Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration
The Teacher Education EdS Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration is designed to prepare practitioners to use behavior-analytic techniques and treatment approaches to prevent and reduce problem behaviors and to increase appropriate behaviors and skills targeted to improve overall quality of life. The ABA Concentration coursework is comprised of courses in Special Education and School Psychology programs. Content in this program of studies is primarily focused on treatment approaches for children and adults with learning or behavioral difficulties and their teachers and caregivers. Completion of the Teacher Education major, for the EdS degree ABA Concentration requires a total of 30 graduate credit hours.
Admission to the Teacher Education, EdS ABA Concentration requires a Master’s degree. Admission will be based on applicant GRE scores, grade point average at all collegiate levels, written goal statement, example of professional writing, background check clearance, professional references, admission board interview, and professional reference.
| EdS in Teacher Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration | Credit Hours |
| Required Courses | |
| SPED 555 | 3 |
| EDPY 517 | 3 |
| Concentration: ABA Education courses | |
| EDPY 515 | 3 |
| SPED 530 | 3 |
| SPED 501 | 3 |
| EDPY 505 or SPED 603 | 3 |
| For Thesis Option: | |
| TPTE 518 – Educational Specialist Research and Thesis | 6 |
| For Non-Thesis Option: | |
| TPTE 503 – Problems in Lieu of Thesis | 6 |
| Related Studies | 3 |
| EDPY 636 | 3 |
| Other related course – EDPY 510, EDPY 516, SCHP 690, SPED 553, SPED 556, or SPED 557 | 3 |
*Note: To complete the coursework required for board certification in Behavior Analysis, students must complete EDPY 515, EDPY 517, EDPY 636, SPED 555, SPED 530, SPED 501, and either EDPY 505 or SPED 603. An international certifying board specifies and updates additional requirements (e.g., completing supervised internship experience, completing exam) for board certification, which are outside of coursework included in the Teacher Education, EdS, ABA concentration.
Through the ABA Concentration, students will take courses within our Verified Course Sequence.*
(The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination (via Pathway 2)).
Applicants will need to meet additional BACB® eligibility requirements, including evidence of residency in an authorized country, before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
The VCS is available as an option for students enrolled in graduate, degree-seeking programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, and School Psychology. BCBA supervised fieldwork hours, required for certification, are arranged and completed by the student separately from coursework. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify for the exam.
*Verified Course Sequence pass-rate information is published annually. Exam pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.
For further information on how to become a highly-qualified Board Certified Behavior Analyst® follow the link to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Students completing the EdS in Teacher Education, ABA Concentration have two options:
Thesis Option: Students enroll in TPTE 518 (Educational Specialist Research and Thesis) for 6 credit hours. The EdS thesis must be approved by the student’s committee prior to submission to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval and acceptance. The student must register for thesis hours during this time.
Project Option: Students enroll in TPTE 503 (Problems in Lieu of Thesis) for 6 credit hours.
Minimum of 30 hours of coursework including BCBA coursework. To complete the coursework required for board certification in behavior analysis (BCBA), students must complete EDPY 515, EDPY 517, EDPY 636, SPED 555, SPED 530, SPED 501, and either EDPY 505 or SPED 603. An international certifying board specifies and updates additional requirements (e.g., completing supervised fieldwork experience, passing exam) for board certification which are outside of coursework included in the Teacher Education, EdS ABA Concentration.
If you have questions about the program or the course of study, please contact:
Tara Moore, associate professor and instructional team lead
Email: tara.moore@utk.edu