Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Science

Priority application deadline: February 1

Final application deadline: March 1 

If you are an undergraduate student graduating in May or Summer, you can apply before your degree posts. You may be admitted into the program contingent on your degree posting before starting in the ABA graduate program. 

Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents, and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.

Timing on Admission Decisions: Prospective students who met the priority application deadline can expect to hear back on the admission decision by February 22. Students who applied by the final application deadline can expect to hear back on the admission decision by March 22. Once the cohort is full, prospective students may be put on a waitlist and notified if an opening becomes available.  

GPA: 2.7 Overall; 3.0 in last 60 hours

GRE: Not Required

Preferred: BCaBA ®, RBT®, and/or undergraduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or Behavior Analysis

Undergraduate Degree: An undergraduate degree from a specific field is not required. However, preference is given to students with an undergraduate degree in ABA, special education, and psychology. Prospective students who do not have undergraduate coursework in ABA are encouraged to take ABA 3301 Introduction to ABA before starting the graduate program. In addition, prospective students do not have degrees in these fields are encouraged to take RBT training before applying or starting the ABA program. This should be discussed in your personal statement. 

ABA Experience: Students are not required to have experience in ABA. However, preference is given to those students who have experience in ABA. Students who do not have experience in ABA are encouraged to observe ABA services and discuss these experiences in their personal statements. 

Application Packet:

1. Online Application
2. Transcript(s) from all universities where a degree was conferred
3. Resume
4. 1 letter of recommendation
   • The letter of recommendation should be from someone who can speak to your abilities and strengths that will allow you to be successful in graduate school. 
   • A former or current professor, supervisor, or employer may provide a letter of recommendation.
   • The letter of recommendation will be submitted through GradCas along with the rest of the application.
5. Personal Statement: As part of your application to the Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at Texas A&M University–San Antonio, you are required to submit a personal statement. This statement is a critical component of your application and will be used to assess your readiness for graduate study—particularly your ability to communicate effectively and professionally in writing.

Please carefully follow the guidelines below when preparing your personal statement:

Format Requirements:

1. Minimum length: 375 words (approximately 1.5 pages)
2. Font: 12-point, standard academic font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial)
3. Line spacing: Double-spaced
4. Grammar, spelling, and overall writing quality will be considered as part of the admissions decision

Content Requirements: Your personal statement must address all of the following topics:

a) Your reason(s) for pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
b) Why you are specifically interested in the ABA program at Texas A&M–San Antonio, as opposed to other programs
c) Your previous and current experience in ABA, including relevant coursework and clinical experience
d) How earning this degree will help you achieve your professional goals
e) If your GPA is below 3.0 in the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework, explain your plan for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher in graduate school. You may address:

• Changes in your personal or academic circumstances
• Lessons learned from past academic experiences
• Specific strategies you plan to use to ensure academic success

f) Any additional relevant information that speaks to your preparedness for graduate school, such as:

• Time management and your ability to commit to graduate-level study
• Academic, professional, or personal experiences that demonstrate your readiness for success in a rigorous academic environment

Submission: Your personal statement must be submitted through GradCAS along with the rest of your application materials.

Please ensure that your statement is thoughtful, well-organized, and written in your authentic voice. This is your opportunity to convey your passion for the field, your commitment to professional development, and your potential as a graduate student in ABA.

How to Apply: Apply for the MS in ABA Program through GradCAS. Click here to apply!