ABA Programs at Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg
Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Master of Arts Program helps students create detailed solutions for socially important problems. Our main goal is to show how this program gives graduates the tools they need to improve human behavior through applied behavior analysis principles.
Students in Penn State Harrisburg’s ABA program learn to apply core behavior analysis areas in fields like autism, education, health, psychology, and business settings. The program follows a science-practitioner model that focuses on improving socially important behavior through applied behavior analysis while teaching students to do the same.
The program’s curriculum provides deep insights into applied behavioral technology, experimental analysis, methodology, and behavioral philosophy. These elements are the foundations for students to become competent behavior analysts who can tackle complex behavioral challenges. Face-to-face educational formats remain central to the program because this approach helps students become effective, highly competent professionals who understand human behavior’s complexities.
A 2018 report by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board shows that behavior analysts’ just need has increased by approximately 800 percent from 2010 to 2017 in almost every state. This dramatic growth shows how behavior analysis has become vital in multiple sectors.
Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Behavioral Sciences and Education oversees the ABA program. Dr. Kimberly A. Schreck, the ABA Program Coordinator, makes program-level decisions and resolves conflicts. This support system will give students guidance throughout their academic experience.
The ABAI-accredited program welcomes both full-time and part-time students, offering courses in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Working professionals can advance their education while keeping up with other responsibilities.
Program graduates choose diverse career paths. Many become behavior analysts serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Others create new opportunities in behavior analysis by training teachers and school support staff in behavioral interventions. The program’s alumni have completed doctoral training, launched service provider companies, worked as program directors, participated in advocacy and legislative change, and provided direct support for individuals in need.
The program’s Verified Course Sequence teaches behavioral research and intervention, behavior science foundations, ethical research practices, and behavioral skill application in various environments. This detailed preparation gives students expertise to address behavioral challenges in numerous settings, both regionally and globally.
What ABA programs does Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg offer?
Penn State Harrisburg’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis program needs 39 credits to graduate—36 from required courses and 3 from electives. Students follow a well-laid-out sequence that builds their knowledge and skills step by step.
The program teaches both basic and advanced behavior analysis concepts. Students take essential courses like Science and Behaviorism (ABA 500), Principles of Behavior Analysis (ABA 533), Advanced Principles of Behavior Analysis (ABA 534), and Ethics in Research and Professional Practice (ABA 588). They also learn practical skills through courses focused on Behavioral Assessment and Intervention for Functional Skills (ABA 510) and Problem Behavior (ABA 512).
Students learn research methods through Behavioral Research Methods (ABA 522) and get exposure to larger-scale interventions in Behavioral Systems Support (ABA 544). The program includes specialized training in Behavioral Intervention in Autism & Developmental Disabilities (ABA 555), which helps students work with different population groups.
Students must complete at least 1,000 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork during their internship (ABA 595). Most finish the full BACB requirement of 1,500 hours before they graduate, which helps them save time and money later. This hands-on experience lets students apply what they learn in class to real-life situations.
Each student works with faculty to complete a master’s project (ABA 594). The final paper can be research-based, a training manual, or a publication-style literature review.
Working professionals will find the program structure convenient:
- Evening classes fit around full-time jobs
- Full-time or part-time enrollment options
- “Stacked” courses let students take three classes in just two campus evenings
Students learn from nationally-recognized experts in Applied Behavior Analysis. They can also join research projects, labs, and conferences to build their professional portfolio before graduation.
Graduates leave with strong skills in behavioral research, intervention, behavior science, ethical practice, and can apply these skills to different settings and behaviors. The program prepares students for both BACB certification and Pennsylvania licensure as a Behavior Specialist.
Accreditation
Penn State Harrisburg’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis program earned prestigious accreditation from the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. This recognition puts the program among select institutions nationwide and shows its arrangement with strict national standards.
Penn State Harrisburg stands by a lot as the only ABAI-accredited program in Pennsylvania. The ABAI Accreditation Board decided in 2025 to grant the original accreditation to the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program for three years. The accreditation remains active through December 31, 2027.
The program went through a full review process to earn this recognition. The ABAI Accreditation Board reviews programs based on strict criteria and makes sure they meet exemplary standards in behavior analysis education. Programs must show excellence in training behavior scientists and practitioners in both theoretical foundations and ethical, evidence-based practice.
Students graduating from Penn State Harrisburg’s ABA program get valuable benefits for certification. The program meets both coursework and degree requirements for BACB® certification eligibility under Pathway 1. Students who complete the program can take the BCBA® examination as outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Dr. Jonathan Ivy, associate professor of psychology and professor-in-charge for the ABA program, highlighted the accreditation’s importance: “Since the program launched over 20 years ago, we have always strived to train the next generation of highly competent and compassionate behavior analysts. This recognition affirms the strength of our training model and our commitment to excellence in teaching, supervision, and research”.
The ABAI Accreditation Board’s mission focuses on creating and implementing standards for accrediting educational programs in behavior analysis. The board encourages continuous improvement in behavior analysis education through this voluntary accreditation process.
Students who want to build careers in behavior analysis should know that many US states and territories require professional licensure or certification for employment. Penn State Harrisburg’s accredited program offers a clear path to meet these professional requirements.
This accreditation marks a crucial milestone for the program and shows its steadfast dedication to educational excellence and student success. Students can trust they’ll receive training that meets the field’s highest standards in applied behavior analysis.
Tuition
A graduate degree needs significant financial investment. Penn State Harrisburg’s ABA program costs paint a clear picture of what students can expect. The 2025-26 academic year costs Pennsylvania residents $15,388 in tuition plus $616 in student fees. This adds up to $16,004. Students from other states pay more at $26,638 for tuition and the same $616 fee, which totals $27,254.
Penn State Harrisburg’s in-state tuition is higher than the national average of $12,422 for comparable programs. The program costs are nowhere near the national out-of-state average of $29,767 for non-Pennsylvania residents.
Students can save money by choosing the Harrisburg location over Penn State’s main campus at University Park. PA residents save $4,464 each year, while out-of-state students save $15,606 annually. This is a big deal as it means that the Harrisburg campus makes more financial sense for many students.
The total cost goes beyond just tuition. Students need to think about housing, food, books, and personal expenses. These push the total to about $38,720 for in-state students and $49,706 for out-of-state students. Financial aid and scholarships help reduce these costs. Students who receive need-based aid pay an average of $30,636 and $41,693 respectively.
Graduate students can access several financial support options:
- International Student Tuition Grant-In-Aid offers partial support to qualified international students
- Summer Tuition Assistance covers 1-9 summer credits based on fund availability for students with two consecutive semesters of fellowship/assistantship support
- School-specific funding includes teaching assistantships and grant-funded research positions
- Wage-payroll opportunities through specific graduate programs
Family income plays a big role in determining actual costs. Families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $18,236 per year. Those making more than $110,000 face average costs of $29,323.
Admissions
Penn State Harrisburg’s Applied Behavior Analysis master’s program accepts about 15 students each academic year. The program welcomes both full-time students who take 9 credits per semester and part-time students who take 3-6 credits.
Students must submit their materials through the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application portal. Requirements include a completed Graduate School online application with a nonrefundable fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools, and three recommendation letters. At least one letter should come from an academic reference.
The program looks for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students need at least 18 credits in psychology, education, ABA, or related fields. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits helps your application stand out. Your academic background and interest in the field matter most.
The GRE isn’t mandatory for admission. However, students without GRE scores can’t qualify for most graduate assistantships and scholarships. The selection process might include a personal interview.
International students might need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores since Penn State teaches in English.
The program has specific application deadlines. Fall semester applications are due by February 14th for early review and April 14th for regular review. Spring semester applications have an October 14th deadline, though spring admission rarely happens.
Students aiming for professional certification will find that this program meets all educational requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Pennsylvania. The BCBA course sequence needs 21 credit hours spread across seven courses. These cover foundations, concepts, principles, research methods, assessment, behavioral change procedures, and ethics.
Meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in. The program favors highly qualified candidates who excel both academically and in clinical settings.
Some promising students with minor gaps in their qualifications might receive provisional admission. These students must fix these gaps within two semesters or 15 credits, whichever comes first.
The review process starts only after you submit all required materials, so make sure your application is complete.
What sets Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg apart?
Penn State Harrisburg’s ABA program stands out with its unique structure and approach that creates clear advantages for students who want excellence in behavior analysis education. The program runs exclusively at the Harrisburg campus, making it a go-to destination for ABA education in the Commonwealth.
The program’s science-practitioner model sets it apart from typical practitioner-based programs. Students develop both research expertise and clinical skills through this balanced approach. This preparation opens doors to various career paths, including doctoral studies. The strong research foundation helps students who want to pursue doctoral specialties.
Working professionals will find the program quite flexible with:
- Classes scheduled in the evening to fit work schedules
- A “stacked” course setup where you can take three classes in just two campus evenings
- Full-time or part-time enrollment choices
Students gain valuable hands-on experience by completing at least 1,000 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork before they graduate. Many students complete their entire BACB fieldwork requirement (1,500 hours) during their studies, which saves them time and money after graduation.
Students learn from nationally-recognized Applied Behavior Analysis experts. These experts help deliver exceptional results – the program achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the BCBA certification examination in 2023 and 2020, surpassing national averages significantly.
Penn State Harrisburg graduates stand out through their master’s project, where they conduct empirical research with close faculty guidance. The program’s excellent connections with behavior analysts at major universities and non-academic sectors provide plenty of internship opportunities in Central Pennsylvania.
Graduates have built successful careers in various settings – from autism treatment specialists and behavior analysts in government agencies to consultants at retail companies and directors of hospital work teams. Several alumni now own service provider companies or work as program directors.
The program meets Pennsylvania’s behavior specialist licensing requirements, giving students a clear path to professional practice within the state.
Next steps
Ready to join us? The ABA program at Penn State Harrisburg has specific dates you’ll need to remember. The program prefers Fall semester admissions. Submit your application by February 14th to get early consideration, or by April 14th for regular review. Spring semester spots might open under special circumstances, with applications due by October 14th.
The program accepts applications until all seats are filled. Your chances of getting in improve significantly with an early application to this competitive program.
The program offers a clear path to becoming certified. After graduation, you’ll meet all the coursework and degree requirements to take the BCBA® examination under Pathway 1, as specified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This direct certification path makes our accredited program stand out.
Professional practice requirements need careful attention. Each state has different licensure rules. Before you commit, check the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map on the university website. This tool shows exactly what you’ll need to practice in your chosen location.
Graduate assistantships can help with program costs. The GRE isn’t mandatory for admission, but you’ll need GRE scores to qualify for most assistantships and scholarships. Taking the GRE opens up more funding options.
The program might accept transfer credits from courses you’ve completed elsewhere, as long as they weren’t part of another degree. The ABA program faculty reviews each case. Remember that courses from other institutions might not transfer directly to our Verified Course Sequence, even with BACB University Approved Coursework.
Students leave the program with research skills and hands-on experience that opens doors to various careers – from clinical practice to doctoral studies.