Gain the knowledge and skills you need to enter applied professional and research positions and prepare to enter doctoral programs.

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies

Using the scientist-practitioner model, UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies (ABAAS) will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to enter applied professional and research positions and enroll in doctoral programs. Course work and available research and clinical opportunities offer a wide range of scientific perspectives within psychology. 

Our flexible program blends online and on-campus courses. We offer full-time and part-time enrollment as well as late afternoon/evening on-campus courses to fit your schedule. 

The ABAAS Program at UMass Lowell welcomes, values, and respects all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, belief system, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and (dis)ability. We are a community that thrives from our diversity. We encourage you to speak and listen in order to learn from other perspectives, as we believe this creates a more meaningful educational experience for students and faculty alike.

Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies Curriculum

The M.S. in  Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies is a 39-credit master's degree. We offer two degree pathways: Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis option — This option is designed for students interested in the science of behavior analysis, sitting for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and obtaining licensure as an Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth. Students will complete a capstone project, with an option to do a thesis. 
  • Autism Studies option — This option is designed for students interested in research careers in autism and related fields. A Master's Thesis is required for the Autism Studies option.

For a complete list of academic requirements and courses, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Please consult any applicable licensure requirements for this program.

Affiliated Sites

Complete your supervised fieldwork (practicum) experience at one of our affiliated agencies. These agencies work with a wide range of clients, from preschool-aged to adults, and offer services in various settings, including home-based, community-based, and center-based, providing our students with many paid employment options for their fieldwork. 

Additionally, our graduates typically get hired as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) at their agency immediately after graduating. Those who decide to move to a different agency transition to BCBA roles in nonprofit organizations, private organizations and public and private schools that provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals with autism and related disabilities.

Why Study Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies at UMass Lowell?

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Gain Hands-On Experience

UMass Lowell’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies prepares students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts® through board-approved coursework and field experience.

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Make a Difference

Both the ABA and Autism Studies options address autism spectrum disorders within the context of developmental disabilities and psychopathology and provide an in-depth understanding of the major challenges facing families and communities, as well as what is required to practice as an ethical professional.
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Expand Your Career Options

As a board certified behavior analyst, you can work with schools and other agencies to design and implement effective interventions for individuals with ASD as well as a variety of other populations. You can conduct research that could lead to new and effective interventions.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Boston Behavior Learning Centers
  • ABI New England
  • Beacon ABA Services
  • Behavioral Concepts (BCI)
  • Shapiro Educational and Behavioral Consultants
  • The Autism Community Therapists (TACT)
  • Valley Collaborative Elementary School
  • Edinburg Center

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $600
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

All College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report - only required for:
    1. (GRE) Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
    2. (GRE) Global Studies, Ph.D.
    3. Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Music Education, Master of Music (M.M.)
  7. Resume - only required for:
    1. Music Education, M.M.
    2. Public Administration, Master of Public Administration (M.P.A)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.  

Program Application Deadlines for Fall Admissions:

  • Global Studies Ph.D. - January 15
  • Psychology Ph.D. - January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D. - February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies - February 15

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will need to apply via the application portal. Visit the Bachelor's to Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are only being accepted using the online process. Instructions are included in the online application link.

Tips for accessing and completing the online application:

  • Capitalize your proper name.
  • Once the form is submitted, changes can only be made by calling the Office of Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390.

Apply for Spring 2025

Apply for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026

The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. is a cohort based program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted during the preceding year, between April - November 30.

Apply for Trimester (Summer) 2025 Leadership in Schooling

app-fee 2. Application Fee

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or application fee waiver has been approved and delivered to the Office of Graduate Admissions.


3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.


4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process and then an automated request will be sent out after the completion of your application. Alternatively, you may use the graduate admissions recommendation form (pdf) to request letters of recommendation.

Criminal Justice, M.A.: Letters of recommendation are optional, not required.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. Please use the recommendation form for these.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Transcripts should be sent in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Graduate Admissions
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts that do not clearly indicate to the Office of Graduate Admissions that you have received a four-year bachelor’s degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree must be demonstrated before an application will be processed. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee at:

Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
P.O. Box 170116
Boston, MA 02117
Telephone: 617-338-7171
Fax: 617-338-7101
Center for Educational Documentation website
World Education Services website


test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s)

Submission of the GRE test score report is required for applicants to the following programs:

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
  • Global Studies, Ph.D.

Submission of passing MTEL(Massachusetts Teachers Education License) is required for the following programs: 
  • Master of Music in Music Education, MM - Applicants to this program must also submit proof of successfully passing the MTEL test in Music within the last five years. 

Please request that the appropriate agency send an official test score for the GRE/GMAT or MTEL to the Office of Graduate Admissions, UMass Lowell's school code is 3911.

For more information about standardized tests, our Admissions Standards page and Admissions Requirements page provide current information.

7. Resume

The programs listed below require a resume for admissions consideration:

  • Music Education, M.M.
  • Public Administration, M.P.A

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

What Our Students Are Saying

“The Autism Studies program has really allowed me to grow as a student, a clinician and a researcher. Even during my first year, I was conducting research in the department’s laboratory facilities on campus, as well as in local preschools. These experiences are helping me prepare for a research career in the study of autism.”  — Devon White

“This program assisted me with building my own skills as a practitioner. Through independent research and fieldwork opportunities, and the flexibility of the program, I learned to generalize my behavior analytic skills to working with a variety of populations.” — Roger Matar

“My experience in this program was nothing short of rewarding. Since applied behavior analysis is embedded into the curriculum, I was able to develop a more comprehensive and analytical outlook, as well as a continuous advocacy for data.” — Beatriz Cintrón (Querol) 

“My graduate experience in this program changed the trajectory of my professional career for the better. I learned not only to apply the principles of ABA to help individuals I work with directly, but to become a true scientist-practitioner.” — Emily Sullivan

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