and spring term plus an optional supervision course in the summer. Students may complete the program more quickly by taking more courses each term, including the summer.
Is transfer of course credit allowed?
Transfer of course credit is not automatic and requires approval of program faculty. The UIC Graduate College permits no more than 25 percent of the hours to be transferred into the degree. The MEd in Urban Higher Education will only transfer 8 credit hours of relevant coursework if approved by the program coordinator. For more information about credit transfer procedures, please consult the UIC Graduate Catalog.
Can I hold a job while in the program?
Yes, many students in the program will hold jobs as practicing teachers, behavioral technicians, and higher education administrators. Evening course meeting times help to reduce conflicts between work and academic schedules.
When do courses meet?
College of Education courses typically meet once a week in the evenings (5 p.m.–8 p.m.) Monday through Thursday.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in education to apply for the program?
Students are welcome from a variety of academic backgrounds. What is critical is an interest in higher education.
Can I afford the degree?
UIC makes every effort to help students pay for the cost of going to college. Our college Financial Aid page can help answer your questions.
Review the UIC tuition and fee schedule and find out more about billing and payment options.
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers six basic types of financial aid for graduate students: fellowships, assistantships, tuition-and-selected-fee waivers, traineeships, loans, and employment. Applicants for these types of aid must be admitted to a graduate degree program or have a completed application pending. Eligibility for loans is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants for loans should go directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications for fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/fee waivers are available in the department office, the Graduate College Office, and on the Graduate College website. In the administration of these programs and in selecting students for participation in them, the University of Illinois at Chicago adheres to the Nondiscrimination Statement on the Office for Access and Equity website.
Can I get housing on campus?
Yes. It is best to apply as soon as you know you want to live on campus, because applications are prioritized by date of application. Visit campus housing to find out more and submit your application.
What student support does the College of Education provide?
The UIC College of Education is committed to the success of its students. If you have concerns or questions you can stop by the Office for Student Success, or make an appointment to see a faculty advisor. The college encourages a good working relationship between students and their advisors. You can also find support from your professors and fellow students. UIC offers many support programs and opportunities that encourage academic success. Your program advisor can help you connect to UIC resources.