Simmons University ABA Programs

Simmons University has been a pioneer in behavior analytic education since 1998. The Department of Behavior Analysis gives you exceptional graduate training to help improve lives through the science of behavior analysis. The program is New England’s first accredited master’s program and has managed to keep its leading position for over 25 years.

The programs prepare you for professional paths in many domains. You can work with people who have autism or neurodevelopmental disabilities, take roles in educational or clinical settings, enter industry, or start a private practice. Simmons builds the foundation you need to succeed.

• To make behavior analysis available to people who can create meaningful educational, social, and behavioral changes
• To create innovative research linking behavior analysis with other scientific disciplines
• To show how behavior analysis helps with many human conditions
• To get students ready for the BCBA® examination

The department shines with its skilled educators and leading researchers. These experts specialize in experimental behavior analysis, verbal behavior, behavioral medicine, and organizational behavior management. Students work with faculty on research projects and get chances to publish and present at national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

The Boston location in the medical area offers unmatched benefits. Students get excellent training opportunities in New England and access to a strong job market. Massachusetts ranks second nationwide among states with the highest number of behavior analyst positions. The US demand for BCBA® or BCBA-D® credentials grew 58% from 2023-2024.

Simmons’ behavior analysis programs show impressive results. The campus program’s first-attempt BCBA® exam pass rate reaches 67% compared to the national average of 54%. The online program does even better with 78% of students passing their first try.

Students develop complete skills in experimental and applied behavior analysis, assessment, ethics, verbal behavior, experimental design, and behavior-change methods. Research literacy combines with clinical training to help you create innovative treatments based on current behavior analytic research.

Program graduates have become leaders in the field. They’ve founded schools, built independent practices, earned doctoral degrees, and led institutions locally and nationally. Alumni work in education, behavioral medicine, organizational behavior management, instructional design, and animal training.

What ABA programs does Simmons University offer?

Simmons University gives students multiple ways to pursue advanced education in Applied Behavior Analysis. You can choose between campus-based and online programs based on your schedule and priorities.

The Master of Science in Behavior Analysis campus-based program is essential to Simmons’ ABA offerings. The program helps you enter the field, become Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA®), and make meaningful differences in people’s lives. On top of that, Simmons’ Educational Specialist (EdS) degree serves as an advanced graduate credential. This option works great if you already have a master’s degree and want specialized education in behavior analysis.

The BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons online Master of Science program might be perfect if you prefer distance education. This program prepares you for both research and clinical roles. You can complete it in as little as 20 months, making it the quickest way to qualification.

Campus-based and online programs both need 40 credits and a thesis research project that students develop during Practicum courses. The curriculum has these core courses:

• Introduction to Behavior Analysis (4 credits)
• Introduction to Single Subject Research Designs (4 credits)
• Behavioral Assessment (4 credits)
• Methods for Changing Behavior I & II (8 credits total)
• Legal and Ethical Issues (4 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis (4 credits)
• Verbal Behavior (4 credits)
• Practicum I & II (8 credits total)

Experiential learning plays a vital role in both formats. Students must find an approved practicum site and complete at least 5 hours weekly (45 hours per semester) of behavior analytic supervised experience. This adds up to 90 hours needed to graduate. Faculty members guide students as they develop, implement, and analyze their thesis research project outcomes.

Simmons’ on-campus MS program stands out globally. It’s one of the few master’s programs with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation and was New England’s first to earn this difference. The campus-based program meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board® requirements for the BCBA® exam under Pathway 1 (accredited programs). The online program satisfies Pathway 2 coursework requirements.

Working professionals will appreciate the program’s schedule. Campus students attend evening classes while online learners enjoy flexible options. Small, interactive classes build strong foundations in theory and practice. Students develop meaningful connections with faculty. The campus program starts three times yearly: Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May).

Accreditation

Simmons University’s behavior analysis programs’ accreditation credentials prove their outstanding quality and strict educational standards. The campus-based Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program stands out as one of the few master’s programs worldwide accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

The program made history as New England’s first master’s program to receive ABAI accreditation. This legacy of excellence continues today. The ABAI Accreditation Board renewed the on-campus MS program’s accreditation for five more years in 2023. This renewal shows the program meets all standards without major issues.

ABAI Accreditation Board’s core purpose is to create and implement standards for behavior analysis educational programs. Their detailed review process makes sure accredited programs deliver high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers.

Each program’s accreditation status determines how graduates can pursue BCBA® certification. Students in the campus-based Master of Science and Educational Specialist programs can take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination through Pathway 1 (accredited program). This gives on-campus students a direct route to certification.

The online BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons program meets BACB® BCBA® Certification Pathway 2 coursework requirements. Both pathways need additional requirements beyond coursework for BCBA® certification.

The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Simmons University as a whole. This institutional-level accreditation shows Simmons meets quality standards through peer review. Every student at Simmons benefits from this university-wide accreditation that guarantees educational quality.

The program’s mission matches its accreditation standards perfectly. It aims to make behavior analysis available to change-makers, create innovative research, show behavior analysis applications for human conditions, and prepare students for the BCBA® examination. This integrated approach to behavior analytic education will give graduates the tools for professional success in settings of all types.

Tuition

You need to understand the complete financial picture before investing in your behavior analysis education at Simmons University. The university bases tuition on credits, with rates that change based on your program and how you take classes.

Students in the campus-based Master’s program in Behavior Analysis pay $1,140 per credit hour. The Doctoral program costs $1,220 per credit hour. Both programs include a required student fee of $130 each semester that pays for campus services.

The online BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons program works a bit differently with costs. Online students currently pay $1,125 per credit hour and a $125 activity fee each semester. Many students find this lower per-credit cost attractive since they get the same quality education with more flexibility.

Your budget should include some extra costs beyond basic tuition. You’ll need to pay a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit when accepted. Books, supplies, and possible travel costs for campus visits are extra expenses you’ll need to plan.

Most students who finish the full Master’s program spend about $45,600 on tuition, though this amount usually goes up each year. This figure doesn’t include your student fees, technology platform costs, or support services – you’ll get billed for these separately.

Simmons uses the online Workday© system for billing where you can see and pay your statements. The university requires full payment of tuition and fees before each semester starts. Students might lose their class schedule if they don’t pay by the first day.

Simmons gives you several ways to handle these costs. You can pay through the Student Account Center, set up payment plans in Workday, or use financial aid. The university will send you any extra money from financial aid about four weeks after term begins.

Remember that tuition and fees usually increase each year. Check the official Simmons University website for current costs when planning your finances.

Admissions

The admission process at Simmons University’s behavior analysis programs looks for candidates who show passion and excellence potential in the field. The review committee takes an all-encompassing approach to evaluate your chances of success in both academic and professional spheres.

These are the key deadlines for the May term you should note:

• Early Action: January
• Priority: February
• Final: March
• Classes Begin: May

You need a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to qualify. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status is mandatory. The admission committee suggests addressing your academic journey directly in your application essay if your undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0.

• Online application with appropriate fee
• Current résumé detailing professional experience
• 500-word essay explaining your goals and interest in behavior analysis
• Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
• Two professional or academic recommendation letters
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (if English is not your first language)

Your institutions must send official transcripts directly or through authorized electronic vendors. Students with transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. need a course-by-course evaluation from approved services like World Education Services.

Students seeking transfer credit should submit a Transfer Credit Interest form during application. The program accepts up to two courses (8 credits) from ABAI-accredited programs or verified course sequences. These courses must have a grade of B (84%) or better and should be completed within five years of application.

The committee reviews completed applications on a rolling basis. A $30 application fee discount awaits those who submit by the priority deadline.

The admission counselors stand ready to help you through the process, especially when you have questions about application fee waivers. These waivers benefit qualifying applicants from non-profit organizations, military personnel, veterans, and their spouses.

What sets Simmons University apart?

Simmons University’s excellence in behavior analysis goes beyond simple credentials. This 100-year-old premier institution for behavior analytic education has several unique features that help students get quality training.

The program’s outstanding BCBA® exam preparation and success rates lead the pack. The campus-based program has a 67% first-attempt pass rate, which is by a lot higher than the 54% national average. Students in the online program do even better with 78% passing on their first try. These numbers show how well the program prepares students for certification.

Academic excellence pairs with hands-on experience at Simmons. The program shapes scientist-practitioners who become skilled at both theory and practice. Students work directly with faculty and external clinical sites. This practical approach opens doors to research, clinical, and leadership roles after graduation.

Location plays a key role in the program’s appeal. Massachusetts ranks second nationwide for behavior analyst jobs, offering students a thriving job market. US demand for BCBA® credentials jumped 58% from 2023-2024, creating plenty of opportunities for graduates.

Faculty members show steadfast dedication to diversity and cultural humility in practice. This focus helps students work effectively with people from all backgrounds and settings.

The program offers great flexibility. Campus-based students can take evening classes, while others can choose fully online options. This setup works well for working professionals looking to advance their careers. Small, interactive classes encourage strong connections between faculty and students, creating customized learning experiences.

The program’s track record speaks volumes. Simmons alumni have started schools, built independent practices, earned doctoral degrees, and become respected leaders both locally and nationally. They work in education, behavioral medicine, organizational behavior management, instructional design, and animal training.

Next steps

Students who submit applications by the priority deadline get a $30.00 discount on their application fee. The admission team reviews applications on a rolling basis and typically shares decisions within 2-3 weeks after receiving complete applications.

Students can ask to transfer up to two courses (8 credits) from ABAI-accredited programs. They need to submit a Transfer Credit Interest form with their application. The program’s acceptance of transfer credits doesn’t guarantee BACB® approval, so students must check BACB® standards.

Graduates with BCBA® certification find diverse career paths. Many become supervisors, consultants, or leaders in their field. Some open their own clinical practices or focus on specific areas, while others pursue doctoral degrees. Simmons University’s Office of Career Development and Employer Relations helps students assess their skills and explore professional opportunities.