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Academic Advising
Academic Advising
We are here to support your success and experience while at the MLFC. Please connect with your assigned advising team when you have questions about the program and resources.
Phone: 480-884-0174 (advising team)
480-965-5555 (department)
Email: ABAadvising@asu.edu (advising team)
GraduateEducation@asu.edu (department)
Appointment: Schedule an academic advising appointment
We recognize that students typically have limited time due to professional and personal obligations - not to mention coursework! Before reaching out to advising, we invite you to review these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to see if your question can be answered promptly.
For tips on preparing for an advising appointment and different ways to connect with us, see the Academic Advising page on this site.
Click here to meet the academic success team!
Click here to meet the academic success team!
Your academic advising team works together to keep you informed, on track for graduation, and supported throughout your program. Here is some information about the roles within the team.
Academic Advisors:
Art Gonzalez - Academic Success Advisor
Chelsea Overstreet - Academic Success Advisor, Sr.
Dawn Koths - Academic Success Advisor
Samantha Francois - Academic Success Advisor, Sr.
Tiffany Huggins - Academic Success Advisor
As the core members of your advising team, we will interact with you most frequently. We are experts on your program requirements and are available to assist with program related questions. We are also familiar with ASU and MLFC resources and will refer you, as appropriate, to ensure you are fully supported.
Other members of the team:
Max Gutierrez - Student Support Specialist
Max works primarily with new students. If you have questions about items on the new student checklist, registration, or submitting your first draft of the Plan of Study (iPOS), he can assist you.
Christie Martin - Academic Success Coordinator, Sr.
Christie coordinates advising-related functions, working mainly behind the scenes, though you may hear from her occasionally.
Program Description and Policy Information
Program Description and Policy Information
Students are encouraged to read and understand the MLFC Student Handbook for the Master of Arts in Special Education (ABA) program, as well as familiarize themselves with the ASU Graduate College Policy Manual.
For more information on this program please visit:
ASU students and faculty are expected to act with integrity in their educational pursuits - discover what academic integrity is and why it is important. See the Policy and Code of Conduct page for more detail on academic integrity and other university policies.
Important: This program does not lead to teacher certification. For information on special education programs that lead to teacher certification, visit the Master of Education in Special Education information page.
Click here to learn more about program coursework and expectations
Click here to learn more about program coursework and expectations
Program structure and time commitment
The courses in this graduate program are rigorous and accelerated, composed of online and offline activities, as well as team projects and meetings. Each course will require students to allocate 15-20 hours per week to view videos or interactive online modules, read supporting materials, complete quizzes, and engage in live (video/audio) discussions with peers. Courses in this program are not self-paced. Each course is organized into modules, ranging from 5-7 days in length. All readings, assignments, meetings and activities must be completed during the scheduled dates of the module.
Live discussion and offline activities
Courses include a required live, synchronous discussion component, in which students will arrange meeting times with peers/team members throughout the course. Each meeting will last approximately 1 hour in duration. It is important to plan to allocate sufficient time for ‘offline’ activities such as written assignments and reading. The amount of time spent on offline activities and independent study will vary by student and course, but can be significant.
Assignment completion for mastery of content
Students are required to complete all assignments within each module, during the dates scheduled for the module, mastering course content prior to moving onto the next one. Falling behind in one module may negatively impact your ability to integrate feedback and be successful in subsequent modules and the course. The goal is content mastery, not simply course and program completion. To ensure that students demonstrate competency with each of the objectives of the course and program - regardless of total points accumulated on assignments within the course, each individual assignment must be completed in order to receive a passing grade for the course.
Consult with instructor with questions about course content and/or expectations
Review the course syllabus and schedule for course specific details. Consult with your Course Instructor (CI) and/or Lead Instructor with questions about course content and expectations.
Course Schedule
Course Schedule
Upon admission to the program, each student in the M.A. Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis program is assigned a schedule of courses referred to as the 'course schedule' or 'sequence of classes.' The traditional, recommended course schedule includes one course per session (two per semester) for ultimate balance and mastery of content. For students admitted at the beginning of a semester (session A), there is also an accelerated option for those wishing to complete the program one semester early. Since the accelerated option requires doubling courses during two sessions, it is not recommended for students with less than 35-40 hours to commit to coursework each week, nor for students on academic probation.
Before choosing the accelerated option, please review the 'program coursework and expectations' in the gray drop-down menu above, along with the Course Acceleration FAQ. If you choose to move forward, please submit the Plan of Study (iPOS) for approval before the end of your first semester. We invite students to schedule a 'general advising' appointment to discuss this option in more detail.
It is important to discuss any variation from the recommended schedule with an academic advisor. The complete list of required coursework for the program, in no particular order, can be found on the ASU Online Degree website. If circumstances lead you to veer from the recommended course schedule, please review the ABA Course Availability Grid for the semester you were admitted (Fall 2023 to Spring 2025, or Summer 2025 and beyond) to determine when courses are offered. Since courses are not offered each semester and the schedule is subject to change, we encourage you to schedule an advising appointment to devise an altered course sequence together.
iPOS Tip: Any changes to your course schedule will need to be reflected on the Plan of Study (iPOS) and approved by advising. An advising hold may be placed on your account if we notice your coursework is out of sequence. The hold is to ensure you contact advising to discuss options for staying on track for graduation.
The course schedule for this program is designed to promote mastery of course content by offering one course at a time. During one semester, students complete one course during the first half (session A) and another during the second half (session B) for a total of 6 credits. For students on the accelerated course schedule, courses have been paired strategically to avoid doubling VCS coursework when possible.
Dynamically dated courses, such as the optional, 1 credit SPE 580 Practicum in ABA course, have unique start and end dates.
The ASU Academic Calendar displays start and end dates for sessions A and B. Dynamically dated course dates can be found in Class Search under the specific course.
To determine the sequence we recommend for completing the courses in the program, click the dropdown menu below that corresponds to the year when you started the program. The specific course schedule will also include the term (fall, spring or summer) and the session (A or B).
Example: 'MA ABA Fall 2025 Session A (August)' - This schedule is for a master's degree (MA) student admitted to Fall 2025, Session A beginning in August.
2025 Start Term
2025 Start Term
Course Sequences for programs not listed will be available on/around the date that registration opens for the related semester per the ASU Academic Calendar.
2023 Start Term
2023 Start Term
Note to students starting in fall 2023: SPE 563 is offered during session A and B. You will register for session B - class number 96486.
Elective Course Options
Elective Course Options
The Special Education, MA (ABA) program requires students to complete two elective courses (6 credits) that are behavior-analytic in nature. There are 7 elective courses to choose from, offered at least once per year. It is important to follow the course schedule to stay on track for graduation.
SPE 520 Verbal Behavior (3 credits)
SPE 564 Controversial Therapies: Science, Fad and Pseudoscience in Educational Settings (3 credits)
SPE 598 Topic: Advanced Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
SPE 598 Topic: Evaluation and Assessment in Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
SPE 598 Topic: Fundamentals of Behavior Analysis: Applied Animal Behavior (3 credits)
SPE 598 Topic: Intersection of Applied Behavior Analysis and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Innovative Applications and Ethical Considerations (3 credits)
SPE 598 Topic: Multiculturalism and Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
SPE 580 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (optional, 1 credit): There is an option to replace one of the two, 3-credit elective courses required for the program with three, 1-credit practicum courses. If you are interested in this option, please scroll to the Supervised Fieldwork for ABA section to learn more. Reach out to your academic advising team for more information on how this may be incorporated into your Plan of Study (iPOS).
Culminating Experience
Culminating Experience
The culminating experience course is taken as the final course in the program. Students will select to complete either SPE 597 Capstone or SPE 593 Applied Project as a culminating experience for the program. Passing the Culminating Experience course with a grade of B or higher in your last semester is required for graduation. It may be taken concurrently with one other course during Session B only (not offered A). Students must be making satisfactory academic progress to be eligible to register for the culminating experience course.
iPOS Tip: The culminating experience is referred to as the 'degree requirement' on the Plan of Study (iPOS). You must know which culminating experience you wish to pursue prior to starting the iPOS.
Capstone (SPE 597)
Capstone (SPE 597)
The capstone option applies theoretical and practical information presented through coursework and, therefore, requires students to have access to all assignments and materials from the program. During SPE 597-ABA Capstone, students align their projects and experiences with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.) and the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. Students produce a capstone culmination paper demonstrating an integration and synthesis of knowledge and experience gained throughout the program.
Note: You must be signed into your ASU Google account to access the syllabus and schedule. These are samples only and are subject to change.
Applied Project (SPE 593)
Applied Project (SPE 593)
The applied project option provides students pursuing professional careers in the field of applied behavior analysis an opportunity to prepare a supervised applied project. As part of the applied project, students collect data on one or more individuals’ target behavior; identify research-based strategies to address the target behavior; design and implement a behavior intervention plan to systematically address the target behavior; collect data on the target behavior as the intervention is being implemented; analyze and draw conclusions from the data collected; and communicate findings using evidence of best practice from current research.
Note: You must be signed into your ASU Google account to access the syllabus and schedule. These are samples only and are subject to change.
SPE 597 Capstone (starts at 3:45, ends 15:40) and SPE 593 Applied Project (starts at 16:10, ends 30:56)
Plan of Study (iPOS)
Plan of Study (iPOS)
What is it? The interactive Plan of Study (iPOS) is a tool to help you navigate the program requirements and identify your path to completion. The iPOS is required and must be submitted during your 1st semester to maximize its usefulness as a planning tool. For general iPOS information, please visit the Plan of Study (iPOS) page in the Student Resources section.
How to complete the iPOS: Choose one of the two below methods to complete your iPOS. An academic advising appointment is not required to complete the iPOS.
Admitted in Summer 2025? Click here to read an important message before proceeding with your Plan of Study
If you started the program in Summer 2025 you were admitted to the 2024/25 school year. Since the summer program schedule includes new coursework for the 2025/26 requirement year, we request that you complete the Course Selection Form (summer admits only). Completing the form will allow the advising team to 1) submit a request for you to complete the 2025/26 course requirements (SPE 528, 529 and 530), and 2) to pre-fill your iPOS with the selections you make on the form.
This fall (September), please look for an email message from ABAadvising@asu.edu with information about submitting your iPOS for approval. If you submit it before then, the iPOS will be returned since the request to complete the 2025/26 courses cannot be made until this fall.
Due to these changes, the iPOS will not be due until the end of your second semester in December. Thank you for your patience during this transition.
Option 1: Advising pre-fills iPOS
Complete the Course Selection Form according to your admit term:
Course Selection for students starting in Spring 2025 or earlier
Course Selection for students starting in Summer 2025
Course Selection for students starting in Fall 2025 or later
Submission of the above form permits advising to pre-fill the Plan of Study (iPOS) on your behalf. We will email you when it is ready for review and submission.
Estimated time to complete the form is 10-15 minutes.
Option 2: Complete on your own
Instructions for how to complete the iPOS independently can be found in the following places:
Video tutorial: Click tutorial to the left
Written directions: Click on the grey dropdown menu below
PPT with screenshots: Click the maroon 'PowerPoint guide' below
Estimated time to complete and submit the iPOS is 15-20 minutes.
Click here for Plan of Study, Step-by-Step Written Instructions
The iPOS will require you to complete the following 5 pages at a minimum, in the order listed:
Welcome page - Check the acknowledgment box stating you will abide by the Graduate College Policy Manual and academic integrity.
Degree Requirements page - Use the Culminating Experience information to help decide if you would prefer to take the Capstone or the Applied Project as your final course. You will not be able to move on without choosing and can update later if you change your mind.
Courses > Course Admin page - Use your Course Schedule to determine which courses you will take or have completed, and place them in the appropriate section under the Course Admin page: Required Core, Concentration, Elective, or Culminating Experience along with the semester the course is planned for.
Please reference the Elective Description List for more information about the elective course options listed on your course schedule.
Advisors > Faculty Committee page - Please input Dr. Samuel DiGangi as the Faculty Committee and list him as ‘Chair’ once prompted.
Summary/Submit - Check the acknowledgment box stating you agree to act with academic honesty and integrity, and then submit your iPOS for review and approval.
An approved iPOS must be on file before applying for graduation. It is used by the graduation office to determine if all requirements for your program have been satisfied before awarding your degree.
*Optional* Supervised Fieldwork in ABA (SPE 580 - Practicum)
*Optional* Supervised Fieldwork in ABA (SPE 580 - Practicum)
Review the following information about the optional supervised fieldwork in ABA course.
This optional course, SPE 580 Practicum in ABA, provides a qualified supervisor in accordance with the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) experience requirements. Students are responsible for identifying a fieldwork site and will engage in supervised activities centered on the application of behavior analytic tasks associated with developing, maintaining, and oversight of behavior analytic programs. They may also engage in designing, implementing, and monitoring trainings for parents and staff. Students will gain experience in application of BACB Task List 5th edition (TL5) Content Areas. Offered on a semester basis - Fall, Spring and Summer - for approximately 16-17 weeks.
For more information on BCBA fieldwork requirements, please visit www.bacb.com and review the BCBA Handbook.
>> The practicum application for spring will be available the week of October 20, with a registration deadline of November 24 for new students. Returning students must register by October 20 to ensure a space. <<
Review the drop-down menu below for steps to gain permission to participate. Get started early since the process is lengthy!
Click here for steps required to participate in SPE 580
Click here for steps required to participate in SPE 580
Please begin by completing these required action items, in order:
1) Self-enroll in Canvas - Click here to enroll and complete Modules 1-3. You must be logged into your MyASU account to access Canvas.
Modules 1 and 2 remain open all year. The required survey/application in Module 3 opens approximately 6 weeks before the registration deadline of each semester.
After completing the modules and your application being accepted:
2) Register for Course - If approved to move forward after completing the modules, you will receive an email from your advising team with permission to register. It is important to register by the deadline to secure a space.
3) Complete ASU Acknowledgment - Once registered, a team member from Career and Professional Education Services (CAPES) will send directions to your employer on completing the Acknowledgment. The acknowledgment should be finalized by the deadline listed in Canvas to maximize the accrual of hours. If not finalized by the Tuition and Fees Refund deadline, you may need to withdraw to avoid being held responsible for payment of tuition and fees.
Important Notes:
If you wish to continue with the course after graduation, it is important to apply as a 'non-degree' graduate student during your last semester to be eligible to register. Click here for details.
SPE 580 is a dynamically dated course, so does not follow the traditional start/end dates on the Academic Calendar. Find the exact start and end dates, along with other important dates, on Class Search.
If you are taking SPE 580 during your final semester, keep in mind that your degree cannot be awarded until after the last day of SPE 580, which is dynamically dated and does not always align with the end of the semester. For example, if the conferral date for summer is August 9 but the last day of SPE 580 is August 28, then your degree will not be awarded until after August 28. (The conferral date will reflect as August 9.)
Qualifications to Participate in SPE 580 (Practicum):
Recommended for students in good academic standing and with strong time management skills.
Students identify a fieldwork site - qualified supervisors will provide guidance on appropriate settings and issue approval.
All supervision is provided by a qualified supervisor in accordance with the BCBA experience requirements - students need not identify or contract with a separate supervisor. A BCBA need not be present at the practicum setting.
Supervision is structured to provide a combination of BACB recognized restricted and unrestricted hours through group and individual supervision.
Remote meetings are conducted via web-based video conferencing.
Students can accrue up to 500 supervised fieldwork hours in one semester of practicum (~30 hours/week).
In addition to the 1 credit hour of tuition, the course may require additional fees. Contact Student Business Services at sbs@asu.edu for questions about charges to your account.
Did you know? Three semesters of SPE 580 can replace one, 3-credit hour elective course. The courses must appear on the Electives section of your iPOS. Connect with your advising team for more information.
Graduation
Graduation
Whether you are planning to participate in ceremonies or not, you must apply to graduate to receive your diploma. This may be accomplished through MyASU once you have an approved iPOS on file. Apply during your last semester of study, by the deadline listed, to avoid a late fee in addition to the filing fee. Visit the graduation section of the University Registrar Services website for more information, including how to have your degree conferred early if you finish graduate degree program requirements during session A.
Students are welcome to attend one or both ceremonies - the ASU Commencement and/or the MLFC Convocation - but must register for ceremonies to participate. Please visit the Graduation page in the Resources section for more information.
You are invited! Join us for an overview of things to consider as you approach graduation. The sessions are limited to 10 students and are offered from 12-12:45pm (AZ) once each month and generally on the first Friday (except May and December).
Click here for steps to prepare for graduation
Click here for steps to prepare for graduation
Make sure you have an approved Plan of Study (iPOS) on file. Directions for completing the iPOS are here.
Once registration opens, register for your final semester of coursework, including the culminating experience (SPE 593 or 597). To receive permission, an approved iPOS must be on file.
Apply to graduate on MyASU by the deadline to avoid an additional late fee and have your name posted in the electronic program. Go to the Graduation tab in the 'My Programs' section and click on Apply for Graduation. The graduation date must align with the anticipated graduation date on the iPOS and your final semester of courses.
If you wish to participate in the ASU Commencement and/or MLFC Convocation ceremonies, register for them on MyASU. The portal generally opens mid-semester and is found in the same section (Graduation tab). Also, remember to purchase your cap and gown!
Note for summer graduates - there are no summer graduation ceremonies. You are welcome to attend ceremonies in the spring or the fall, which you may register for after applying to graduate. Do not confuse the application for graduation (semester you complete coursework) with the registration for ceremonies (semester you choose to participate in ceremonies).
More information about graduation for online students can be found in the Graduation section in Resources & Information.
BACB Information
BACB Information
Website: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Recent and Upcoming Changes to BACB Requirements - we recommend subscribing!
BCBA Certification Information
Eligibility Pathway: Pathway 2 Behavior-Analytic Coursework
Verified Course Sequence: ASU 51171 BCBA 5th Edition
Do I need an attestation? No, an attestation is not needed for students who complete the full, ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) through ASU and apply for the BCBA certification exam before January 1, 2026. Students who apply for the BCBA certification exam beginning January 1, 2026 will request an attestation as part of the application process. Specific steps will be provided in the BACB application portal in 2026.
Official Transcript: Official ASU academic transcripts are available through University Registrar Services. If you completed coursework at another institution, note it will not appear on your ASU transcript and will need to be ordered separately.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
ABA Program Informational Webinar - November 19, 2024
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