Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

The College of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences (CAESS) provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the media and education fields.

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media & Strategic Communication; Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production; Bachelor of Mass Communication (Arabic); Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; BA in International Relations; Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Design; Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis; Master of Arts in Digital and Strategic Communication; Professional Diploma in Teaching (English); MEd in Educational Leadership; MA in Digital Communication and Technology; Master of Education in Educational Technologies and AI and a PhD in Education. CAESS also provides General Education requirement courses for all undergraduate programs in the areas of Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Abu Dhabi University's Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (MA ABA) equips future professionals to drive measurable, evidence-based changes across education, healthcare, and community sectors. Designed to meet the growing demand from UAE government entities, including the Early Childhood Authority (ECA), education regulators, and healthcare providers, the program is aligned with the guidelines set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), a global standards board. Through immersive coursework, supervised practicum, and a research thesis, students develop advanced expertise in behavior assessment and intervention. Whether supporting children with autism, implementing large-scale behavioral programs, or leading multidisciplinary intervention teams, graduates are prepared to take on high-impact roles. The MA ABA empowers compassionate, ethical, and data-driven practitioners who are ready to serve the UAE's national priorities and implement global best practices in behavioral science.

Postgraduate

Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Type	Postgraduate
Credit Hours	36
Duration	2 (Full Time) / 2.5 to 4 years (Part Time) 2 -- 2
Language	English
Study mode	Full Time, Part Time
Intake	Spring, Fall
Delivery mode	Evening or Weekend
Campuses	Abu Dhabi

About the program

Through the program, you will gain advanced expertise in the science of behavior and be able to apply it to create meaningful, evidence-based changes. This rigorous two-year program will equip you with the tools to assess, design, and implement behavior change programs in clinical, educational, and organizational settings. It combines research-based instruction, supervised practicum (1,500 hours), and a research thesis, ensuring a balance of theory, ethical grounding, and applied expertise.

Whether supporting individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges, you will graduate as a reflective and ethical practitioner, ready to lead and innovate. You will be trained to work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, ABA clinics, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations. The program also prepares students for doctoral studies or advancement into leadership and consulting roles in the field of behavioral science.

Internationally benchmarked curriculum (aligned with BACB guidelines)
Offered at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain campuses
A 1,500-hour supervised internship to meet BACB pathways and other UAE certifications
Research thesis using real-world behavioral casework
Expert faculty with international academic and clinical experience
Admission is available for professionals from education, psychology, and healthcare backgrounds
Evening and flexible course delivery options for working professionals