ABA Programs Offered at Sacramento State

CSU Sacramento’s ABA Programs create rewarding career paths that help others through behavioral science. The university offers multiple ways to become a qualified behavior analyst in educational and healthcare settings.

CSUS provides detailed training options that match your career goals, whether you want undergraduate certification or a master’s degree. The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program holds accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. This prepares you to work professionally in a variety of settings like schools, hospitals, and agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities. CSUS ranks among the Top 25 Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs, which makes it an excellent choice among ABA masters programs in California. Students who choose Sacramento State’s programs will meet all requirements to take the national certification exam in behavior analysis (BCBA).

What ABA programs does California State University offer?

California State University, Sacramento provides well-laid-out pathways for students who want to study Applied Behavior Analysis and get certified. The university has developed complete programs that meet the growing need for qualified behavior analysts in settings of all types.

Sacramento State’s psychology department offers multiple ABA program options that work for students at different educational levels and career stages. These programs give students the educational foundation they need to work with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges.

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program is the life-blood of CSUS’s behavior analysis offerings. This graduate-level program gets you ready for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). You’ll learn through a mix of intensive coursework and supervised practical experience. Full-time students typically finish the program in two years. The curriculum covers basic principles, assessment procedures, and intervention techniques in behavior analysis.

The MS program includes:

• Principles of learning and behavior
• Research methods in behavior analysis
• Functional assessment and analysis
• Behavior change procedures
• Ethical and professional conduct
• Consultation and supervision skills

The program also offers supervised fieldwork opportunities where you can use theoretical knowledge in real-life settings under qualified supervision. This hands-on experience is vital to develop practical skills and meet BCBA certification requirements.

ABA Certificate Program

Sacramento State also offers an Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program alongside the master’s degree. This option helps professionals who already have a graduate degree in psychology, education, or related fields and want to add ABA credentials. The certificate program focuses on coursework that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements.

Undergraduate Coursework in ABA

Sacramento State offers undergraduate psychology courses that introduce ABA concepts to students starting their academic trip. These courses build a solid foundation for future graduate studies in behavior analysis. While these courses don’t lead directly to BCBA certification, they help you decide if this career path matches your interests and goals.

Program Delivery Options

CSUS has structured its ABA programs with several delivery options to meet diverse student needs:

1. Traditional on-campus courses with face-to-face instruction
2. Hybrid formats combining in-person and online learning components
3. Evening classes to accommodate working professionals

Working professionals in education or human services who want advanced credentials will find these flexible options particularly helpful.

Supervised Experience Opportunities

Supervised practical experience plays a key role in ABA training. Sacramento State helps students gain this experience through:

• Partnerships with local schools and agencies
• On-campus clinics and research centers
• Faculty-supervised practicum placements

Students can collect required fieldwork hours while getting guidance from qualified supervisors. This practical training helps develop skills in assessment, intervention planning, and behavior analytic procedures.

Research Opportunities

Sacramento State’s ABA programs emphasize research skills development. Students can:

• Join faculty-led research projects
• Design and conduct their own research studies
• Present findings at regional and national conferences
• Add to the growing body of knowledge in behavior analysis

These research experiences boost understanding of behavior analytic principles and develop critical thinking skills needed for evidence-based practice.

Course Sequence Approval

The ABA programs’ coursework at Sacramento State meets the Verified Course Sequence requirements set by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). This verification shows that courses cover all content areas needed for BCBA certification eligibility.

Professional Development Resources

Sacramento State supports your professional growth in behavior analysis with:

• Guest lectures by renowned behavior analysts
• Workshops on specialized intervention techniques
• Networking events with potential employers
• Student organizations focused on behavior analysis

These additional resources enrich your education and help build valuable professional connections.

Alignment with BACB Requirements

Sacramento State’s ABA programs line up with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s requirements. The coursework covers BACB task list content areas, and supervised experience opportunities fulfill fieldwork requirements for certification eligibility.

Focus on Ethical Practice

Sacramento State puts strong emphasis on ethical practice in behavior analysis. Students learn about the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code, which prepares them to direct complex ethical scenarios in professional practice.

Sacramento State’s offerings rank among California’s leading ABA programs. They provide complete preparation for careers in this expanding field. The university’s ABA programs offer the education, training, and credentials you need to succeed in applied behavior analysis, whether you’re just starting out or advancing your career.

Accreditation

Academic programs gain their strength and credibility from accreditation status. The ABA Programs at California State University, Sacramento have two vital layers of accreditation that confirm their quality and recognition.

Sacramento State has institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This regional accreditation, awarded in 1951, gives the university its essential academic standing. The university managed to keep this accreditation through regular renewal cycles. The most recent confirmation happened in June 2017.

WASC accreditation needs renewal every 10 years. Sacramento State’s next review includes an Offsite Review in Fall 2026 and an Accreditation Visit in Spring 2027. This steady track record shows the university’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence.

Sacramento State’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program has earned specialized programmatic accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. Students pursuing careers in behavior analysis find this recognition particularly valuable. ABAI Accreditation Board aims to create and implement standards for behavior analysis educational programs.

The ABAI Accreditation Board’s latest evaluation in 2025 granted full accreditation to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program for seven years. This decision shows the program meets ABAI standards without major issues. The program will keep its accredited status through December 31, 2031.

Programmatic accreditation brings benefits beyond prestige. ABAI-Accredited Programs meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) degree and coursework requirements via Pathway 1 for BCBA and BCaBA certification applications since January 1, 2022. Students who complete Sacramento State’s accredited MS in ABA program know their coursework meets professional certification requirements.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified that Sacramento State’s M.S. in ABA program meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. This gives future students extra confidence about the program’s curriculum standards.

WASC accreditation offers practical benefits to students in all university programs, including ABA studies. Sacramento State can accept transfer credits from incoming students. Students with prior coursework from other accredited schools find this helpful when continuing their education here.

These two layers of accreditation – WASC institutional and ABAI programmatic – make Sacramento State’s ABA programs some of California’s most credible options. Students looking at aba masters programs in California should see these accreditations as quality markers for their educational choices.

Sacramento State has 10 programmatically accredited programs in fields from business to nursing to art and design. This broad excellence in accreditation adds to the university’s academic quality.

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program’s mission statement matches its accreditation standards: “to prepare students to (a) think critically about behavioral processes in a variety of socially meaningful issues, populations, and practice areas, (b) comprehend and contribute to behavior-analytic scholarship, (c) enter the ABA workforce by passing the work to be done certification and/or licensure examinations to practice as a behavior analyst, (d) serve diverse communities as Master’s level scientist-practitioners, and (e) enter doctoral training programs in behavior analysis”.

These recognized accreditations show Sacramento State’s commitment to high-quality education in applied behavior analysis. The programs meet both academic standards and professional certification needs. Students exploring aba programs in California can trust the quality and recognition of their educational investment here.

Tuition

Money matters are vital when choosing an educational program. The cost structure of ABA programs at California State University, Sacramento will help you plan your academic investment better.

Sacramento State’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program costs less than many other ABA masters programs in California. Graduate students joining the program in 2025-2026 will pay different amounts based on their enrollment status and where they live.

Graduate students who take 6 or fewer units each semester pay $2,340 in tuition fees and $1,282 in mandatory campus fees. This adds up to $3,622 per semester. Students taking more than 6 units pay $4,032 in tuition plus the same campus fees, which totals $5,314 per semester. These rates apply to students who live in California.

Students from outside California pay more. They must pay the standard tuition, campus fees, and an extra $444 for each unit. This price difference shows why becoming a California resident before starting the program can save you money.

Students should budget around $16,227 for the entire MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program. This amount might change depending on how many classes you take and whether you’re a California resident.

Recent updates show the first-year costs in detail. December figures list total costs $16,227.

The mandatory campus fee stays at $1,282 each semester no matter how many units you take. These fees pay for campus services that all students can use.

Certificate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis have different costs. Students pay $2,449 per semester for six or fewer credit hours. The cost goes up to $3,655 per semester for more than six credit hours.

Sacramento State takes pride in helping students pay for college. The university gave out $323.80 million in financial aid in 2023. Out of 51,312 students who asked for help, 85% got some form of aid. This shows how the university makes education available to more people, including ABA program students.

Students at Sacramento State can get several types of financial aid:

• State University Grant (SUG): California residents can get help with tuition if they apply by March 2nd
• Cal Grants (Cal Grant A and B): These grants help eligible undergraduate California residents who meet filing deadlines
• Middle Class Scholarship (MCS): This helps eligible undergraduate California residents and future teachers

Your financial aid amount depends on the difference between the Cost of Attendance and your Student Aid Index. The index shows how much you and your family can pay toward your education at Sacramento State.

Psychology and ABA graduate students usually need to be full-time students to get full financial aid. Part-time students might get less aid. The Award Notice Guide explains each type of aid in detail.

The Psychology Department gives out special scholarships and awards to graduate and post-bachelor students. Students who qualify for work-study can become teaching assistants. They help professors and undergraduates with classes, and some positions include research work.

You can use financial aid from the university, government, and outside sources to pay for any ABA program at Sacramento State. This lets you combine different funding sources to pay for your education.

The financial aid office can give you the latest information about costs since they change yearly. The Psychology Department might also have special scholarships just for ABA students.

Admissions

The Applied Behavior Analysis programs at California State University, Sacramento use a selective process to assess candidates through multiple criteria. The Psychology Department gives equal weight to your overall grade point average and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores during admissions decisions.

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program has simple eligibility requirements. You’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree as your starting point. The program recommends an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99 might still get a chance, though with lower priority.

Students must complete specific coursework before they can enroll. The requirements include a lower division undergraduate psychology course in research methods and an upper division undergraduate course in applied behavior analysis. Each course needs a minimum grade of ‘C’. These requirements match PSYC 8 for research methods and PSYC 171 for applied behavior analysis at Sacramento State. You can also complete equivalent courses from other institutions.

CSUS ABA programs require applications to both the university and Psychology Department. Students should first apply through CalState Apply, which serves all California State University institutions. This step requires unofficial transcripts from every college and university you’ve attended, Sacramento State included.

The Psychology Department needs a supplemental application with:

1. Unofficial copies of your General GRE scores (must be taken by the application deadline)
2. Three letters of recommendation (preferably two from faculty) that assess your potential for successful graduate study
3. A personal statement describing your professional goals and experiences
4. A curriculum vitae (CV) listing relevant coursework and experience

ABA program applicants should limit their personal statement to two double-spaced pages. The statement needs details about previous research, practicum experiences, academic training in ABA, and post-graduation professional goals. Make sure to show your dedication to studying behavioral analysis as a science to understand human behavior.

Your application gets a boost from previous research or practical experience. The Department looks at your interest in faculty members’ research and other materials too. Research the behavior analysis program’s faculty members beforehand. Include a list of potential faculty you’d like to work with and explain why.

International students face extra requirements. They must prove English proficiency through tests like IELTS and PTE. IELTS requires a minimum score of 6.5 out of 9, while PTE needs at least 65 out of 90.

Students with non-U.S. degrees must meet degree equivalency standards. The program accepts several alternatives to a four-year bachelor’s degree: a three-year degree plus a master’s degree, a two-year bachelor’s plus a two-year master’s in the same field, a three-year degree plus an Associate in Chartered Accounts from India, or a three-year degree with a postgraduate diploma in a related field from an AICTE-approved institution.

International applicants and domestic students with foreign documents should submit applications by December 15. This deadline ensures enough time to verify transcripts.

Sacramento State requires complete application files by the final deadline. ABA program applications work for specific terms only – you can’t defer or roll them forward. Missing your intended term means submitting a new application.

Psychology graduate programs, including ABA, start accepting applications on October 1 for fall admission. Both university applications and recommendation letters must arrive by January 15. These programs don’t offer spring admission.

Selected candidates might receive invitations to campus for personal interviews or program tours. Remote interviews are available if you can’t make it in person.

CSUS is known among California’s ABA masters programs with its straightforward admissions process and clear requirements. The program’s selective nature helps ensure students have the right academic foundation and commitment to succeed in applied behavior analysis.

Students learning about ABA programs in California can boost their acceptance chances by a lot. The key lies in understanding these requirements and preparing a strong application package for this competitive graduate program.

What sets Sac State apart?

The Applied Behavior Analysis program at California State University, Sacramento stands out from other programs through key features that give students exceptional educational value.

The CEO of the BACB describes Sacramento State’s ABA program as a “boutique program” due to its compact size and high research output. The program admits only eight students each fall—two per faculty member. This creates a close-knit learning environment where students receive individual attention and guidance. A student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 lets students build strong relationships with their professors.

Four tenured or tenure-track behavior analysts make up the program’s faculty. Each earned their doctorate with a focus on experimental or applied research. Students benefit from close mentorship right from the start. They join research projects on day one and complete their experimental thesis during their second and third years.

The ABA program at Sacramento State has research facilities that surpass most other California programs. These facilities include:

• Human and animal (rat) operant laboratories
• Specialized research rooms to collect data with children and adults
• Audio and video recording equipment to observe and learn
• Strategic collaborations with regional agencies

Sacramento State remains one of the few ABA programs that operates an animal laboratory to study operant conditioning. Students often graduate with publications in leading journals like the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Clinical training plays a vital role in the program. The university works with qualified ABA service providers who give students paid internships. Students work 15-20 hours each week under Board Certified Behavior Analysts, many of whom graduated from CSUS. These internships cover various clinical areas from early intensive behavior intervention to organizational behavior management.

The program shapes students into scientist-practitioners rather than just clinical practitioners. This shows in their achievements – high retention rates, timely graduation, excellent job placement, and outstanding BACB examination results. Students have earned more than 30 research awards.

Students find additional support through campus resources. The Student Association for Applied Behavior Analysis (SAABA) creates networking chances and hosts distinguished speakers. The Prospects Peer Mentoring and Advising program helps students plan their academic and career paths.

The Annual Psychology Department Research Conference lets students present discoveries and grow professionally. The program reaches beyond borders through research partnerships with institutions in South America and Europe. Students can travel and work with faculty at these partner institutions.

The program ranks among California’s top ABA masters programs. Small classes, research opportunities, publication experience, and global partnerships create an environment where graduates thrive in both professional practice and doctoral studies.

Next steps

After getting admitted to one of the ABA programs at California State University, Sacramento, you need to complete several key steps to become a certified behavior analyst. Understanding these steps beforehand will help you make the most of your educational experience.

Start by connecting with faculty advisors when you begin your studies. Faculty members actively participate in the planning process. You should work closely with them from day one. These relationships will shape both your academic success and professional growth at Sacramento State.

You need to file an application for Advancement to Candidacy after completing about 12 units of 200-level courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This vital step outlines your proposed graduate study program. The advancement process needs you to select a Thesis or Project committee. You must get their approval for your proposal with signatures on the Department’s thesis/project approval form. You also need to complete a Graduate Writing Intensive course in your first two semesters.

The value of personalized learning is essential during your studies. The Psychology Department believes that students develop specialized skills best through direct interactions with instructors. You can earn academic credit through research in laboratories, fieldwork, teaching activities, and practicum experiences in community settings.

The university offers impressive research facilities. These include human and animal (rats) operant laboratories and research rooms to collect data from children and adults. Sacramento State has also built research partnerships with various schools and agencies nearby, giving you hands-on experience opportunities.

Clinical training becomes more important as you advance through the ABA masters program in California. Sacramento State provides many funded internships and job opportunities for behavior analysis students in the Sacramento area. Here are some notable internship sites:

• ACES, Comprehensive Educational Services (center-based and in-home services)
• Behavior Analytic Solutions, LLC
• E.S.T Consulting, LLC
• O.P.E Consulting, LLC
• Pacific Autism Learning Services
• Positive Behavior Support Corporation

Your final requirement involves enrolling in four units of PSYC 500A and completing an empirical thesis. You’ll need to write an APA-style manuscript with introduction, method, results, and discussion sections. Then you must pass an oral defense. If you need more time for your thesis, enroll in two units of PSYC 500B the next semester. After that, take the university-designated thesis/project continuation course if needed.

Sacramento State offers a formal appeal process if your application gets denied. You must submit appeals within 15 business days after receiving the deny notification from the Office of Graduate Studies. The process requires an Admission Appeal Request Form, a letter explaining your circumstances, and documents that prove your appeal.

Note that the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program aims to prepare you to analyze behavioral processes critically. You’ll contribute to behavior-analytic scholarship, enter the ABA workforce by passing certification exams, serve diverse communities as a Master’s level scientist-practitioner, and possibly enter doctoral training programs in behavior analysis. Every step at Sacramento State aligns with these goals.