Ed.M. in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Sequence

Offered jointly by the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, the Ed.M. in Special Education with ABA Sequence program provides advanced graduate preparation in special education while enabling students to take 6 out of 7 courses* required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Certified special and general education teachers who wish to learn to identify, assess, and address both the behavioral needs of students and the instructional needs of students with mild and moderate cognitive disabilities, most often apply.

*An additional, seventh ABA course (18:820:522 Personnel Supervision and Management in ABA) must be taken to meet the academic requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. Students will need to meet additional fieldwork experience requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. This seventh course, as well as the experience requirements, are not currently included in this degree program.

Coursework will help students develop competencies in the assessment and interventions of students with disabilities, teach collaborative teaching and consultation skills, and integrate principles of New Jersey special education law. ABA-specific required core classes will also cover the basic principles of applied behavior analysis, ethics for behavior analysts, application of ABA principles, and strategies for teaching children with autism and related disorders.

This is a non-certification program and does not include coursework resulting in a NJ school personnel license. Students with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in initial teacher certification in special education should contact the Office of Student and Academic Services . The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified our courses toward academic requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. Applicants will need to meet additional experience requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. Experience requirements are not currently included in this degree program.

Program Goals as of 2022-2023
(Last updated: 7/19/2022)

Knowledge/Understanding

• Students will understand the nature and needs of individuals with disabilities by developing competencies in the assessment, academic, and behavioral support for students with special needs, collaborative teaching/consultation skills, and knowledge about New Jersey special education law.

Communication/Community Building

• Students will participate in professional and scholarly communities (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children [CEC]) through communication and collaboration (research, publications/presentations, service).

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Students will understand the importance of the role of social justice in educational settings and promote educational equity by creating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives (educational, cultural, personal, social, economic) are an integral part of the learning experience.
• Students will recognize and consider the social-cultural factors in special education identification, placement, and service provisions.
• Students will enhance their ability to accommodate the diversity of student needs by developing a deep understanding of special education services and community resources available for individuals with special needs.
• Students will learn to collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with special needs, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with disabilities across a range of learning experiences.

Research/Professional Practice

• Students will conduct original research on students with special needs and use that research, as well as interpret and evaluate findings from other research studies, to inform their professional practice in special education and address problems of practice that may require change in policy and programs.
• Students will s elect, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance the learning of individuals with special needs.
• Students will understand the variations in learning and development in cognitive and affective areas between and among individuals with gifts and talents and apply this understanding to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with special needs.
• Students will use foundational knowledge of the field, professional ethical principles, and programming standards to inform special education practice.

• Students will evaluate, identify, and use models and approaches that will be effective in the successful design and implementation of assessment.
• Students will use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions about identification of individuals with special needs and the monitoring of student learning progress.
• Students will use valid and reliable assessment practices to minimize bias.

Professional Development/Self-Reflection

• Students will capitalize on opportunities for continuous professional learning and development, including reflective self-inquiry, to make significant contributions to field of special education.

The following programmatic offerings are also available for students seeking an Ed.M. in Special Education:

• Ed.M. in Special Education General Studies Program (non-certification)
• Ed.M. in Special Education with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification only
• Ed.M. in Special Education with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification and Gifted Education GSE Certificate
• Ed.M. in Special Education with Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant Certification

For more information about the Ed.M. in Special Education with ABA Sequence program:

• Download the program guide (includes course list and application requirements)
• Contact Matt Winkler, Assistant Dean for Advisement in the Office of Student and Academic Services

Program Details

Feb 1 / Oct 15 / May 15 *Late applications will be considered.