Student walks into the School of Education building in the fall

BCBA Emphasis

About the Program

Gonzaga University’s Master’s in Special Education with a Behavior Analysis Emphasis prepares students to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, adolescents, and families through evidence-based behavioral interventions.

This two-year graduate program equips future Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with advanced skills in functional assessment, applied research, and data-driven decision making. Built on an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)-approved course sequence, the curriculum connects behavioral theory to real-world practice.

With dedicated faculty bringing a wealth of clinical experience and a student-centered educational experience, graduates are empowered to improve outcomes and become leaders in schools, clinics, businesses, and community-based settings.

 

Program Outline
How to Apply
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Program Highlights

Graduate with faculty

Careers
Mother sits with children in preschool

Clinical Experiences
Faculty talking to student

Community Connections
Special Education students working on activity

Engaged Learning
Dr. Basile

Faculty & Staff
Student presenting at conference

Research Opportunities
Student participating in activity

What is BCBA?

Behavior analysis is a natural science that seeks to understand the behavior of individuals. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) focus on understanding how the environment shapes behavior and apply this understanding to help individuals learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. They design evidence-based interventions to improve quality of life, working closely with families, teachers, caregivers, employers, and health professionals. BCBAs evaluate the context of behavior and create strategies that promote positive change. Specifically, this field has led to effective approaches for addressing socially important issues such as education, substance use, healthy living, workplace safety, treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities, and more—making behavior analysis a vital science with wide-reaching impact.