Simmons University

Simmons University ABA Degree Programs Available

Simmons University is also featured in our ranking of the Top 25 Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs.

The Master of Science and Education Specialist degree programs in Behavior Analysis at Simmons University prepares graduates to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The degree is for those who wish to work with people with behavioral challenges. BCBA’s work to improve quality of life, communication and learning outcomes, often working with people on the autism spectrum. The program is available on-campus with evening classes to allow non-traditional students to achieve their educational goals. It is the only program in New England to be accredited by the Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

The program requires completion of 40 credit hours and leads to the conference of a Master of Science degree for those who hold a bachelor’s degree or an Educational Specialist degree, or for those who already hold a master’s level degree. Some of courses required include:

• Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis
• Behavioral Assessment
• Ethics and Legal Issues
• Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
• Introduction to Single Subject Research Design
• Methodologies for Behavior Change I & II
• Theoretical and Applied Issues in Skinner’s Writings

Students must also complete an intensive practicum.

In addition to the on-campus evening program, Simmons University also offers a Behavior Analysis graduate degree that is available completely online. Students attend weekly, live, online classes and can earn their Master of Science in 19 months. In both the on-campus and online programs, students have an 83 percent pass rate on the BCBA examination compared to 65 percent nationwide. Online students are still required to complete an intensive practicum. The program requires participants to receive individual mentoring, from a supervisor at their workplace or one at Simmons University. They must complete 750 hours of practicum work to complete the program. All courses are the same rigorous courses taught in the on-campus graduate program.

The Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis offered at Simmons University is a 68-credit hour program designed to train highly-qualified behavior analysts. The program is designed for those who want to contribute to professional literature and be interested in a fusion type of research that incorporates other disciplines in order to improve research conducted in the behavior analysis industry. Courses required include:

• Advanced Functional Assessment and Analysis
• Applied Statistical Analysis I & II
• Behavioral Consultation in Schools
• Behavioral Medicine
• Behavioral Research in Education
• Diversity in Education
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• History of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Professional and Scholarly Activity
• Organizational Behavior Management
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Verbal Behavior

Students must also complete and defend a dissertation.

About Simmons University

John Simmons believed that women should be able to earn a livelihood independent of the men in their life long before women even gained the right to vote. His school opened in 1899, offering a liberal arts education to women that included professional work experience. Simmons was a pioneer in women’s education, a trait that continued throughout its history. In 1914, the first African-American graduated from the school and it was one of the only private colleges of its era that did not impose admission quotas on Jewish students.

Today, Simmons continues to pioneer education for women. They offer an MBA program designed specifically for women and continue to integrate professional preparation into all degree programs. The school is often ranked among the top schools in its category by US News & World Report, Princeton Review, and Forbes.

Simmons University Accreditation Details

Simmons University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation indicates that the University meets or exceeds the criteria used to assess institutes of higher learning. It also indicates that Simmons undergoes periodic review to confirm that they continue to meet those criteria and the school agrees to address any areas that are identified as needing improvement. In addition, programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:

• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• American Library Association Committee on Accreditation
• Association for Behavior Analysis International
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Council on Social Work Education

Simmons University Application Requirements

First year students must complete an application and provide an essay and letters of recommendation along with official high school transcripts and test scores. They must also include co-curricular activities, leadership experience and may be asked to submit to an interview. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Those with a GPA of 2.8 or higher are preferred for admission. Up to 80 credits may be transferred for undergraduate students.

In order to apply to the Behavior Analysis programs at Simmons University, applicants must complete an online application and provide a current resume, statement of purpose along with two academic or professional references. Official college transcripts from all colleges and universities are also required. GRE scores are not required for this program.

Simmons University Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition at Simmons University is $29,885 per year. Tuition for Behavior Analysis programs is $1,080 per credit hour. Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. The FAFSA must be renewed each year and even those who believe they don’t qualify for aid should complete the form. It is possible they do qualify for merit-based aid even if they do not qualify for financial-based aid.

Financial aid may be offered in the form of loans which must be repaid upon graduation. Students may also qualify for grants and scholarships which do not need to be repaid. Work-study programs for on-campus students are also available. This type of aid provides employment to offset the cost of tuition. Simmons University also accepts employer, military and veteran benefits.

Simmons University offers Behavior Analysis degree programs in several formats. Their evening and online classes make it easier for non-traditional students to advance their education. Simmons University has been a pioneer in alternative education since they began more than a century ago.