ABA Programs at Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University runs an Applied Behavior Analysis program that prepares students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). The university aims to develop a science-based curriculum to understand behavior, set clear student learning goals, and support faculty research and community service projects.

JSU’s master’s program gives students detailed instruction, training, and research opportunities in behavior analysis. The balanced curriculum has courses in conceptual foundations, experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Students learn about basic functional relationships between environmental events and behavior in EAB courses. ABA courses teach them to apply these behavioral principles to help people.

The program’s strength lies in its core team – five full-time faculty members who hold Ph.D. degrees in behavioral science. They teach all courses and guide students through required research projects. Students work in small cohort groups, which ensures they get customized attention throughout their educational experience.

JSU’s M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis holds Tier 1 accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. This makes it one of only two programs in Alabama with this difference. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified several courses for BCBA examination eligibility, including:

• PSY 508
• PSY 511
• PSY 521
• PSY 528
• PSY 529
• PSY 530
• PSY 538

The program’s success shows in its results – graduates often achieve a 100% BCBA exam pass rate, which is by a lot higher than the national average. Students who look for behavior analysis positions usually get jobs right after graduation. Many receive job offers before their final semester ends.

The school prepares you for a career that’s in high demand in schools and clinics of all sizes that specialize in ABA therapy. JSU’s ABA program is an excellent choice for aspiring behavior analysts because it combines thorough academic preparation, hands-on experience, and exceptional job placement rates.

What ABA programs does Jacksonville State University offer?

Jacksonville State University welcomes students with multiple pathways to study Applied Behavior Analysis. The heart of their ABA programs, the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program, proudly holds Tier 1 accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) through December 31, 2028.

Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options in the MS program, both requiring 39 graduate semester hours. Students pursuing the thesis track complete eight core courses, nine hours of electives, and six hours of thesis work. Those choosing the non-thesis path take Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I and II instead of the thesis component.

Graduate students take these core courses:

• Personnel Supervision and Management
• Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis
• Functional Assessment
• Applied Behavior Analysis I and II
• Single-Subject Research Methods
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• Ethics and Professional Development

Class schedules run Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday between 2:00pm-6:00pm, with times set each semester. Small groups of students learn together on campus through a cohort model, led by five full-time faculty members who hold Ph.D.s in behavioral science.

JSU’s undergraduate program features a 19-semester-hour minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students learn principles of behavior analysis, introduction to ABA, behavior-change procedures, single-subject research methods, ethics, and organizational behavior management.

The university’s 7-year old Center for Autism Studies sits within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Professional Studies. Education majors and graduate students use this center to specialize in autism studies for their education and ABA careers. Any student can minor in autism studies or choose autism courses as electives.

Hands-on experience is essential to all ABA programs. Graduate students conduct research in the university’s animal lab and human research facilities that have one-way mirrors. Research presentations at state and national conferences give students valuable exposure.

Local practicum sites partner closely with the university to give students field experience. These businesses often hire JSU students and help with BCBA supervision. This is a big deal as it means that students looking for behavior analysis positions land jobs right after graduation—many receive offers before their final semester ends.

JSU graduates showcase remarkable program success. Their BCBA exam pass rates consistently beat the national average, often hitting 100%. Most graduates build careers in human service organizations or advance to Ph.D. programs.

Accreditation

Jacksonville State University’s M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program stands among only two programs in Alabama with Tier 1 ABAI accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.

The ABAI Accreditation Board extended the program’s full accreditation through December 31, 2028, after a review in 2023. The board found that the program meets its strict standards and suggested only minor improvements during this period. They looked at every aspect of the program’s quality, rigor, and transparency.

The board and site visitors pointed out several laudable features of Jacksonville’s training program:

• Students graduate well-prepared
• Faculty members bring strong qualifications
• The program’s thesis projects line up with new guidelines

ABAI accreditation matters a lot to students who want to become certified. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has approved seven courses that meet the requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination:

• PSY 508
• PSY 511
• PSY 521
• PSY 528
• PSY 529
• PSY 530
• PSY 538

Students need to meet other requirements before they can take the examination.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This allows JSU to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. SACSCOC reaffirmed JSU’s accreditation on December 8, 2024, without asking for extra reports.

The program must follow the board’s policies and procedures and pay annual fees to keep its accreditation. On top of that, it must show its accreditation status online, link to student outcome reports, and submit yearly updates.

The ABAI board wants to see a progress report by November 15, 2025. This report will give a full picture of completed thesis projects. This step will help maintain the program’s high standards.

Tuition

Tuition costs play a significant role in choosing an ABA program. Jacksonville State University stands out with affordable tuition rates that rank in the lower 25th percentile nationally.

Students pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis will pay approximately $13,572. The yearly costs vary by residency status. In-state students pay around $11,120, while out-of-state students pay approximately $20,840.

The university’s official rates show graduate students pay $434 per credit hour for in-state traditional courses and $706 per credit hour for out-of-state courses. Online graduate courses cost $434 per credit hour for all students. Summer brings slightly different rates. Graduate in-state and online courses cost $410 per hour, and out-of-state summer rates run $665 per hour.

Students should think over the extra fees too. The yearly fees add $2,136 to the tuition, which brings the total to about $13,224 for full-time students. These total costs put JSU among the most affordable universities nationwide, ranking in the bottom 20% for tuition and fees.

Military service members and veterans get special rates of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate, graduate, and distance learning courses. Students must be active military or veterans and apply through the Veteran and Military Services office to qualify.

Students can pay their fees:

• In-person at the Office of Student Accounts
• Online through the MyJaxState portal
• By mail with check or money order

The university’s installment plan helps students spread their costs over time. A credit card service fee applies to all online credit/debit card payments.

The university offers partial refunds based on withdrawal timing. Students get 100% back if they withdraw by the last registration day, 80% within one week after registration closes, and 50% within three weeks after registration closes. No refunds are available after these periods.

Yes, it is worth noting that JSU’s total estimated annual cost of $23,156, including room and board, stays below the national average for in-state students at four-year public institutions.

Admissions

Students seeking admission to the ABA program at Jacksonville State University should pay close attention to deadlines and requirements. The program accepts applications only for fall semesters. The priority deadline is April 1, and students must submit their applications by July 15. Students who miss the final deadline will need to wait until next academic year to apply.

Applicants must submit a detailed application package that includes:

• Completed JSU Graduate Application for Admission
• Non-refundable $35.00 application processing fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions where post-baccalaureate work was completed
• Official GRE scores taken within five years preceding enrollment
• Three Graduate Reference Forms submitted electronically
• Curriculum vitae detailing education, employment, and relevant experience
• Letter of intent explaining reasons to pursue the ABA degree at JSU

The Psychology Graduate Committee reviews all applications through a selective process. Some applicants might need to meet with the committee before final decisions. Meeting minimum standards doesn’t guarantee acceptance, though the committee will think about exceptions to standard requirements when appropriate.

Applicants with a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, GRE score of 300, and either undergraduate coursework in applied behavior analysis or experience working under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst receive priority for unconditional admission. Students who don’t meet these measures might still qualify for conditional admission if spaces remain in the program.

Students with conditional acceptance must earn a minimum 3.25 GPA in their first semester of graduate coursework or receive specific committee approval to continue.

International students must meet additional requirements. They need to verify English proficiency through standardized tests. Acceptable scores include 550 on paper-based TOEFL, 213 on computer-based TOEFL, 79 on internet-based TOEFL, 6.0 on IELTS, 56 on PTE, 100 on Duolingo, or 3.9 on iTEP. Many more English-speaking countries receive exemptions from these language requirements.

The Dean of the Graduate School makes final decisions about all applications to graduate studies at Jacksonville State.

What sets Jacksonville State University apart?

Jacksonville State University’s expert faculty creates an exceptional learning environment for ABA students. The Psychology Department boasts four BCBA-Ds and a simple behavior analyst with over 45 years of experience. Together, they deliver exceptional expertise. These dedicated professors monitor student performance and help them access essential resources during their studies and after graduation.

JSU takes an all-encompassing approach to ABA education that balances theoretical foundations with practical applications. Many programs focus on autism intervention, but JSU faculty emphasize that behavior analysis principles apply to all behavior. This detailed point of view helps graduates succeed in careers beyond clinical settings.

The program stands out from competitors with remarkable outcomes:

• JSU graduates’ BCBA exam pass rate is a big deal as it means that national averages, often hitting 100%
• Students land jobs right after graduation, and many receive offers before their final semester
• Strong ties exist between the program and local providers, state/regional/national associations, and the state licensing board

Students can take advantage of unique fellowship opportunities to work with local agencies. These positions include supervision and financial benefits like hourly pay and tuition reimbursement. The fellowships smoothly transition into Licensed Behavior Analyst roles after graduation.

Graduate Program Coordinators help students meet BACB’s supervision requirements from day one until they apply for the exam. Students typically complete their supervision hours to qualify for the BCBA exam shortly after May graduation.

The program’s focus on research methodology sets it apart. Faculty members have worked with graduate students on studies in gerontology and other fields that showcase ABA’s wide applications. Students develop critical thinking skills and practical techniques through this research-driven approach.

JSU prepares students to excel beyond certification exams. The program creates thoughtful practitioners who understand that behavior analysis reaches way beyond the reach and influence of addressing maladaptive behaviors in children with autism.

Next steps

Want to start your ABA career at Jacksonville State University? The priority deadline for fall semester applications is April 1, which gives you the best shot at admission. You can still apply until the final deadline of July 15. Any applications received after July 15 will roll over to next year’s fall semester.

After getting accepted, you should meet with an advisor to sign up for classes. This first advising session helps you build relationships with faculty mentors who will support you throughout your academic path. These mentors will direct you through the curriculum needed to prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination.

The BCBA examination becomes your next step after finishing the required courses. JSU’s verified courses (PSY 508, 511, 521, 528, 529, 530, 538) meet all coursework requirements for exam eligibility. Note that you’ll need to fulfill other requirements before becoming fully eligible.

Your studies will include valuable hands-on experience at campus research facilities and local practicum sites. These partner businesses regularly hire JSU students and provide BCBA supervision, making the transition from student to professional smooth.

Graduate Program Coordinators will help you meet supervision requirements from day one through your exam application. Students typically complete their supervision hours needed for the BCBA exam right after May graduation.

JSU’s graduates pass the BCBA exam at rates far above the national average—often hitting 100%. Many students receive job offers before they finish their final semester.