Admissions Process
MA in Psychology | Post-Master's Certificate
Master of Arts in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis option
Students must follow the complete admissions guidelines outlined through the
Office of Graduate
Studies 
.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and decisions will be made
by the Psychology Department. Applications received after December 15 may not
be considered for admission in the spring semester and applications received
after May 1 may not be considered for admission in the fall semester. Students
are permitted to take up to three courses (9-credits) prior to being admitted
into the program.
Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a closely related field, as evidenced by
an official transcript. BA/BS in other fields with work experience in ABA will
be considered especially if the applicant has work experience in ABA and course
work in child development, abnormal psychology, statistics and research design.
Official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). (Subject test
in Psychology is optional.)
A minimum undergraduate cumulative average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading system,
as evidenced by an official transcript. Students not meeting this requirement
but who otherwise give evidence of strong academic ability may be admitted.
Completion of a course in psychology statistics (or equivalent), as evidenced
by an official transcript.
Three letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to send letters
from both academic settings addressing academic readiness, and from work settings
addressing capacity for employment in ABA.
A personal statement of at least 300 words addressing ABA experience and/or
readiness for ABA training.
Signature on the Psychology Department "Competency and Fitness"
and "Self Disclosure" forms.
Students may be admitted to a maximum of 9 credit hours (3 courses) in a non-matriculated
status with permission of the Psychology Department. Following completion of
9 credit hours, students must be admitted to the program to continue studies.
Behavior Analyst Post-Master's Certificate Program
Students must follow the complete admissions guidelines outlined through the
Office of Graduate
Studies .
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and decisions will be made
by the Psychology Department. Applications received after December 15 may not
be considered for admission in the spring semester and applications received
after May 1 may not be considered for admission in the fall semester. Students
are permitted to take up to three courses (9-credits) prior to being admitted
into the program.
Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
Official transcripts showing that the applicant has earned both a baccalaureate
and a master's degree. The BACB® requires a master's degree for eligibility
to become a BCBA®. The applicant's GPA and course work records should show
continuing promise in graduate study. The UMass Dartmouth Psychology Department
prefers a master's degree in Psychology, Special Education, or closely related
field. Other graduate education backgrounds may be considered if the applicant
has work experience in ABA and course work in child development, abnormal psychology,
statistics and research design.
Three letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to send letters
from both academic settings addressing academic readiness, and from work settings
addressing capacity for employment in ABA.
A personal statement of at least 300 words. Applicants should address their
ABA experience and/or readiness for ABA training.
Students may be admitted to a maximum of 9 credit hours (3 courses) in a non-matriculated
status with permission of the Psychology Department. Following completion of
9 credit hours, students must be admitted to the program to continue studies.
