The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at UNLV is part of the Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education department. Students interested in ABA enroll in our M.Ed. in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Track. The program is in-person and designed to be approximately two years in length.
To prepare high-quality practitioners with the skills to improve outcomes for individuals utilizing the science of applied behavior analysis.
At the conclusion of the master’s program, students will be able to:
Develop and implement evidence-based practices for improving skills and behaviors
Utilize culturally responsive practices to support the individual needs of clients
Make ethical programming and practical decisions
Engage in effective collaboration with families and professionals
Develop and implement comprehensive and effective organizational behavior management and supervision plans
Evaluate the effectiveness of ABA interventions
Admissions Information and Requirements
Program Coursework and Curriculum
UNLV Graduate College Current Student Website including:
UNLV Graduate Student Handbook, with Policies for Students and Transfer Credit Policy
Progress and Completion information/Requirements for Graduation
Professional Development and Peer Mentorship
Campus Academic Resources
Graduate Financial Services
Appeals and Issue Resolution
UNLV Disability Resource Center
UNLV Resources for Students Website
UNLV College of Education Website
Stephanie Gerow, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Program faculty conduct ongoing research in the use of applied behavior analysis in education and supports for people with disabilities. Students are encouraged to join program faculty research teams to learn skills related to conducting research in applied behavior analysis.
We do not offer consistent practicum experiences to students. Students are expected to identify and secure their own sites to accrue fieldwork hours. Program faculty are happy to provide guidance related to seeking field experience.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Coursework Alignment
The program courses are intended to meet the coursework requirements for students for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB) Pathway 2: Behavior-Analytic Coursework. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination and obtain the BCBA® credential.
There are major differences in the required coursework requirements depending on whether students take the exam prior to or after December 31, 2026. Please contact the program director to ensure that you take coursework that aligns with the requirements relevant to your exam date.
State Licensure
To practice ABA in Nevada, you are required to obtain state licensure in addition to certification. You need to complete additional steps, not included in the master’s program, in order to apply for licensure in the state of Nevada. The Nevada ABA Board provides information related to requirements to obtain licensure as a licensed behavior analyst (LBA) in Nevada.
State licensure requirements vary by state and change frequently. The BACB provides information about U.S. licensure of behavior analysts across different states.
This information is updated as of August 2025. Licensure and certification requirements change frequently. We recommend reviewing current requirements and contacting the relevant agencies and/or the program director with any questions.
Below are the outcomes from the program for 2024 (*indicates AY 2024-2025)
Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program: 16
Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program: 1.67
Number of students enrolled in the program: 25*
Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree: 2*
Number of completed applications received: 41*
Number of students admitted: 38*
Number of first-time candidates sitting for their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination: 22
Percentage of first-time candidates passing the BCBA certification examination: 73%
Mean undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for applicants admitted (reported on a 4-point scale): 3.14*