Dual Master’s Degree in ABA and MEd Special Education

Prepare for a rewarding career supporting learners with diverse needs through the Regis dual-degree MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)/Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching Special Education.

This unique three-year program allows you to earn two complementary master's degrees while tailoring your special education preparation to your career goals. As part of the MEd program, you'll choose one of two concentrations:

• Moderate Disabilities – Prepare to teach students with mild to moderate learning, behavioral, and developmental disabilities in inclusive and specialized educational settings.
• Severe Disabilities – Prepare to support students with significant cognitive, physical, communication, and multiple disabilities through highly individualized instruction.

Alongside your chosen concentration, you'll complete the coursework needed to prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification exam, equipping you with specialized expertise that is highly valued in schools, clinics, community organizations, and healthcare settings.

By combining advanced preparation in both special education and applied behavior analysis, you'll graduate ready to pursue a wider range of career opportunities while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities.

With one coordinated curriculum, you can:

• Earn two master's degrees in just three years.
• Choose the Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities concentration that aligns with your professional goals.
• Prepare for BCBA® certification while completing your graduate education.
• Receive assistance from program directors with practicum placements.
• Develop expertise in evidence-based teaching, behavior analysis, assessment, and intervention.
• Expand your career opportunities across education, behavioral health, clinical practice, and community services.
• Learn from faculty who are all PhD level BCBA® with strong applied and research backgrounds in ABA.

Graduates are prepared for careers in both special education and applied behavior analysis. Depending on your chosen concentration and professional credentials, career opportunities may include:

• Special Education Teacher (Moderate Disabilities)
• Special Education Teacher (Severe Disabilities)
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (after certification)
• Behavior Specialist
• Autism Program Specialist
• Educational Consultant
• Clinical Supervisor
• Program Coordinator

The combination of teaching licensure preparation and behavior analytic training provides a distinctive credential that helps graduates stand out in today's workforce.

The 76-credit curriculum integrates graduate coursework in applied behavior analysis with advanced preparation in teaching special education.

Students complete a shared foundation in special education before pursuing coursework aligned with their chosen Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities concentration. Throughout the program, students develop expertise in assessment, instructional strategies, behavior intervention, collaboration with families and professionals, and evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for learners with disabilities.

Faculty provide guidance throughout the program, including assistance with practicum placements and professional preparation.

View a sample three-year plan with summer start:

Completing the dual degree program, instead of completing each degree separately, provides time and cost savings to students (approximately $13,000 in tuition savings). Additionally, discounts are available to the spouses and partners of employees through the partnership program Regis College has with many employers. Our financial aid counselors work with prospective master's students to find every available benefit and support opportunity.

* Does not include fees. Based on the academic year 2026-2027. Cost per credit and total cost are subject to inflation.

Students and graduates have the option to participate in an eight to 12-day service trip to Iceland that occurs every other year. In Iceland, you will provide culturally competent behavior analytic care to children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and/or a related disability. You will work together with fellow students, teachers, and alumni to teach young children socially significant behaviors and reduce unwanted problem behavior.

Ready to learn more about the dual Med/ABA degree program? Start by visiting the pages for each degree:

You can find the application for the dual-degree program at: