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Behavioral Health, MS

Keiser University

This program is available in the following Florida campuses:

Flagship Residential Campus

Keiser University offers the Master of Science in Behavioral Health to respond to the need for more qualified professionals. This program provides the knowledge, research skills, and clinical expertise necessary to design and implement behavior analytic interventions in diverse settings, both with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other populations. Graduates will be prepared to pursue certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) after they complete the program and meet the other BACB requirements under Pathway 2 for certification. These professionals will contribute meaningfully the lives of persons supported.

MS in Behavioral Health Overview

Keiser University’s MS in Behavioral Health provides students with the education and training necessary to improve the lives of individuals through evidence-based behavioral interventions. Coursework covers advanced concepts in behavior assessment, intervention strategies, ethics, and supervision.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to assume leadership roles in ABA therapy settings, behavioral consulting and research; working with individuals across various populations, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and mental health conditions. Electives may be available to increase competency in working with persons with brain injuries, psychiatric conditions, and athletic performance and more.

Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Behavioral Health program is to train professionals in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The program prepares graduates to use ABA to assess, analyze, and intervene in a wide variety of behavioral health concerns, including autism spectrum disorders, psychiatric conditions, brain injuries, and organizational behavior management. Through rigorous coursework and supervised fieldwork, students gain expertise in the theoretical and empirical foundations of behavior analysis, behavior assessment, intervention planning, ethical practice, and research methodology. The program is designed to align with the educational requirements for eligibility to pursue Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.

Program Objectives

  1. Describe core principles and concepts of applied behavioral analysis, including philosophical foundations of behaviorism, theoretical approaches to understanding behavior, and accurate interpretation and use of technical terminology.
  2. Apply core principles and concepts of applied behavior analysis to assess, intervene, and evaluate behavior change.
  3. Critically evaluate complex behaviors, identify salient variables, and design effective, culturally responsive intervention plans that align with ethical standards and principles of applied behavior analysis.
  4. Conduct independent research, analyze data, and contribute to the scientific knowledge base of applied behavior analysis.
  5. Interpret and apply ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct within the field of applied behavior analysis.
  6. Apply supervision and behavior management strategies to ensure quality service delivery and promote ethical, effective organizational practice.

Program Goal(s)

  1. Equip students with comprehensive knowledge in the theory, concepts and principals of applied behavior analysis.
  2. Enable students to evaluate and integrate methodological and philosophical foundations to support ethical and professional standards in behavior analysis
  3. Develop students’ ability to design and conduct functional behavior assessments and implement effective behavioral interventions by applying critical thinking skills, relevant data, cultural context and empirically supported research and practices.
  4. Prepare professionals to apply behavior analytic principals to implement organizational behavior management and supervision strategies to improve performance, efficiency, and leadership in diverse settings.

What Can You Expect to Learn

Keiser University’s MS in Behavioral Health provides students with the education, skills, and credentials necessary for success in behavior analysis. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Conduct behavior assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
  • Develop and implement effective, evidence-based intervention plans
  • Apply ethical principles and professional standards in ABA practice
  • Utilize behavior analytic research to inform clinical decision-making
  • Implement and evaluate behavior intervention strategies in diverse settings
  • Effectively train and supervise behavior technicians and other professionals
  • Communicate effectively with clients, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams

Program Admission

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Average GPA of 3.0 or higher achieved in most recently completed, accredited degree program
  • 2 letters of recommendation

Program Outline

To receive a MS in Behavioral Health, students must earn 42 graduate semester credit hours. Curriculum includes:

Upper Division Courses

Core Courses (21 credit hours)
Foundations and Concepts in Behavior Analysis 3 credit hours
Analysis and Assessment of Challenging Behavior 3 credit hours
Single Subject Research Design 3 credit hours
Intervention Planning and Implementation 3 credit hours
Organizational Behavior Management and Clinical Supervision 3 credit hours
Ethical Considerations in Basic and Applied Settings 3 credit hours
Advanced Theory and Philosophy of ABA 3 credit hours

The courses above meet current coursework requirements for the education component required for approval to take the BACB board exam under Pathway 2. Students are strongly advised to check the newest version of the BCBA Handbook on the BACB website to ensure they are meeting all requirements needed to take the exam.

Required Courses (15 credit hours)
Historical Perspectives: Regulatory Frameworks, Documentation, and Advocacy 3 credit hours
Verbal Behavior 3 credit hours
Intervention Strategies for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities 3 credit hours
Practicum I 3 credit hours
Practicum II 3 credit hours

The courses above serve to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the science, philosophy and applications of applied behavior analysis.

Specialization Courses (6 credit hours)
Behavioral Interventions for Brain Injuries 3 credit hours
Special Topics in ABA (addiction, gerontology, childhood behavioral disorders) 3 credit hours
Performance Management in Sports 3 credit hours
Behavioral Approaches to Psychiatric Disorders 3 credit hours

Program Outcomes

This data is not yet available, as this is a new program. Outcome data will be updated annually, beginning on April 1, 2026 and will include:

  • Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program
  • Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program
  • Number of students enrolled in the program
  • Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree
  • Number of completed applications received
  • Number of students admitted
  • Number of first-time candidates sitting for their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination
  • Percentage of first-time candidates passing the BCBA certification examination
  • Number of graduates obtaining a master-level state license as a behavior analyst
  • Median undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for applicants admitted (reported on a 4-point scale)
  • Median standardized test scores

Career Pathways in Behavioral Health

Graduates of Keiser University’s Master of Science in Behavioral Health program will be prepared for career opportunities in Applied Behavior Analysis, including:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®)
  • Behavior Consultant
  • Clinical Director
  • Special Education Behavior Support Specialist
  • Autism Program Director
  • Researcher in Behavior Analysis

Through Keiser’s graduate applied behavior analysis program, students will gain the necessary expertise to improve the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges and make a lasting impact in the field.


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