Behavioral Health

Keiser University’s Master of Science in Behavioral Health is a graduate level program designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The curriculum supports career development across clinical, educational, and organizational settings through coursework in evidence-based assessment, intervention strategies, ethics, supervision, and applied research. This program satisfies the current coursework requirements for eligibility to apply for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification under Pathway 2 as described by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Graduation from this program alone does not qualify students to sit for the BCBA examination. In addition to the required coursework, students must independently accrue supervised fieldwork hours that meet all BACB standards for supervision, structure, and documentation. While students will gain fieldwork experience through Practicum I and II, these courses are not designed to fulfill the total number of hours required for certification.

Students are responsible for identifying appropriate fieldwork opportunities and qualified supervisors to complete their field experience requirements. Students complete a thesis-equivalent research project that involves designing, implementing, and analyzing a single-subject experiment addressing a socially significant behavior. This project requires students to conduct a literature review, collect and graph data, evaluate treatment effects, and produce a written report consistent with professional standards in behavior analysis.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in autism intervention and behavioral consultation. However, those pursuing BCBA certification must ensure they meet all supervised fieldwork and examination requirements independently through the BACB.

Keiser University states the goals of this program as follows.

• Equip students with comprehensive knowledge in the theory, concepts, and principles of applied behavior analysis.
• Enable students to evaluate and integrate methodological and philosophical foundations to support ethical and professional standards in behavior analysis.
• Develop students’ ability to design and conduct functional behavior assessments and implement effective behavioral interventions by applying critical thinking skills, relevant data, cultural context and empirically supported research and practices.
• Prepare professionals to apply behavior analytic principals to implement organizational behavior management and supervision strategies to improve performance, efficiency, and leadership in diverse settings.

Candidates for the Master of Science in Behavioral Health must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution accredited by a United States Department of Education-recognized agency. An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required. Although not mandatory, prior coursework in psychology, behavior analysis, or related fields is recommended for optimal success in the program. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required and will not be considered in the admission review.

Failure to provide an official transcript by the end of the first semester of attendance will lead to dismissal from the program and Graduate School.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted master’s degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 12 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements.

Keiser University publishes this program as 42.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 28 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University’s Graduate School Academic Calendar runs three semesters a year, beginning in January, May and August, and each semester is made up of two eight-week terms — six start dates a year.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. The rates below are the university’s published Graduate Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Flagship (Residential) campus, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to review and modification.

This program is charged at the Flagship campus rate for master’s degrees.

Required fees

• Tuition deposit — $150.00, one-time, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
• Housing deposit — $250.00, one-time, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
• Education fee — $976.00 per semester, all graduate degrees, for comprehensive programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
• Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Grants are not available at the graduate level, but federal student loans and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Graduates of Keiser University’s Master of Science in Behavioral Health program will be prepared for career opportunities in the behavioral and mental health field. This master’s degree supports professionals who want to pursue BCBA certification, lead behavioral health programs, or expand their expertise in applied behavior analysis, substance use intervention, counseling support roles, and community-based services. Graduates develop the skills to work with individuals, families, children, and diverse populations across clinical, educational, and organizational settings.

Career Pathways in Behavioral Health

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®)
• Behavior Consultant
• Clinical Director
• Special Education Behavior Support Specialist
• Autism Program Director
• Researcher in Behavior Analysis
• Mental Health Program Coordinator
• Behavioral Health Case Manager
• ABA Therapy Center Supervisor
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Substance Use Program Coordinator
• Behavioral Health Services Manage
• Community Behavioral Health Counselor

Keiser University’s Graduate Behavioral Health program attracts professionals who want to create a measurable difference in the lives of individuals with behavioral and mental health challenges. Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, or a related field and want to complete a master’s degree to pursue the BCBA certification, or you’re an experienced professional ready to develop your practice further, Keiser’s MS in Behavioral Health provides the education and training to help you reach your professional goals. With hybrid learning, this program can fit the schedules of working professionals and career changers who want to advance without slowing down.