Master of Science in Autism Studies

We offer two degree pathways: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Research Intensive (RI). The ABA option is designed for students interested in behavioral interventions, sitting for the national BCBA certification and obtaining licensure as an Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth. The Research Intensive option is designed for students interested in research careers in autism and related fields or preparing for doctoral-level study.

While most students in our program attend UMass Lowell for full-time study, part-time students are encouraged to apply. The program is a blend of online and campus courses, as well as concentrated supervised fieldwork. On-campus courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate students who are employed. This is not a fully online program. 

Gain Mastery of Skills In:

• Definitions and characteristics of autism and other developmental psychopathologies
• Principles, processes, and concepts of applied behavior analysis
• Methods of behavioral assessment and selection of intervention strategies
• Measurement of behavior and techniques for displaying and interpreting data
• Experimental evaluation of interventions
• Legal and ethical aspects of intervention
• Coordination of programs and services with families, schools, and the community
• Training and supervision of direct service providers

• A Bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university, with a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Minimum of four courses in psychology and one course in statistics in your undergraduate coursework.
• Some background in the psychology of child development. We are especially interested in coursework in some of the foundational areas of psychology (e.g., developmental, learning, behavior analysis, biological bases of behavior, research methods, cognitive psychology, etc.).
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, on both verbal and quantitative sections. Alternatively, Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores may be submitted. These requirements are waived for applicants who graduated from UMass Lowell within the past five years with a cumulative GPA of  at least 3.0, or who have successfully completed the Behavioral Intervention in Autism certificate.
• At least three letters of recommendation. At least one from recent or current instructors.
• A personal statement that describes your background, your interests in our program, and how our program will help you meet your career goals.

Applications for matriculation are accepted annually for the Fall Semester. Our priority deadline is March 1. Applicants should ensure that their applications, including external materials (e.g., GRE scores, letters of recommendation, etc.), are complete and ready for review by the priority deadline if they wish to apply for available funding. We will continue to review applications for matriculation until August 1 each year.

Visit Graduate Admissions for more information or apply to the Master of Science in Autism Studies.

For the most up to date information please visit the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.

UMass Lowell undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA or better have the opportunity to save time and money by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in a little as five years. Students can continue from bachelor’s to master’s level studies within their own department. Or students can apply to a program in a different department to create a set of skills to meet emerging needs in the workplace and their own academic interests.
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Please refer to the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog for the latest information about admission, courses, retention, degree and thesis requirements.