Admissions

All application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions via the online Graduate Application. Use the graduate admission checklist and our MS in Behavior Analysis Application Instructions to get started. Please note that the graduate admission checklist may not reflect our program’s deadlines and requirements; compare it with the information on this page.

**Newly admitted students who wish to transfer credits from previous behavior analysis graduate coursework may submit a transfer credit request prior to starting their first semester in the program. If a student can provide a course content verification form, we will compare it to our coursework. Consideration will be given if the course content that a student wishes to transfer is identical to the courses in the BAMS program and the student earned the minimum grade required for courses in the BAMS program. It is not guaranteed that any will transfer, and students will have to take all the coursework in the program from scratch to be eligible for the BCBA certification exam. ** 

This program is in no way associated or related to the FBI behavioral investigations unit. It will not prepare you for a specialized career in the field of forensic psychology or criminal justice.

International Students: Spring admission is for a fully remote-hybrid option. This fully online option is not open to international students in need of a student visa (F-1) or Exchange Visitor visa (J-1). International students should not apply to this option, and instead apply to the Fall admission option.

ABAI Accreditation Standards Outcomes Assessment Data

Please note: Once you have submitted your application online, you should add the email address, behavior@fiu.edu, to your list of contacts or safe senders. All program communications about your application will come from this email address. If you are a current FIU student or FIU alum, emails will be sent to your FIU email address. 

  • Deadline

    For admission to Fall: Completed application due June 1, 5 p.m. EST

    For admission to Spring: Completed application due October 1, 5 p.m. EST 

  • Requirements

    Requirements are listed in the order they are valued during the admissions review.

    Please note, GPA, previous coursework and experience in behavior analysis, as well as the essay are considered the highest predictors of a good match between applicant and program. 

    • GPA: 3.0 in last 60 credits of upper-division work
      • Coursework in behavior analysis preferred
    • Application Attestation: Applicants must submit this signed attestation via email to behavior@fiu.edu by the application deadline.
    • Statement of Intent: Required; a brief essay stating the reasons for interest in the program and career goals. Some questions to consider while writing this essay: How does the program match your future goals? Why is this program the right fit for you? How do you plan to use your education and training from this program in your professional life? During admission review special attention is given to the content, organization, and structure of the essay. Essay should not exceed three typewritten double-spaced pages.
    • CV or resume: Required; include with previous experience, education, honors, awards, interests, community service and achievements and highlighting relevant experience and/or coursework in behavior analysis.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Required; 3 letters evaluating the applicant’s potential for graduate work. The University Graduate School offers a recommendation form, though this is not required.
    • Additional Requirements:
      • Applicants who earned a degree at a foregin institution will likely require a course-by-course evaluation of their transcripts. For more information on this process please visit the international admissions website by clicking here
      • International students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
        • Minimum TOEFL score: 550 (paper) or 80 (internet)
        • Minimum IELTS score: 6.5
        • FIU's institutional code is 5206

    Use our MS in Behavior Analysis Application Process as a guide to complete your application. Requirements are minimums. For additional requirements and information, consult the Graduate Catalog, or contact us at behavior@fiu.edu.

    ***GRE exam scores are no longer required starting Fall 2023***

    Application Fee Waivers

    Applicants demonstrating financial need may have the application fee of $30 USD waived. Applicants interested in submitting a waiver should select “check” when prompted for application payment and submit supporting documentation by emailing it to Graduate Admissions at gradadm@fiu.edu. The waivers are reviewed by University Admissions and will confirm eligibility. Eligibility criteria generally includes an EFC below 1500 on a FAFSA application; furlough letter; homeless waivers, etc. Applicants may email Graduate Admissions to inquire if they meet eligibility.

     

  • Funding

    The cost of attendance for this program is $26,750 for the hybrid option and $26,356 for the online live option. There is a discrepancy in the total cost of the program between the two options due to the online live option not being charged the University parking fee.  This is a self-supporting program and runs at a higher rate than typical FIU graduate programs. The cost does not include textbooks and the Level 2 background check needed for practicum experience.