Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to the study of behavior that is concerned with describing, explaining, predicting, and changing behavior.
The 36-credit MEd in Special Education with concentration in Behavior Analysis is designed to meet 2027 Behavior Analyst Certification Board™ (BACB) coursework requirements, and to prepare students to sit for the BACB exam that is a prerequisite for licensure in Behavior Analysis in all states that require a license to practice (including Virginia). Students will be prepared to work with a variety of populations such as children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, adults with health and wellness behavior change goals, and people with substance use disorders, across a variety of settings such as homes, hospitals, corporations, and clinics. Students will also learn to conduct behavior analytic research and will complete a thesis.
The concentration in Behavior Analysis is not a teacher preparation program and does not lead to teacher licensure.
Fully Online Program
Coursework is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format. Fieldwork will take place at approved sites with virtual supervision. Students will have the opportunity to work synchronously with their colleagues and interact with their instructors in mandatory group assignments.
Courses from ABAI-accredited programs at other institutions will be considered for transfer of credit on a case-by-case basis. Courses from ABAI Verified Course Sequences (VCS) will not be accepted.
- Coursework is designed to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's 2027 Pathway 2 requirements for eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination.
- The MEd in Special Education with concentration in Behavior Analysis at George Mason University is pursuing recognition through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)’s Tiered Model of Education. Pursuit of recognition does not denote recognition status.
- The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis remains a BACB Verified Course Sequence (VCS) until the end of 2026, when this route is being discontinued. Current or prior students submitting an application to sit for the BCBA exam on the basis of VCS and/or combined 4th and 5th Edition coursework should contact Dr. Ted Hoch, Verified Course Sequence Coordinator, as you may need George Mason University to provide coursework attestation forms.
- View our BCBA Examination Pass Rates.
- Dr. Christine Barthold is the Academic Program Coordinator and oversees instruction in the Behavior Analysis program. You may contact Dr. Barthold with questions related directly to courses and instruction.
- Graduate Research Assistantships: Part-time positions are available for students interested in providing research support to faculty.
- Mason LIFE: The Learning Into Future Environments (LIFE) Program is an innovative post-secondary program at Mason. Students focusing on special education have an opportunity to work as instructors, resident advisors and mentors in the LIFE program which provides them with field experience in a supportive, supervised setting.
- Students residing outside of the United States are encouraged to refer to the BACB website for further information about whether they will be eligible for BACB certification.
- They are also encouraged to check with their local governing bodies to determine whether George Mason University’s coursework may satisfy requirements for credentialing in their country of residence.
- Completion of the requirements for the concentration in Behavior Analysis does not guarantee an individual’s eligibility to obtain certification.
Core Coursework (15 credits)
Language Development and Reading
Consultation and Collaboration
Concentration Coursework (21 credits)
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
| Applications not accepted for this term |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 10 |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 15 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia resident |
$805.00 |
| Non-Virginia resident |
$805.00 |
| Distance learning fee |
$35.00 |
| Total cost for Virginia residents per credit |
$840.00 |
| Total cost for non-Virginia residents per credit |
$840.00 |
Graduate new student fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid in the college, see CEHD Tuition and Financial Aid. Also, many employers offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Student Success Coach
Dyamond Robinson
They/Them/Theirs
(703) 718-5192
Email Dyamond Robinson
Schedule an Appointment
Academic Support Services Manager
Jancy Templeton
(703) 993-2387
Email Jancy Templeton
Chris Barthold
Christan Coogle
Theodore Hoch
Kristy Park
Lisa Tullo