ABA Programs at Rollins College

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABACS) program at Rollins College gives you the expertise to design and deliver meaningful treatment. You can advance your career in this faster growing field. Students graduate with skills they need to practice evidence-based behavior analysis through a detailed educational experience.

Rollins College has a 45-credit-hour ABACS program that combines intensive academic training with hands-on experience. You’ll complete a thesis or capstone project and three semesters of practicum seminars. These seminars include supervised fieldwork that meets the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s standards. This approach helps you build both theoretical knowledge and ground skills you need for professional success.

Students get hands-on experience at Rollins’ new Behavior Services Center under expert faculty supervision. This practical experience builds skills and career confidence while helping the community.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has accredited the program through December 31, 2031. This recognition shows the program’s high professional standards and quality education.

The field has seen remarkable growth – this is a big deal as it means that the annual need for Board Certified Behavior Analysts has grown by nearly 2,000% in the last decade. Average salaries top $70,000. After graduating, you can start professional practice right away or pursue doctoral studies in behavior analysis, clinical psychology, or related clinical science fields.

Evening classes happen in person at Rollins’ campus – ranked No. 1 private regional university in the South. You can balance your education with other commitments while earning a respected Rollins degree valued throughout Orlando and nationwide.

The program’s extensive behavior analysis training and clinical science coursework prepare you to assess intervention effectiveness. You’ll learn to design and evaluate behavioral interventions with scientific precision.

What ABA programs does Rollins College offer?

Rollins College provides two paths to get your Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABACS) degree. These options fit different student backgrounds and schedules.

Traditional Master of Arts Program
The traditional Master of Arts in ABACS program follows a well-laid-out curriculum that gives you the skills you need in behavior analysis and clinical science. Students who graduate from this program excel at designing and evaluating behavioral interventions and research. You can complete the traditional program in two or three years based on your experience and preferences.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
On top of that, Rollins offers an accelerated master’s option where you can earn your bachelor’s degree while working toward your ABACS master’s degree. This smart approach saves you time and money—about one year of study and nearly $8,000 in tuition costs. The accelerated program keeps high academic standards while helping you advance your career faster.

Both programs use a cohort model. You start your studies in fall and move through the program with your classmates, which creates a supportive learning environment. Classes take place in-person during evening hours, making them available to working professionals.

Program Tracks
The ABACS degree comes with two tracks:

• Three-Year Track: A standard option that spreads coursework over six semesters plus summers to create a manageable academic load
• Two-Year Track: An intensive option perfect for people with professional experience and/or RBT certification, as well as international students and NCAA athletes (with program director approval)

The 45-credit curriculum covers these areas:

• 11 core courses on conceptual foundations, simple science, clinical applications, and ethics
• 2 clinical science electives for specialization
• Professional development coursework
• Thesis or capstone project

Your studies include 750 hours of supervised practicum experience to prepare you for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. The curriculum meets all coursework and experience requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

This program does more than just prepare you for certification—it helps create graduates who excel in both behavior analysis and clinical science. This combined approach will give you versatile skills that work in many professional settings, whether you plan to practice at the master’s level or pursue doctoral studies.

Accreditation

Rollins College’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs stand out because of their elite accreditation status. The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis & Clinical Science program has earned full accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. This recognition confirms the program’s academic excellence and its commitment to professional standards.

The ABAI Accreditation Board renewed the program’s full accreditation in 2024. The renewal extends through December 31, 2031. The Board’s decision shows that the program meets all required standards without any major issues. The accreditation applies to the on-campus program in the Health Professions Department.

Students pursuing BCBA certification benefit directly from this endorsement. Since January 1, 2022, graduates from ABAI-accredited programs automatically meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) requirements through Pathway 1 for BCBA® certification applications. Students can now apply for certification without worrying about their coursework eligibility.

The accreditation process demands excellence. Programs must provide detailed documentation and welcome expert visits to review their educational delivery and outcomes.

Rollins College’s reputation for quality education goes back to 1927. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has continuously accredited the institution since then. This backing guarantees educational quality in all Rollins programs.

The ABACS program tracks and shares student success rates as required by both the ABAI Accreditation Board and the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. These transparent results show the program’s dedication to high educational standards and professional preparation.

The program aims to create graduates who excel in behavior analysis and clinical science. These professionals can design and review behavioral interventions and research. This goal serves as the heart of the program’s educational philosophy.

Tuition

The Rollins College ABA program offers clear and competitive pricing for your education. You can plan your educational costs better with the well-laid-out financial structure of the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science program.

The rates will see a small bump to $729 per credit hour or $2,187 per three-credit course in 2025-2026. The total program tuition comes to $32,805.

Your total cost of attendance has these expenses:

These costs add up to about $35,144 per year with tuition, giving you a clear picture to plan your finances.

Rollins helps make this investment easier through several financial support options. The Department of Health Professions gives out two research assistantships yearly with a $10,000 stipend for 10 hours of weekly work. You should also submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for federal help.

The College’s accelerated master’s degree path could save you about $8,000 in tuition and other costs. These savings don’t affect your education quality at all.

Remember to factor in extra fees that apply to everyone: a $50 non-refundable application fee and a $35 graduation fee. The College charges 1% monthly on past due balances over $200.

Rollins College makes its ABA program affordable without cutting corners on quality. The mix of payment plans, financial aid, and assistantships shows their steadfast dedication to helping qualified students get their BCBA certification.

Admissions

The ABA programs at Rollins College offer a simple application process that works for candidates from different backgrounds. The Admissions Committee looks at your complete profile based on academic ability, field knowledge, personal conduct, and dedication to behavior analysis instead of using a rigid formula.

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science program accepts applications during three decision periods:

• Early Decision: Application deadline March 1, with notification in April
• Regular Decision: Application deadline May 15, with notification in June
• Late Decision: Available during some academic years (dates announced on the program website)

Rollins College makes applying easier than many graduate programs. The ABACS program needs no application fee and no GRE scores if you have existing graduate degrees or GPAs above 3.0. You can request a GRE waiver with five or more years of experience in applied behavior analysis or related fields, or with undergraduate GPAs exceeding 3.5.

Your application should include these materials:

• Current resume
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two recommendation letters (preferably from professors or supervisors)
• A 3-5 page essay explaining your understanding of applied behavior analysis, interest in the field, and program fit

Students who apply by February 1 automatically qualify for scholarships between $15,000 and $32,000. The admissions committee reviews applications once they receive all materials. You can submit documents separately as you complete them.

International applicants need TOEFL scores from non-English speaking institutions and proper visa or resident status documentation. Qualified candidates move forward to an admissions interview after document review.

The Rollins experience starts with customized support during your application process. You’ll receive guidance that reflects the program’s commitment to making behavior analysis education available to more people.

Your application materials stay on file for one year, so you can delay enrollment if needed. This student-focused admissions approach shows how the program creates a supportive environment from day one through graduation.

What sets Rollins College apart?

Rollins College’s ABA programs stand out with features that make them better than typical graduate programs. Students work side by side with faculty as junior colleagues in all aspects of professional development. This partnership spans networking, research design, practicum site selection, and career planning. You’ll get personal mentoring throughout your trip.

The small-scale learning environment makes Rollins special. Classes average just 12 students with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, which means you get individual attention that promotes deeper understanding and builds skills. Professors can spot your strengths and guide you better in this close academic community.

Rollins’ educational philosophy is pioneering practical application. The Behavior Services Center, which opened recently, gives students a big advantage with hands-on clinical experience under faculty supervision. You’ll get real-life chances to use classroom concepts, which builds your confidence and abilities before you graduate.

Your career outlook after Rollins is bright. You just need to look at the numbers – Board Certified Behavior Analysts jobs have grown by 2,000% in the last decade, and average salaries are $70,000 per year. This growth means plenty of jobs once you finish your degree.

The complete curriculum deserves special mention. Unlike programs that focus only on behavior analysis, Rollins weaves clinical science throughout your courses. Graduates can both apply behavioral interventions and assess if these interventions have scientific backing – skills that employers value more and more.

The program’s academic excellence adds to your degree’s worth. Rollins ranks as the #1 private regional university in the South, giving you a respected credential known across Orlando and nationwide. This reputation creates opportunities throughout your career.

From day one, you’ll build professional skills by working with faculty. These experiences include designing research, running studies, and presenting at conferences. This preparation sets you up for success whether you plan to practice at the master’s level or pursue doctoral studies.

Next steps

Start your experience toward becoming a behavior analyst at Rollins College’s ABACS program. You’ll find several ways to learn about the program and connect with faculty members to help you choose the right educational path.

The program comes alive when you attend a 60-minute on-campus information session or take a campus tour. These visits show you why Rollins is an excellent place to earn your graduate degree in behavior analysis. Students who can’t visit campus can register for a 60-minute virtual information session with graduate admission counselors.

Faculty members welcome one-on-one meetings – a great chance to learn directly from your future professors. You can ask specific questions about coursework, research possibilities, and career outcomes during these sessions.

The application process involves these simple steps:

1. Complete the Application for Graduate Admission with a $50 non-refundable application fee
2. Submit official transcripts from your degree-granting institution
3. Provide your current resume and two letters of recommendation through the online application system

Key application deadlines you should know:

• Priority Decision: Apply by February 17 for earliest consideration
• Regular Decision: Submit materials by June 2
• Late Applications: Reviewed on space-available basis after June 2

The program features special events like The Insider’s Guide to the Graduate Application on January 8, 2026. You’ll get expert advice on application components and time with admission counselors for questions.

The Graduate Virtual Info Session covering all programs happens on January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Rollins’ dedication to personal attention starts before enrollment. Admission counselors are ready to meet in person or virtually throughout your decision-making process. This tailored approach shows the program’s steadfast dedication to student success from day one through graduation.