Behavior analysis is the science of the causes of behavior. In applied behavior analysis, this science is applied to significant problems of human behavior, typically at the level of the individual rather than of the group. The scope of behavior analysis is wide-ranging, including work in developmental disabilities, in behavioral medicine, education, and organizations, to mention just a few applications. Mastery of applied behavior analysis calls for competence in basic psychology, in the detailed knowledge base of behavior analysis, in measurement techniques for evaluating existing behavior and for designing treatment programs for individuals and in the various skills essential to delivering services and maintaining their effectiveness.
Applied behavior analysis requires accountability in its service delivery. The UMBC M.A. in ABA is responsive to the increasing call for such services and fills a gap in the availability of such programs in the mid-Atlantic region. The UMBC Department of Psychology together with the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s (KKI) Department of Behavioral Psychology are uniquely suited to support a rigorous program in applied behavior analysis.
The track is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. Upon graduating from the program and completing supervised fieldwork requirements, graduates are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination.
A Region of Opportunity
Just 15 minutes away from downtown Baltimore and 30 minutes from the Washington beltway, UMBC offers easy access to the region’s resources by car or by public transportation.
Students find it easy to access classes, obtain practical experience and participate in opportunities at other schools in the University System of Maryland. Nearby national research centers, libraries and museums are also a resource for scholarly activity.
ABA Admission Information ABA Open House 2025 ABA Faculty
