Applied Behavior Analysis Studies at St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University appears in our ranking of the Top 25 Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs.
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program at St. Cloud State University prepares students for advanced professional positions in behavior analysis. The program has an emphasis in autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities and methods for integrating differently-abled people into society. Students are also provided tools for program evaluation and organizational development. The program is available both on campus and online. Students may qualify for assistantships and faculty have partnerships with more than 120 agencies with both national and global reach. Students participate in research into the application of behavioral principles in diverse populations next to highly-qualified faculty. The program is available in either a thesis or comprehensive examination plan. Courses required for both plans include:
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavioral Applications I & II
- Behavioral Assessments
- Ethics in Psychology and Behavior Analysis
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Practicum in Behavior Analysis
- Social Bases of Behavior
Students in both programs must choose three credits from the following electives:
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- Behavioral Foundations of Autism Treatment
- Functional Analysis
- Introduction to Graduate Statistics
- Psychology Seminar
Students in the thesis plan must complete nine credits in Single-case Design while students in the comprehensive exam plan must complete three credits in Single-case Design. All students must complete a 750-hour clinical internship with on-site supervision provided by a Licensed Psychologist or BCBA certified behavior analyst. Students learn courses approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. In order to apply for the program, students must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and must provide official GRE scores. The deadline to apply is February 1 for the fall semester.
About St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University opened in 1869, known at the time as the Third State Normal School. The Steams House, a renovated hotel, was the only building on campus. Classes were held on the first floor, a “model” school on the second and the dormitory for women on the third. The school was initially tasked with the duty to educate teachers.
In 1898, a junior college curriculum was offered and, by 1914, the secondary school curriculum was eliminated. In 1921, the school became St. Cloud State Teachers College, which it remained until 1957 when it became St. Cloud State College. The school gained university status in 1975.
Today, more than 15,000 students attend St. Cloud State University. Forbes Magazine has named the area surrounding the campus as one of the “Best Small Places for Businesses and Careers.” The 2016 St. Cloud Times named St. Cloud State College as the best college in Minnesota as part of their “Best of Central Minnesota” survey. The school has been named as a Military Friendly School and is in the top one percent of Forbes’ most affordable colleges.
St. Cloud State University Accreditation Details
St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Accreditation indicates that the university undergoes periodic examinations that confirm that students are receiving the highest level of education. The university also agrees to correct any areas that are identified as needing improvement during that review. The Applied Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis. This confirms that the program meets or exceeds criteria that demonstrate students who graduate from the program are qualified for leadership positions in the field.
St. Cloud State University Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students should complete an application online or may download a paper application and apply by mail. Transfer students are eligible to apply to St. Cloud State University if they have 24 or more college credits from accredited colleges or universities. Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students with less than 24 transferable credits must also provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores.
Graduate students must complete an online application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities. Some programs may require GRE and GMAT scores as well. Students must provide a statement of intent, resume and writing sample. Letters of recommendation are also required.
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St. Cloud State University Tuition and Financial Aid
St. Cloud State University offers a flat-rate tuition which allows students to take between 12 and 18 credits to pay one flat rate. Flat-rate tuition applies to new undergraduate students who enrolled after Fall 2017 or returning students who are taking 15 credits. Undergraduate tuition is $8,228 per year for Minnesota residents. Tuition for South Dakota residents is $9,804 while Midwest Student Exchange Program tuition is $11,776. To be eligible for the Exchange program, students must live in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri or Nebraska. All other non-residents pay $16,462 per year.
Part-time undergraduate tuition is $241 per credit hour for residents of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Manitoba. South Dakota residents pay $294.53 per credit hour while Exchange tuition is $361.50 per credit hour. Non-residents pay $520.75 per credit hour.
Graduate tuition for Minnesota residents is $7,738 per year and for non-residents is $11,322 per year. Part-time graduate students who live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba pay $383.41 while Exchange tuition is $575.11 per credit hour. Non-residents pay $582.49 per credit hour.
Financial aid is available, and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be eligible. Students may qualify for Huskies scholarships, incoming student scholarships, federal or state grants. Students may also choose to accept federal and private loans, but it is important to remember that loans must be repaid. Scholarships and grants are gift money that does not have to be repaid.
Although the school began with a mission to educate teachers, St. Cloud University now offers a wide range of degree programs. St. Cloud State University has provided high-quality education for over a century. Today, St. Cloud State University offers a wide range of flexible programs schedules designed to allow individuals who may have barriers that prevent them from attending traditional classes to advance in a current career or move into a new career.
