The Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students to create transformational change in the lives of clients and their families. Program Director Dr. Cayenne Shpall explains how this program at St. Edward’s University leads to graduates making a significant impact. Check out this helpful Q&A with Dr. Shpall.

Learning Goals

With your MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis, you’ll be prepared to:

• Employ a deep understanding of applied concepts and principles of behavior analysis.
• Practice effective research methods including measurement principles, data analysis and experimental design.
• Understand behavior change in clients and specific procedures to help create positive change.
• Conceptualize, analyze and implement effective applied behavior analysis programs.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theoretical foundations of ethical and professional conduct.

Career Outcomes

The rising diagnosis rate for children with autism spectrum disorder has led to a demand for specially trained professionals. The career outlook for behavior analysts is strong, with nationwide growth projected at 20% by 2029. That growth level is considered significantly faster than average by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, projecting long-term career stability. 

With your advanced degree, you’ll be highly sought after for career opportunities in K–12 schools and other professional settings that serve individuals with developmental and behavioral disorders.

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The Online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 30-credit hour program that you can complete in 21 months while working full-time. Courses are offered in a 7-week accelerated online format and taken one at a time. The program culminates with experience-based courses — Practicum I: Seminar Course and Practicum II: Supervised Clinical Experience. 

Semester 1

Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis I

Foundations of Behavior Analysis

Semester 2

Ethical Issues and Professional Standards in Applied Behavior Analysis

Behavioral Research Methods

Semester 3  

Functional Behavior Assessment

Development of Applied Behavioral Analysis Intervention Programs

Semester 4

Organizational Behavior Management

Child Development: A Behavioral Systems Approach

Semester 5

Practicum I: Seminar Course

Practicum II: Supervised Clinical Experience
 

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the above 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.

For detailed degree requirements and course descriptions, please see the Graduate Bulletin or request more information.

If you want to make a difference for children and young people with autism or other disabilities and special needs, the online Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Edward’s University could be right for you. In as few as 14 months, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in schools and other settings — all while continuing to work in full-time employment.

This non-degree graduate certificate can be completed while also pursuing an online graduate degree or as a stand-alone certificate. Learn more about the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, practitioners, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology webpage.
 

At $37,260, the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (MEd-ABA) degree is a smart investment. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program prepare you to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam and enter a rewarding career as a BCBA. 

Tuition* includes all course fees but does not include books, comprehensive fees or other course materials. Once accepted to the program, you are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. Deposits are applied toward tuition and secure your place in the upcoming class.

*Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees.

Financial Aid

The St. Edward’s University Financial Aid Office provides information about financial aid opportunities available to graduate students. Please visit our Financial Aid page or call us at 512-387-3110 for additional details.

To apply for the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (MEd-ABA) program, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Review application steps, key dates and requirements for the program.

Need more information? Please contact an Enrollment Counselor at 512-326-7501.

The Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Higher Education prepares the next generation of leaders for the constantly evolving field of postsecondary education. Program Director Tom Sechrest explains how this St. Edward’s University program uniquely prepares graduates for future success and impact.

Learning Goals:

Upon completion of the online Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Higher Education program, you’ll be able to:

• Critically examine innovative ways to lead within the context of post-secondary education
• Use data analytics in a leadership capacity to inform the resolution of complex issues facing organizations
• Demonstrate capacity to lead complex adaptive systems in a constantly changing world
• Provide theoretically informed recommendations for complex organizational issues through the lens of social justice
• Develop strategies that address real-world issues through practice-based research
• Demonstrate both oral and written communication skills sufficient to be recognized as a competent leader in organizations

Career Outcomes: 

The career outlook for postsecondary education administrators is strong, with a national median salary of $115,180 (BLS, 2024). 

The EdD degree allows higher education administrators, change management experts, training professionals, nonprofit executives, and all those who straddle the worlds of teaching and training to specialize in Leadership and Higher Education to broaden their knowledge, increase the scope of their skills, and expand their professional network.

The online Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Higher Education is a 60-credit hour program designed to be completed in 39 months while taking two accelerated courses per semester. Courses are offered in a 7-week accelerated online format, with two 7-week terms roughly equaling the length of a traditional semester. This allows students to focus deeply on content while only taking one course at a time. Students can start their studies in the fall or spring semesters.

Curriculum and Concentrations

The program curriculum includes 8 core courses (24 credit hours), 7 research courses (21 credit hours) and 5 concentration courses (15 credit hours). Students select one of two concentrations: 

• Higher Education, for those interested in leading at institutions of higher education
• Organizational Leadership and Change, for those interested in leading in non-institutional contexts. 

Concentrations allow students to target their attention to the distinctive requirements of 21st-century educational issues in those environments. 

Dissertation Research

Students complete a culminating research project involving an issue of practice in their area of interest, written up in a dissertation. The research courses that support the refinement of practice-based research skills allow students to complete their dissertation research while taking coursework, a unique aspect of this EdD curriculum.

Core Courses

• Leadership in the 21st Century: Current Trends, Emerging Possibilities
• Demystifying Doctoral Research and Writing
• Introduction to Digital Learning Environments
• Discerning the Past and Leading the Future of Education
• Ethical Decision-making: Global Issues, Frameworks and Approaches
• Managing Resources: Economic and Financial Issues
• Socially-Conscious Leadership
• Predictive Analytics in Higher Education and Leadership

Research Courses

• Research Methods I: Introduction to Practice-based Research
• Research Methods II: Literature Review
• Research Methods III: Introduction to Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Research
• Research Methods IV: Introduction to Analysis and Interpretation
• Dissertation Writing Seminar I: Final Methodology Overview
• Dissertation Writing Seminar II: Crafting the Analysis, Interpretation, and Findings
• Dissertation Research: Final Defense

Higher Education Concentration Courses

• Design Thinking: Creativity and Innovation
• Leading Strategically in Higher Education
• Systemic Inquiry: Leading in Crisis and Complexity
• The Legal, Ethical and Moral Responsibilities of Higher Education Institutions
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Special Topics (when need or opportunity arises)

Organizational Leadership and Change Concentration Courses

• Design Thinking: Creativity and Innovation
• Principles and Practices of Organizational Change
• Systemic Inquiry: Leading in Crisis and Complexity
• Mentoring and Coaching for Leadership Success
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Special Topics (when need or opportunity arises)

For detailed degree requirements and course descriptions, please see the Graduate Bulletin or request more information.

At $55,920, the Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Higher Education degree is a smart investment. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program prepare you for career advancement opportunities and rewarding work within the postsecondary education field. 

Tuition* includes all course fees but does not include books, comprehensive fees, or other course materials. Once accepted to the program, you are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. Deposits are applied toward tuition and secure your place in the upcoming class.

*Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees.

Financial Aid

The St. Edward’s University Financial Aid Office provides information about financial aid opportunities available to doctoral students. Please visit our Financial Aid page or call us at (512) 387-3110 if you are interested in additional details.

To apply for the online Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Higher Education program, applicants are required to have a master’s degree from an accredited university. Review application steps and requirements for the program as well as key dates: Application Deadlines and Checklist

Take the Next Step

Are you interested in knowing more about our online Doctorate of Education program? Fill out our Request Information form or call 512-326-7501 to take the next step. 

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of History and Leadership webpage.