Apply to the Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Science Program
Our application priority deadline is January 5, 2024 (if you are planning to apply for scholarships, it is strongly recommended that you apply by the priority deadline). Our final deadline is May 17, 2024.
Holistic Admissions Review
Applicants will be assessed for eligibility for admission with a focus on the whole applicant rather than just academic information. Other factors that will be considered include knowledge of applied behavior analysis, volunteer and paid experiences in applied behavior analysis and related fields, and a commitment to addressing disparities and diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion issues in applied behavior analysis. Furthermore, individuals with leadership experience, effective interpersonal skills, evidence of cultural humility and compassion through community service, and evidence of persistence (e.g., retaking course to improve application, successfully navigating structural barriers to education such as racism, poverty, ableism) Black, Indigenous and other persons of color, as well as persons with disabilities and other underrepresented identities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Cohort and Acceptance Rate Information
Each year, we admit a cohort of up to 25 students. The Fall 2023 acceptance to rejection rate was 90% of applicants offered admission: 10% of applicants not offered admission.
Application requirements
Online application Please fill out our UO online application form. You do not need to complete the online application in one sitting. You will be able to log in and view/update each section of your application until you submit it. Applications for Fall 2024 will open in mid-September.
Statement of Purpose The Admissions Committee is interested in your professional goals and reasons for advanced study. Your 1-3 page single-spaced response should address the following questions:
- Why are you interested in a M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (e.g., specific practice and research interests, career goals)?
- How have your past experiences prepared you for success in a M.S. program in Applied Behavior Analysis (e.g., volunteer or paid experiences in education, special education or other related fields, research experience, leadership positions, previous degrees and educational experiences)?
- Why is the program in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Oregon the best fit for you (e.g., Department and Program strengths, alignment with your practice and research interests, courses, specific faculty with whom you would like to work with and why)?
Diversity Response Please provide a 1-page, single-spaced response to the following prompt:
Tell us about a life event you personally experienced or that you witnessed another person or group from a different culture, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and/or gender experience that changed your viewpoint about social justice, educational barriers, or other societal inequities?
Current resume/curriculum vitae Please include a resume/curriculum vitae (CV) that lists your educational and work experience.
Official transcripts Please include official transcripts from all prior institutions of higher education that you have attended.
Three (3) letters of recommendation Please select people who know you well and can speak to your academic and professional skills, background, and potential.
A non-refundable application fee The application fee is $70 for domestic students and $90 international students, paid by credit card or eCheck. Check here to see if you are eligible for a fee reduction or waiver.
International Applicants seeking program nomination for an international application fee waiver must have a completed UO Division of Graduate Studies Online Graduate Application and then submit a request to the program via email no later than one month before the initial application deadline. At that time, the applicant must have all components of the application completed, uploaded, and ready to submit for the request to be considered. There are limited opportunities for this waiver. Applicants will be notified if their request is approved within 1 week of the deadline to request.
Applicants must have an earned B.A. or B.S. to be eligible for admission.
International students whose primary language is a language other than English also need to include proof of English proficiency. This can be shown through TOEFL, IELTS, or a degree earned from certain English-speaking countries. More information about meeting this requirement can be found here.
International Students
ABA welcomes international student applicants. However, applicants seeking to enroll in the program while residing in the U.S. are encouraged to explore visa options prior to application. Beginning with the 2023-24 academic year, students with F-1 student visas will once again be allowed to take just one of their classes — up to three credits — online each semester. Those with an M-1 visa won't be allowed to take any only classes.
Candidate Interviews
After the admissions committee has reviewed all complete applications, we will invite final candidates to interview with program faculty and students in order to make final admissions decisions. Interview days will be held virtually for fall admission, via Zoom.