Online Master of Arts in Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Arts in Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis is an online degree program that allows you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to become a caring, competent, and culturally aware practitioner of applied behavior analysis. This program prepares you for a career working alongside neurodiverse individuals — including people diagnosed with autism — and their families.
- Comprehensive online curriculum
- Two live sessions per term
- Engaging and interactive asynchronous content
- Practicum + Internship
- Preparation for certification exam
- Completed in two years as full-time
- Focus on Cultural Awareness
The Master of Arts in Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis follows a cohort model designed to meet the Verified Course Sequence Requirements of the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. See Truman State University’s ABAI VCS Course Sequence Information. For more information regarding the complete requirements to become eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
For information on State Authorization and licensure requirements in a particular state or territory, see State Authorization. To become Board Certified Behavior Analysts, students must complete an examination. Individual states, where Behavior Analysis is regulated, may have differing requirements for internships and other steps they may require to practice in their state.
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Meet the Faculty
Dr. Jensen is the Director of Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center and Clinical Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Truman State University. Her area of specialty is working with individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Jensen has been involved in the field of Developmental Disabilities and Autism for 34 years. First as a mom and a Chiropractor and then as a Special Educator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has worked with individuals from birth to 65 years old, in clinics, schools, homes, habilitation centers and now at the new Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center. Dr. Jensen earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC, her Masters of Education from Arkansas State University and her graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is Board Certified and a Licensed Behavior Analyst as well as a member of Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Dr. Jensen is a strong advocate for clients and their families, as well as students learning to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Rosado is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and has been practicing behavior analysis for more than 10 years. His areas of specialty include treatment for individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, and health, exercise, and wellness. Dr. Rosado is actively involved in research and has presented at various regional and national conferences. He is a member of several professional organizations and routinely serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Dr. Lochbaum is a Professor in Education at Truman State University, where she also earned her undergraduate degree. Her Master of Arts in Teaching and her PhD in the Foundations of Education were both earned at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. An experienced K-12 teacher, she was previously an Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Education Programs and Policies Specialist, and Faculty Development Officer at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine – part of AT Still University. In 2003 she became the Founding Director of Truman’s Center for Teaching and Learning. Outside of Truman, Dr. Lochbaum serves on the board of Adair County SB-40, whose mission is to engage in advocacy, promote inclusion, and provide essential resources to assist people with developmental disabilities to live self-determined lives.
Dr. Thorn has worked in the field of ESE since 2005. She has experience in residential, home, and school settings plus at the University level. Dr. Thorn earned her undergraduate degree in psychology/criminal justice in 2005, a master's degree in criminal justice in 2007, and a master's degree in special education/autism in 2009 from the University of Central Florida. She then earned her doctorate in special education/applied behavior analysis degree in 2017 from Nova Southeastern. Her dream job was to be a profiler for the FBI. However, after graduating with her bachelor's degree, she started working in a residential school for individuals with developmental delays and fell in love with this field. She went back and earned her master's in special education with a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders and then her doctorate in special education and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Thorn has a wonderful husband, two kids, and a Labrador. Her family is an outdoor family and they love to be on their boat and go to the islands to camp or hang for the day plus go fishing and scuba diving for fun or for lobster.
Dr. Hinman is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has worked within the field of ABA for over 10 years working with autistic persons and those with other developmental disabilities. Dr. Hinman received her Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and her Doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus on Disability Studies from University of Illinois Chicago. As a BCBA and researcher, her work primarily focuses on clinical behavior analytic services including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions to promote empowerment and independence in the clients she serves. While Dr. Hinman has lived in four states over the past 10 years, she now enjoys her life in the Midwest. Dr. Hinman and her husband are blessed to have their two dogs and a cat. Their greatest joy is the birth of their new child who bears the middle name of a professional wrestler.
ABA Program—Academic Calendar
Program starts in the fall of each year. Eight-week courses offered year-round.
2024 | ||||
| Spring First Block | Spring Second Block | Summer Eight-Week | ||
| 1/10/24-3/5/24 | 3/18/24-5/11/24 | 6/3/24-7/27/24 | ||
| Fall First Block | Fall Second Block | |||
| 8/14/24-10/8/24 | 10/14/24-12/14/24 |
Admission
Admission is made on a rolling basis but is limited to 24 students per cohort. Apply early for priority consideration.
Application Requirements
Tuition
*Total estimated tuition based on 2024-25 academic year. Tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
Degree-seeking students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester are eligible for federal financial aid programs. For more information, see Financial Aid Resources for Graduate Studies or contact the Financial Aid Office at (660) 785-4130 or finaid@truman.edu.
Want to learn more?
Watch our informational video about the Applied Behavior Analysis Program at Truman
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