Behavior Analysis Program

Program Overview/Mission

The goal of this program is to prepare scientist-practitioners who will contribute to the community as competent applied behavior analysts or who will pursue doctoral degrees in behavior analysis or a related field.

To accomplish this goal, the program provides students with a strong foundation in behavior analysis through an integrated sequence of coursework, practicum, and research activities, with particular emphasis on interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Students obtain competency in the basic principles of learning and the application of these principles in a variety of practicum experiences.
  
  
• The program provides students with the foundational skills involved in conducting research and disseminating behavior-analytic technologies to the community. 

Students completing the coursework and practicum requirements of the program are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam and to become Licensed Behavior Analysts in Texas.

Graduation, Enrollment, Retention, and Admissions Information

Graduates' pass-rate data. NOTE: Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation

For more information about the M.A. degree, please review our information and admissions packet.

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Program Degrees

• Behavior Analysis M.A.
• Minor in Behavior Analysis

Accreditation Information

The Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board.

Admission Requirements

• Behavior Analysis M.A.
• Admission Deadline
  • Fall Only
    • Deadline: January 15*

  *Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you submit an application after the January 15 deadline, please contact behavioranalysis@uhcl.edu to confirm that your application was received.

• Application

  Apply through the UHCL Graduate Application Portal. Log in or create a new account if you are a first-time user. Select 2025-2026 Application Cycle and Student Type (Domestic or International). Click "Create Application". Select Fall 2025 term, "College of Human Sciences and Humanities" and "Behavior Analysis M.A" as the Major. Complete all remaining sections of the application.

  The following supporting documents must be uploaded to your account in the UHCL Graduate Application Portal (go to "College of Human Sciences and Humanities Supplemental Information"):

  • Curriculum Vita: An expanded résumé describing previous education; all work experience; relevant course work and relevant volunteer activities; any honors, presentations, papers, avocations or other relevant life experiences
  • Brief Essay: A statement of purpose and goals, not to exceed 1,000 words, describing your reasons for wanting this degree and how it fits into career goals.
  • References: Submit the names and contact information for two references who will submit letters of recommendation directly to the UHCL Graduate Application Portal. Once recommenders and contact information is submitted, recommenders receive an email to a link to submit the letter. No form is required. Recommendations from academic faculty and/or work supervisors who know you well are important.
  • Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. For admission purposes, UHCL will accept applicable credit listed on official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges and universities

  Application Packet

• Requirements
  GRE Scores Not Required: The GRE requirement will automatically be removed after successful submission of the admission application.
  
  Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in a related field such as psychology, education, or special education, with at least a 3.0 GPA. In addition, applicants should identify coursework or practical experience associated with Behavior Analysis
  
  
• Admissions Review Process

  After initial review of the application materials (application, recommendations, and supplemental material) an admissions committee will invite selected applicants to campus for an interview. Interviews will typically be scheduled in February. Applicants will be notified of their program admission status by April 15.

Additional Admission Information

Students wishing to enroll in this program must formally apply. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the faculty coordinator via email at BehaviorAnalysis@uhcl.edu. Prerequisites include a Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in a related field such as psychology, education, or special education. In addition, applicants should identify coursework or practical experience associated with Behavior Analysis.

Program Staff and Faculty

Curriculum and Instruction

Undergraduate Minor and Coursework for the BCaBA®

Coursework is offered to fulfill the requirements of the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam and has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc®.

Student Resources

Information for Current Students

• Student Handbook
• Practicum Objectives Form
• Verified Course Sequence