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University of Southern Maine

Portland , Maine ,United States

Educational Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration, M.S.

The Master of Science (MS) in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students for careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in school and behavioral health settings. BCBAs provide systematic, evidence-based services to promote socially significant skill acquisition and address behaviors that interfere with successful functioning. BCBAs typically conduct behavioral assessments; design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions; and provide behavior analytic training, consultation, and supervision.

The MS in Educational Psychology program of study includes twelve courses (36 graduate credits). Eight of these courses have been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA ) examination. Four additional courses provide students with background knowledge about educational research, special education procedures, and the needs of school-aged children with exceptionalities. The program is offered in a fully online (blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses) or hybrid (blend of on-campus and online courses) format. Students in both online and on-campus programs benefit from regular opportunities to interact directly with program faculty and participate in real-time learning activities with their peers.

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) credentials professionals as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). To qualify for BCBA certification (Behavior-Analytic Coursework Pathway), individuals must obtain an acceptable graduate degree, complete acceptable behavior-analytic coursework, complete an acceptable supervised fieldwork experience, and pass the BCBA examination. The MS in Educational Psychology program leads to an acceptable graduate degree that incorporates behavior-analytic coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet training standards established by the Fifth Edition Task List (2017). Completion of supervised fieldwork experiences and the BCBA examination must be arranged by students independent of the program. Supervised experiences may occur concurrent with or upon completion of the coursework.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • May
  • Aug

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The University of Maine System (UMS) has a wide array of benefits available to employees.
Our benefits not only enhance employees’ financial security and well-being, they also add significantly to their total compensation. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick), health, dental, vision and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a tuition waiver program for eligible employees and dependents, a 403(b) retirement plan and more.

PSW Opportunity

3 years PSW

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. See the sections above to browse by program. Fully online programs will not meet eligibility for a student visa (I-20). On-campus courses will be required.

In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:

Provide financial documentation that shows you are able to support educational and living costs.
Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript

Submit an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) transcript analysis agency
Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt
Additional requirements for specific programs

Creative Writing (MFA): Review additional residency requirements.

Additional requirements for international transfer applicants

If you currently hold an F-1 student visa in the United States and wish to transfer to USM from another college or university, you will need to complete a transfer form with the foreign student advisor at your current school.

If your first language is not English, you may be required to provide test scores or credentials for English language proficiency — unless you hold a degree from an English-speaking institution.

We accept the following test scores and qualifications for admission into undergraduate programs:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test
Scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test
Scores of 213 or higher on the computer-based test
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Scores of 6.5 or higher
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Scores of 60 or higher
Duolingo Test of English
Scores of 105 or higher 
NOTE: We are accepting Duolingo scores on a trial basis for the 2022–23 academic year

Disclaimer: PSA updates the information on this page from time to time; however, there may have been more recent updates. Please refer to the university website for the latest information.