M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

1. Academic Requirements:

• Applicants must have completed a recognized undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) is required. This translates to approximately 60% or above in the grading system.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 53.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105.

California State University, Fresno, is committed to supporting the academic aspirations of international students by offering various scholarships and financial aid opportunities. These scholarships help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the United States. 

1. International Student Scholarship: Fresno State offers merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may cover a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Dean's Graduate Medal: This scholarship is awarded to the top graduate student from each academic college at Fresno State. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the college.

3. President's Graduate Medal: The President's Graduate Medal is the highest honor for a graduate student at Fresno State. It is awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service.

4. Graduate Equity Fellowship: The Graduate Equity Fellowship is designed to support underrepresented and economically disadvantaged graduate students. It provides financial assistance and mentoring to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.

5. Athletic Scholarships: Fresno State offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes. These scholarships are typically awarded to individuals who excel in specific sports and contribute to the university's athletic programs.

6. External Scholarships: International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities, including those offered by government agencies, private organizations, and foundations in their home countries.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Fresno State may offer scholarships to graduate students in specific fields of study. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

8. Fulbright Scholarships: Fresno State participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. Applicants can apply for Fulbright scholarships through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in their home country.

9. Cultural and Exchange Program Scholarships: Fresno State may offer scholarships to international students participating in cultural exchange programs or partnership agreements with specific universities and organizations.

10. Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have opportunities to work as research or teaching assistants, which often come with a stipend and/or tuition remission.

Tips for Scholarship Application:

• Applicants should pay close attention to scholarship application deadlines and ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.
• Strong academic performance, letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement and leadership can enhance scholarship application chances.

Graduates of the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program at California State University, Fresno, are well-prepared for rewarding careers in a variety of settings.  

1. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Graduates are eligible to sit for the BCBA exam, becoming certified behavior analysts who provide behavior assessment, intervention, and consultation services.

2. Behavior Interventionist: Behavior interventionists work directly with individuals to implement behavior plans and strategies, helping them develop new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

3. Special Education Teacher: Some graduates choose to become special education teachers, utilizing their behavior analysis skills to create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs).

4. Clinical Behavior Analyst: Clinical behavior analysts work in clinical settings, such as autism clinics or mental health facilities, providing assessments and interventions for individuals with behavior challenges.

5. School District Behavior Specialist: School district behavior specialists support teachers, staff, and students by developing behavior intervention plans, conducting assessments, and providing training.

6. Consultant: Graduates may work as independent consultants, offering behavior analysis services to families, schools, or organizations.

7. Early Intervention Specialist: Some professionals focus on early intervention, working with young children to address developmental delays and behavior challenges.

8. Applied Behavior Analysis Supervisor: Experienced professionals may take on supervisory roles, overseeing the work of behavior technicians and interventionists.

9. Researcher: Graduates interested in research can pursue roles in academia or research institutions, contributing to the advancement of behavior analysis knowledge.

10. Entrepreneur: Some graduates start their own behavior analysis practices, offering services to clients in need of behavior support.