Saint Louis University's Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S., and Social Work, M.S.W, dual degree program is a dual certification program, as students are able to sit both for their licensing exam in social work and their certification in behavior analysis. This SLU program can be completed in five semesters. Students interested in working with individual, family, group, organization, and/or community behaviors of marginalized populations would be well-suited for this dual degree. Few programs in the United States blend social work and applied behavior analysis, so students who complete this dual degree will be able to achieve positions in a variety of fields. Graduates will have an advantage over other students in that they will understand the principles of how and why behavior happens and how people operate in systems.
For additional information, see the catalog entries for the following SLU programs:
All new incoming students will receive a partial scholarship upon admittance thanks to our generous alumni and benefactors. Students may also qualify for federal graduate student loans and apply for assistantship and fellowship opportunities.
Fellowships
The Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion is a full-tuition fellowship funded by the School of Social Work for new and continuing students. A separate application is required with a deadline of March 1. This fellowship requires that recipients actively participate in the diversity, equity and inclusion activities sponsored by the Emmett J. and Mary Martha Doerr Center for Social Justice Education and Research (Doerr Center) throughout the year. Recipients will also serve as student members of the School of Social Work standing committees that require Doerr Center representation.
Newly accepted master's or doctoral students and students in the first year of a program are eligible to apply for a University-wide diversity, dissertation or presidential fellowship. Find more details on fellowship applications here.
Graduate Assistantships and Internships
By filling out a graduate assistantship/internship application, you will automatically be considered for a graduate assistantship or a graduate internship with the School of Social Work. Assistantships are appointed for one year. Students must reapply to be considered for a second year, and recipients are not guaranteed to receive subsequent or continuing internships.
Graduate assistantships are University-funded assistantships awarded by the School of Social Work. They are assigned and funded for two semesters (a duration of nine months, 20 hours per week), working with designated faculty. Benefits include 12 months of health care coverage, a stipend and two semesters (fall and spring) of tuition remission.
Depending on faculty needs, the graduate assistant works with one or two faculty members. Time is divided between both faculty mentors if the student is assigned to two. Students are only eligible to receive one University-funded assistantship through the School of Social Work during their pursuit of degree. However, they remain eligible for graduate internships while pursuing a graduate degree in the School of Social Work.
Graduate internships are funded and awarded by the School of Social Work. They are assigned and funded for two semesters (a duration of nine months, 8 to 16 hours per week), working with assigned faculty. Graduate interns may assist with administrative work, research or faculty teaching. Depending on the hours assigned, tuition benefits will differ; health insurance and stipends are not awarded for graduate internships.
Other Funding for Current Students
Current students may be eligible for conference/training funding, graduate assistantships and scholarships.
Accreditation
The social work bachelor's and master's programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 1701 Duke Street, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314-3457 Phone: 703-683-8080
Saint Louis University’s applied behavior analysis program is currently a Verified Course Sequence (VCS). Students who graduate from the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program will have completed all requirements necessary to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
Graduates will be able to assess relevant behavior analysis literature/scholarly contributions.
Graduates will be able to apply behavioral theories, practices, policies or research methodologies.
Graduates will be able to apply knowledge from applied behavior analysis to address problems in broader contexts.
Graduates will be able to articulate applied behavior analysis explanations/arguments to a disciplinary/professional audience in both written and oral formats.
Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly/professional integrity (ethics) in behavior analysis.
Social Work, M.S.W.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Graduates will be able to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice.
Graduates will be able to engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
Graduates will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
Graduates will be able to engage in policy practice.
Graduates will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Graduates will be able to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Graduates will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Graduates will be able to evaluate their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Admission standards will not differ from either program. To be accepted into the dual degree program, students must apply to both separately and meet the requirements of both the M.S. ABA program and the M.S.W. program. There are several overlapping requirements currently including an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest.
Program Requirements
The M.S.W. program requires 48 credits. The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis requires 36 credit hours. Students will complete all necessary requirements of both degrees and certifications/licenses. Some of the courses (up to 20 credit hours total) will be taught such that they fulfill the requirements for both degrees. The dual degree program will require students to earn a minimum of 64 credit hours to complete the program.
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Any course with a letter grade B- or below will have to be retaken.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Plan of Study Grid
Year One
Fall
Credits
SWRK 5750
Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups
3
ABA 5746
Principles & Concepts in Behavior Analysis
3
ABA 5774
Measurement & Experimental Design
3
ABA 5820
ABA Introduction to Practicum Seminar
1
ABA 5826
Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I
2
Credits
12
Spring
SWRK 5725
Human Behavior & the Social Environment
3
ABA 5747
Behavioral Assessment
3
ABA 5748
Behavior Change and Process
3
SWRK 5819
Generalist Integrative Practice Seminar
1
SWRK 5821
MSW/ABA Generalist Practicum
2
Credits
12
Summer
ABA 5775
Basic Behavior Analysis
3
ABA 5001
Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management
3
SWRK 5733
Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals
3
SWRK 5842
Clinical Practicum I
2
SWRK 5820
Concentration Integrative Seminar
1
Credits
12
Year Two
Fall
SWRK 5702
Social Policy
3
SWRK 5751
Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations
3
SWRK 5843
Clinical Practicum II
3
ABA 5115
Advanced Clinical Research Capstone
3
ABA 5002
Philosophy of Behavioral Science
3
Credits
15
Spring
SWRK 5762
Diagnosis & Assessment in Clinical Practice
3
SWRK 5736
Advanced Clinical Practice with Families and Groups
Social Work School Graduate Admissions Office socialwork@slu.edu
314-977-2752
For program questions contact:
Kristi Richter, M.S.W., LCSW, CDFT
Director of Master of Social Work program
Assistant clinical professor of social work kristi.richter@slu.edu
314-977-2738
Natalie Parks, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, IBA
Director of the applied behavior analysis program
Assistant clinical professor natalie.parks@slu.edu
314-977-2733
Next Steps to SLU
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