Johns Hopkins UniversityEst. 1876

America’s First Research University

Frequency Part-time
Format Online
Completion Time 2 to 5 years
Credits 36 (3-12 credits electives to meet field experience requirements)
Application Deadline July 15, 2026
Start Term Fall

The MS in Special Education — Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for a broad range of educators and education-related professionals—including special educators, general education teachers, behavior specialists, instructional specialists, paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and registered behavior technicians—who are seeking advanced, specialized training in both special education and the evidence-based practice of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Grounded in research and real-world application, the program prepares candidates with backgrounds in education or human services to deepen their understanding of behavior, learning, and instructional design. Students learn how to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based ABA practices that support meaningful improvements in student learning, behavior, and overall development. Emphasis is placed on using data-driven decision-making and ethical, effective interventions to meet the needs of diverse learners in inclusive and specialized educational settings.

As the demand continues to grow for professionals skilled in supporting students with complex learning and behavioral needs, this program equips graduates with the tools to make a measurable impact in schools and related service environments. Coursework connects theory to practice, ensuring that students are able to translate research-based strategies into effective interventions that improve outcomes for individuals requiring special education and behavioral support.

The program is offered on a part-time basis, with students typically completing two courses per semester during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Most candidates finish the degree in two years, with the option to extend to three years if they choose to complete practicum electives for additional applied experience. The School of Education is unable to provide F-1 visa sponsorship for this program.

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Upcoming Admissions Events

Have questions about our degree programs, the application, or financial aid and costs? Join us for an inside look at a graduate experience defined by innovation and driven by evidence-based research. Learn more about your area of interest or career path, meet some of our faculty, and connect to the Johns Hopkins School of Education community. Check out our admissions events and register for a virtual information session today.

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Core Faculty

  • Rebecca Cruz, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education, Special Education

    Headshot of Rebecca  Cruz, PhD
  • Tamara Marder, PhD, BCBA-D

    Associate Professor
    Program Director, Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Programs

    Affiliation

    Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Special Education

    Headshot of Tamara  Marder, PhD, BCBA-D
  • Alexandra Shelton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Special Education

    Headshot of Alexandra  Shelton, PhD

Program Overview

The MS in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis is offered part time, with two courses per semester in Fall, Spring, and Summer and can be completed in two years (three years including the practicum electives).

The curriculum and instructional delivery consist of:

  • Special education coursework (five courses) offered fully online or on campus.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis coursework (seven courses) offered in a synchronous online format.*
  • Optional: Choice of one to four elective practicum courses designed to meet fieldwork requirements outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The practicum provides supervised real-world experiences in the application of behavior-analytic services in educational settings and includes both individual and group supervision. The option to enroll in practicum is limited to candidates in the Baltimore–Washington, D.C. area.

*The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

View Curriculum

Career Paths After SOE

Graduates apply ABA practices in teaching and leadership roles as behavior analysts in schools, clinics, or residential facilities to assess, design, and implement behavior intervention plans for individuals with severe disabilities. Graduates can pursue roles as special education coordinators, administrators, or ABA consultants or even continue on to doctoral studies or research positions to advance the field.

Careers

  • Behavior Specialist
  • School Psychologist
  • Professional Development Coordinator
  • Speech and Language Pathologist
  • Program Coordinator/Supervisor

JHU's ABA program blends rigorous academic training with hands-on experience. Students gain expertise in behavior analysis, preparing them for impactful careers.

Courtney Schaefer Current student
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