Mastering ABA Therapy Techniques at WNE
Western New England University is also featured in our ranking of the Top 25 Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs.
Since 2014, the College of Arts & Sciences has delivered the accredited Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in Springfield to turn Western New England University post-grads into scientist-practitioners for effective behavioral intervention. Chaired by Dr. Gregory Hanley, an ABAI Outstanding Mentor Award recipient, the 36-credit, three-year program trains students to treat disability effects affecting societal interaction. Each 11-week term, four credits of courses like Methods of Evaluation, Evidence-Based Teaching, and Personnel Supervision are taken at a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Practicum involves spending 10+ hours weekly at clinical sites, such as the New England Center for Children, Arc of South Norfolk, Autism Alliance, Bright Beginnings, May Institute, and Positive Synergy.
Other opportunities include practicing in the on-site Life Skills Clinic, publishing in Analysis of Verbal Behavior, attending the MassABA Annual Conference, transferring into the Ph.D. Program, and summering in South Africa. After the capstone, WNE graduates have America’s 12th best average BCBA Exam pass rate of 96 percent.
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About Western New England University
Western New England University originated in 1919 when Frank Palmer Speare created the Springfield Division of Northeastern College for part-time commerce classes at the Chestnut Street YMCA. On July 17, 1951, it was chartered independently by the Commonwealth as Western New England College. Five years later, its current 43-building “City of Firsts” campus was erected atop 34 acres south of Chicopee. The charter was expanded for master’s programs in 1959 and the College of Arts & Sciences was born in 1967. Though accredited in 1972, Western New England didn’t officially gain university status until July 1, 2011. Budgeting $212 million yearly, WNE now enrolls 3,808 Golden Bears, including M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis students, from 25 nations as a private, nonprofit AAC&U member. Linked to 23,286 LinkedIn alumni, Western New England University has graduated Tim Murray, Gale Candaras, Larry O’Brien, John Sweeney, and others.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Western New England the 68th best Northern university and 44th top regional value. On Niche, WNE boasts America’s 279th best dorms, 327th best small classes, 431st top private education, and 586th best faculty. Times Higher Education placed Western New England University 285th overall. The Brookings Institution positioned WNE within the top 17 percent of nearly 8,000 schools. According to The Economist, WNE has the 41st most value-added degrees nationally. Washington Monthly noticed Western New England University for the 219th most service and 272nd top Ph.D. completion rate. WalletHub applauded WNE for the country’s 171st best campus experience and 297th best educational outcomes. The Social Mobility Index named WNE 250th for low-income opportunity. PayScale recorded the 412th highest 20-year ROI of $329,000 at Western New England University. Applied Behavior Analysis Programs also crowned WNE 19th.
Western New England University Accreditation Details
On December 5, 2016, Western New England University submitted its Five-Year Interim Report to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) to retain Level VI accreditation through Spring 2022 under its fifth president, Dr. Anthony Capiro, a Phi Beta Kappa honoree. Headquartered 97 miles northeast via Interstate 495 in Burlington, this six-state Upper Atlantic accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Education Department to check academic standards in WNE’s 87 baccalaureates, 27 master’s, and 13 doctoral options. Specifically, the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis will be reevaluated by the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) in 2019.
Western New England University Application Requirements
Attending Western New England University is labeled “moderately difficult” on Peterson’s since 5,363 of the 6,645 Fall 2016 entrants were okayed for selective 80 percent acceptance. Post-grad Golden Bears clawing into the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis need 120 semester or 180 quarter credits of bachelor’s education first. Relevant regionally accredited majors like Psychology, Education, and Sociology are preferred. At a minimum, cumulative GPAs must be 3.0 on the 4.0 scale. A maximum of six master’s credits are transferrable if graded “B” or greater. Taking the 3.5-hour GRE General Test for at least a 300 composite score is mandated. International students show English proficiency with minimum 79 TOEFL iBT, 58 PTE, 4.0 ITEP, or 2A STEP Eiken marks. Note that doctoral candidates must maintain overall GPAs above 3.6 during master’s study.
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Western New England University admits Fall M.S. cohorts on the February 1st priority deadline, but admission is rolling on a space-available basis thereafter. Conversely, the Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis only considers entrants until January 15th yearly. Interested students create WNE accounts to submit the $30 Graduate Application online. Official documents like bachelor’s transcripts are sent to 1215 Wilbraham Road in Springfield, MA 01119. Report test scores electronically using the ETS code 3962. Other attached items include the résumé, typed two-page goals statement, three recommendations, BCaBA certification, and list of three advisors by preference. Please inquire further at (413) 782-1517 or study@wne.edu.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2017-18, Western New England University charged full-time graduate students an average tuition of $6,180 per 11-week term or $24,720 annually. The College of Arts & Sciences priced the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis slightly cheaper though. Aspiring BCBAs pay $1,134 per credit or $3,402 by course. Tuition for the 36-credit degree equals $40,824 over three years. Living at the Hampden County campus’ graduate housing like Gateway Village Apartments adds $9,696 to $12,805 by year. Unlimited meal plans for Dining Commons cost 3,295 each semester. WNE also suggests budgeting $1,305 for textbooks and $2,060 for personal supplies. The Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis is more expensive at $1,351 per credit or $72,954 overall.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Enrollment Services Office in Delbridge Center gets 88 percent of full-time WNE Golden Bears aid averaging $18,512 each for $44.24 million total. Graduate funds include the George Alden Trust Scholarship, Maurice Baitler & Rebekah Baitler Scholarship, Adult Learner Scholarship, Susan Squire Bousquet Scholarship, Evelyn Burton Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship of Greater Springfield, Joanne Grummel Memorial Scholarship, and Father Christopher Johnson Scholarship. File the Tuition Reimbursement Form to get 33 to 100 percent of tuition covered by employers. Submit FAFSA applications coded 002226 for Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate Plus loan borrowing. Consider the Massachusetts No Interest Loan for $1,000 to $4,000 each year. Contact Human Resources for open graduate assistantships paying at least $11.00/hour. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education offers the Graduate Tuition Waiver. WNE also recommends external programs like the B.F. Skinner Foundation Student Award, Marian Breland Bailey Award, and Dr. Bijou Grant.
Learn more about Western New England University at the Department of Psychology website.
