Endicott College ABA Programs
The Endicott Institute for Applied Behavioral Science leads as a pioneer in its field, operating for more than a decade at the vanguard of research, academics, and knowledge sharing related to behavioral science applications. The ABA program started within Endicott’s Van Loan School, moved briefly through the School of Education, and has now grown into its own standalone institute. This progress shows how applied behavior analysis has gained importance and recognition as a discipline.
Applied behavior analysis emerged in the 1960s as the science of teaching and learning. People often link ABA with autism intervention, but its applications reach way beyond this single focus. The field finds use in marketing companies to influence buyer behavior, teaching methods, athletic training, organizational behavior management, sustainability efforts, and even animal training and conservation.
Dr. Mary Jane Weiss, Dean of the Institute and Director of the Ph.D. ABA program, has guided Endicott to develop detailed educational pathways in this growing field. Students pursuing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) pathway 2 eligibility route can complete the 40-credit degree program through the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. The research-based Ph.D. program prepares students to teach at universities or work as scientist-practitioners in various settings.
ABA has gained prominence as both a discipline and science, especially through autism intervention. Insurance companies now recognize ABA as a treatment worth covering, and all 50 states require certifications to practice in this area. These professional requirements have opened substantial opportunities beyond autism and special education applications.
Endicott’s programs offer online formats that working professionals can easily access. This approach helps the institution draw top experts in the field as affiliate faculty members and advisors.
What ABA programs does Endicott College offer?
Endicott College’s Institute for Applied Behavioral Science provides reliable educational pathways in ABA. Students can pursue the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (40 credits) that helps them prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. The master’s program lets students choose from seven specialized concentrations: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Childhood Clinical Disorders, Mental Health, Organizational Behavior Management, Public Schools, Sustainability, and a general track.
The Fifth-Year ABA Program gives Endicott undergraduates a faster way to earn their master’s degree while meeting BCBA certification requirements. Students with good academic standing can skip up to two elective courses and finish everything in 24 months. The college also waives GRE/MAT requirements for Endicott graduates who maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students seeking advanced education can enroll in Endicott’s Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis program. It offers two tracks: Behavior Science Research and Behavior Analytic Practice. This research-focused program prepares graduates to become university teachers or scientist-practitioners. Students can complete the 60-credit program in three years through synchronized online classes.
The Institute also runs several certificate programs in ABA that satisfy behavior analytic certification requirements. International students can pursue a Master of Education in Autism and ABA that meets Qualified Applied Behavior Analyst (QABA) and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) certification standards.
Accreditation
Quality assurance in higher education relies heavily on accreditation, particularly in specialized fields like Applied Behavior Analysis. Endicott College holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This accreditation validates that the institution meets high quality standards in all its educational programs. Students can feel confident about the opportunities available to them.
Endicott’s ABA programs help aspiring behavior analysts meet certification requirements. The curriculum lines up with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) pathway 2 eligibility route. Students get all relevant test content areas and required instructional hours. This preparation is significant for students who plan to take the BACB examination.
The Ph.D. program in Applied Behavior Analysis meets standards set by three important organizations. These include the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, the Association for Behavior Analysis International, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts implemented professional licensing requirements for behavior analysts in 2012. The state became the tenth in the nation to pass such legislation.
Programs with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation now satisfy the BACB’s degree and coursework requirements. This change took effect January 1, 2022, through Pathway 1 for certification applications. International students should check with admissions about course offerings that match certifications in their regions.
Tuition
Students who want to pursue ABA education at Endicott College should know about the program’s complete fee structure. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program costs $713 per credit hour for the academic year. Program credits range from 36 to 51 based on your chosen pathway. The total tuition comes to about $19,908 for the 36-credit Fifth Year Program. Students in the 51-credit M.Ed. in Special Education and ABA pay $28,203.
ABA students pay a one-time fee of $1,000 in their first semester. This covers everything in online learning tools needed throughout the program. The application costs $50, though Endicott alumni and military personnel don’t need to pay this fee.
The Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis costs $1,015 per credit hour. Certificate programs cost $713 per credit hour. These programs include Autism, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Childhood Clinical Disorders, Mental Health, and Organizational Behavior Management.
Endicott’s refund policy is clear. Students get full tuition back if they ask within the first six days of the course. Half the amount returns between days eight and fourteen. No refunds apply after that. Endicott’s per-credit rates sit in the mid-range compared to other Massachusetts schools with like programs. This makes it a solid choice, and with good reason too, given the program’s quality and flexibility.
Admissions
Endicott College’s ABA programs have specific admission criteria based on degree levels. The master’s program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Successful applicants typically have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA from their most recent degree. ABA program applicants must write a 500-600 word essay that includes two APA-formatted citations. This essay should detail their graduate study plans, ABA background, and potential field contributions.
Applicants need to submit a completed online application with a $50 fee, though Endicott alumni and military personnel receive a fee waiver. The application package must include one letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference, official transcripts from all post-secondary education, and a current resume.
Doctoral program candidates must have earned a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or its equivalent. The program values candidates who hold a behavior analyst license or maintain active BCBA certification.
Students whose native language is not English must prove their proficiency through English language instruction documentation or valid test scores from TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.0), or Duolingo (105). Candidates can submit their application materials to Graduate Admissions at Endicott College’s Beverly campus or send them electronically.
The college typically sends admissions decisions within one week of receiving completed applications.
What sets Endicott College apart?
Endicott College’s ABA programs offer unique advantages that set them apart from others. Working professionals can complete 100% online coursework in just 27 months. Students can advance their careers while maintaining their current jobs.
The college makes graduate education more accessible. They require no GRE for admission and offer rolling admissions with three yearly start dates. Students benefit from:
- Small class sizes with favorable faculty-to-student ratios
- Faculty members with expertise in different behavior analytic specialties
- Regular adjunct faculty with ground experience
- Shared research projects with field experts
Students receive more than simple education through a free detailed BCBA exam preparation course, which increases their certification success chances by a lot. The Fifth Year program helps undergraduates save time and money through course waivers.
Endicott’s trailblazing internship program, study opportunities, and excellent career resources give students a competitive advantage. Students graduate with a degree and an impressive resume, ready to join a field that will grow 22% from 2021-2031.
Next steps
Want to start your trip into applied behavior analysis at Endicott College? Your first step is to pick the right admission decision plan. Early Decision and Early Action applications are due by November 1, and supporting documents must reach us by November 15. Early Action II deadlines fall on December 15 and January 6, while Regular Decision applications need to be in by February 1.
Endicott undergraduates aiming for the Fifth-Year ABA Program must keep a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies. Submit your application before your senior year’s spring semester. Students begin their coursework in the first post-graduate summer term after acceptance and usually finish all requirements within 24 months.
A campus visit might help you decide. Endicott welcomes future students on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., plus selected Saturdays. Your visit is a chance to explore facilities, join information sessions, and connect with admission staff members.
Students who need to defer enrollment should email their request to Admissions. Fall semester requests are due by July 31st, and spring semester requests by December 31st. Approved deferrals require an $850 non-refundable enrollment deposit.
The graduate admission office can answer your questions about master’s program admission procedures and requirements.