ABA Admission Information

The application deadline is January 1, 2027 for Fall 2027 applicants.

Application Requirements

The dimensions considered by the Application Committee include:

  1. GPA reflected on unofficial transcripts,
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV),
  3. Three letters of recommendation (preferably including academic as well as work-related references),
  4. A Statement of Purpose, and
  5. Other optional information (e.g., writing sample).

Requirement Details

The resume or CV should reflect relevant coursework and work experience for a Master’s in behavior analysis. The statement of purpose should not exceed two pages and it should highlight the student’s qualifications and experiences, motivation for graduate school, and career goals.

This Statement of Purpose Preparation Guide should be helpful in developing the statement of purpose. Applicants may choose to include a writing sample; relevant examples include a research article summary, a research article such as an Honors thesis, or a literature review.

The GRE General Test is not required and will not be considered as part of anyone’s application to the ABA M.A. program. There is no mechanism allowing an applicant to provide these scores as they will not be accepted in the application process.

Interviews for practicum placements may be conducted virtually if applicants cannot visit UMBC, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Shafer Center, or Verbal Beginnings facilities. The decisions of the committee take into account the applicant pool in combination with an applicant’s fit to available faculty members.

Funding

Additional Information and Resources:

UMBC Student Business Services – Learn more about Deadlines, E-Billing, Payment Plans, Drop and Withdrawal policies, Refunds, and 1098t forms.

UMBC Financial Aid and Scholarships– Work with UMBC’s financial aid counselors to apply for financial aid.

Cost Calculator – Estimate direct expenses as a graduate student.