4+2 Accelerated Program
Drake students can earn an undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in six years in the 4+2 Program. Students interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts have the option to apply to the Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis early in their studies at Drake University.
Eligibility
Students are eligible for the program with majors from the following colleges/schools:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- School of Education
Class standing: Junior (60 credit hours)
Minimum overall GPA: 3.0
Coursework
Required Coursework:
- PSY42 Child and Adolescent Development
- PSY60 Principles of Behavior
- PSY162 Applied Behavior Analysis or SPED153 Applied Behavior Analysis & PBS
- SPED120 Introduction to Special Education
Recommended (not required) Coursework:
- PSY120/121 Conditioning and Learning
*Drake students accepted into the Master’s program have the option of taking advanced graduate courses as electives or counting up to two of the following courses (maximum of 6 credit hours) as electives toward their Master’s degree. These courses are NOT prerequisites to apply for the program.
Courses:
- ABA 248 Psychology of Developmental Disabilities
- ABA 242 Behavior Analysis of Child Development
- SPED 222 Characteristics Mild/Moderate Disabilities
- SPED 225 Introduction and Evidence-Based Interventions with Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Apply
Students should discuss the 4+2 Program with their undergraduate academic advisor. Advisors will assist students to ensure that undergraduate degree requirements are met. Interested students are also encouraged to contact the Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s Program Dr. Maria Valdovinos (maria.valdovinos@drake.edu) to further discuss the application and admission process.
4+2 applicants should submit the online application to the Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis during the Fall semester of their Junior year. All 4+2 students apply to the Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s program using the normal application process and should submit a letter from the undergraduate advisor confirming that the student has met the prerequisites for the program (i.e., coursework, Junior standing, GPA).
