Social Work, M.S.W. and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. Dual Degree
Want to be both a licensed social worker and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst®?
Saint Louis University’s dual degree in applied behavior analysis (M.S.) and social work (M.S.W.) is designed for you if you want integrated training in behavior science and professional social work practice.
Through this dual degree, you earn a Master of Social Work from SLU's CSWE-accredited program alongside a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. The ABA curriculum follows the course sequence and fieldwork standards established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®), preparing you to meet eligibility requirements for the BCBA® certification exam. Together, the dual degree provides the coursework and supervised practica needed to sit for both the social work licensure exam and the BCBA® exam.
The program intentionally integrates applied behavior analysis and social work coursework and practica. Although the M.S.W. requires 48 credits and the M.S. in applied behavior analysis requires 36 credits, shared coursework allows you to complete both degrees in as few as 62-65 total credit hours.
Why Combine ABA and Social Work?
ABA focuses on how and why behavior happens and how to change it using data, assessment and evidence-based interventions.
Social work focuses on people in context — families, communities, systems, policy and social justice.
By combining both, you graduate with:
- Skills in behavior assessment and intervention
- Strong grounding in systems, equity and social context
- Training to work across individual, family, organizational and community levels
Very few programs in the U.S. integrate applied behavior analysis and social work. Graduates stand out because they can address both behavior change and the systems that shape people’s lives.
Two degrees, one coordinated program
You earn both a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration through a single, integrated program.
Eligibility for both credentials
You complete the coursework and supervised practice needed to sit for both:
- the BCBA® certification exam
- the social work licensure exam
Choose your learning format
You may complete the full dual degree in either an online or in-person format, allowing you to select the option that best fits your schedule and learning preferences.
Integrated coursework and practicum
Your coursework and field placements are designed to meet requirements for both behavior analysis certification and social work licensure, so you do not need to piece together training across separate programs.
If you want deep training in behavior science and strong preparation for clinical social work, this dual degree gives you both.
For additional information, see the catalog entries for the following programs:
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
Financial Aid
We are committed to helping you make your graduate education both affordable and meaningful. As an incoming student, you may be eligible for several forms of financial support, including scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships, as well as additional funding opportunities available during your program.
FAFSA and Other Resources
All incoming students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. A step-by-step guide to submitting your FAFSA is available online. Saint Louis University Student Financial Services provides a Graduate Financial Aid Handbook that outlines the process of financing your graduate education.
The following links to resources in Saint Louis University Student Financial Services may also be helpful:
Scholarships
All new incoming students will receive a partial scholarship upon admittance, thanks to our generous alumni and benefactors. Scholarship awards vary and are awarded upon admission. No separate application process is required.
Fellowships
In addition to scholarships, the School of Social Work offers competitive graduate fellowships that provide financial support and/or scholarships along with professional experience to graduate students. Unlike scholarships, all fellowships include a work or research requirement, which varies by fellowship type. Graduate Fellows contribute to the School’s teaching, research and administrative activities while furthering their professional development. Find more information on the School of Social Work website.
Newly accepted master's or doctoral students and students in the first year of a program may also be eligible to apply for University-wide diversity, dissertation or presidential fellowships. Find more details on fellowship applications here.
Graduate Assistantships and Internships
Graduate assistantships (GA) are University-funded assistantships awarded by the School of Social Work. They are assigned and funded for two semesters (a duration of 10 months, 20 hours per week), working with designated faculty. Benefits include an option for health insurance coverage (12 months), a stipend and two semesters (fall and spring) of tuition remission.
Under faculty mentors, GAs provide assistance with research/scholarship, teaching, community engagement and other professional, SSW or programmatic activities and are required to attend the University’s Graduate Assistants’ orientation the week before fall classes.
For more information about graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and financial aid, please visit SLU’s Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, Assistantships and Awards website.
Other Funding for Current Students
Current students may be eligible for conference/training funding. Opportunities and eligibility requirements vary and are communicated throughout the year by the programs.
Fieldwork Opportunities
SLU’s dual-degree program in social work and applied behavior analysis provides a fully integrated, practice-focused education that prepares you to become an ethical, research-informed practitioner across behavioral health, education and social service settings.
As a dual-degree student pursuing BCBA® certification, you complete 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork across five semesters. These hours are carefully structured to meet:
- The supervised fieldwork requirements for BCBA® certification, and
- The field education requirements established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for the M.S.W. degree.
Rather than completing two entirely separate sets of placements, your supervised fieldwork is designed to satisfy both professional standards through coordinated training experiences, while maintaining the distinct supervision and competency expectations required by each discipline.
You receive:
- Supervision from a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) for behavior-analytic competencies
- Supervision from a qualified M.S.W. field instructor to support social work competencies, professional identity and licensure preparation
This integrated structure allows you to develop advanced clinical, behavioral, and systems-level skills in real-world settings while progressing efficiently through both degrees.
Developmental Training Model
Across the five semesters of fieldwork, you:
- Master foundational and advanced behavior-analytic competencies
- Develop strong clinical assessment and intervention skills
- Strengthen research and data-based decision-making abilities
- Apply behavioral science within a social justice and systems-oriented framework
The diversity of practicum settings equips you to practice confidently and independently in schools, community mental health agencies, health care systems, nonprofit organizations, and other service environments.
ABA Capstone: Applied Research Project
The ABA program culminates in an applied capstone project in which you:
- Identify a meaningful practice problem
- Design and implement a behavior-analytic intervention or evaluation
- Collect and analyze original data
- Interpret findings and discuss implications for ethical and effective practice
The capstone reinforces your preparation as a scientist-practitioner and strengthens your ability to use data to improve outcomes across behavioral health and social service systems.
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 offers behavior-analytic coursework that is designed to meet the Pathway 2 behavior-analytic coursework eligibility requirements for BCBA® certification.
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
1. Conceptual Synthesis & Interpretation of Behavior-Analytic Principles
Integrate and interpret foundational concepts and principles to support accurate, function-based analysis of behavior.
2. Researcher-Practitioner Decision Making
Apply single-case experimental design and data-based reasoning to evaluate behavior-analytic research and clinical
decision-making in practice contexts.
3. Design Behavior Analytic Interventions Assess, design and evaluate behavior-analytic interventions that target meaningful, socially significant behavior change across diverse settings and populations.
4. Demonstrate Ethical & Professional Conduct Apply ethical and professional standards consistent with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts to evaluate and guide behavior-analytic practice and research.
5. Deliver Culturally Responsive Behavior Analytic Practices Apply culturally responsive and contextually sensitive behavior-analytic practices that honor client identities, promote equity, and enhance social validity.
6. Collaboration with Stakeholders Integrate stakeholder perspectives into behavior-analytic planning and evaluation to support ethical, feasible, and socially meaningful outcomes.
Social Work, M.S.W.
1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
2. Graduates will be able to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice.
3. Graduates will be able to engage antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
4. Graduates will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. Graduates will be able to engage in policy practice.
6. Graduates will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
7. Graduates will be able to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
8. Graduates will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
9. Graduates will be able to evaluate their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into the dual degree program, you must apply to both the MSW and the MS ABA programs separately and meet the requirements of both programs. There are several overlapping requirements currently including an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and a statement of interest. For additional information, view:
Social Work, M.S.W. Admission Requirements.
Fall Admissions
- February 1- Priority deadline for any student wishing to be considered for merit-based scholarships, graduate assistantships and fellowship opportunities.
- June 1- Final deadline for any international candidates wishing to begin their coursework in the fall of that year
- August 1- Final deadline for any domestic student wishing to begin their coursework in the fall of that year
Program Requirements
The dual degree program integrates the Master of Social Work and the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis into a coordinated course of study. Rather than completing each degree separately, you follow an integrated curriculum designed to meet the requirements for both degrees and their associated certification and licensure pathways.
Individually, the Master of Social Work requires 48 credit hours and the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis requires 36 credit hours. However, up to 20 credit hours of coursework are shared across both programs and count toward the requirements of each degree. As a result, you complete the dual degree program in a minimum of 62-65 total credit hours. Shared coursework is below.
| Program Requirement | Program Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. | Master of Social Work |
| ABA 5826 | SWRK 5821 |
| ABA 5827 | SWRK 5842 |
| ABA 5116 | SWRK 5843 |
| ABA 5774 | SWRK 5708 |
| ABA 5747 | MSW Elective |
| ABA 5775 | MSW Elective |
| ABA 5115 | MSW Elective |
| ABA 5749 | SWRK 5700 |
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 or a U will have to be retaken.
This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.
Roadmap notes:
- This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
- Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
- Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Clinical Track (Full-time)
Students must earn a B/S or better in all practica, generalist and ABA courses to pass the courses and matriculate. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all other courses.
Note: This roadmap reflects a fall start. Students beginning the dual degree in the spring will follow a modified plan of study based on course sequencing and availability. Students plan practica with their field liaison and may modify based on advising.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: ABA 5746 | Principles & Concepts in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 5774 | Research Methods for Everyday Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ABA 5747 | Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWRK 5819 | Generalist Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5821 | MSW/ABA Generalist Practicum | 2 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| SWRK 5820 | Specialization Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5822 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I | 2 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| ABA 5830 | ABA Integrative Seminar II | 1 |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| SWRK 5762 | Diagnosis & Assessment in Clinical Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5823 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum II | 2 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ABA 5001 | Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management | 3 |
| ABA 5115 | Advanced Clinical Research Capstone | 3 |
| ABA 5116 | Practicum IV | 1 |
| ABA 5748 | Behavior Change and Process | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| ABA 5749 | Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 5775 | Basic Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 5118 | Practicum V | 1 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| ABA 5002 | Philosophy of Behavioral Science | 3 |
| SWRK 5733 | Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SWRK 5736 | Advanced Clinical Practice with Families and Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 62 | |
Research Track (On-campus only, Full-time)
Students must earn a B/S or better in all practica, generalist and ABA courses to pass the courses and matriculate. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all other courses.
Note: This roadmap reflects a fall start. Students beginning the dual degree in the spring will follow a modified plan of study based on course sequencing and availability. Students plan practica with their field liaison and may modify based on advising.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: ABA 5746 | Principles & Concepts in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 5774 | Research Methods for Everyday Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ABA 5747 | Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWRK 5819 | Generalist Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5821 | MSW/ABA Generalist Practicum | 2 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| SWRK 5820 | Specialization Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5822 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I | 2 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| ABA 5830 | ABA Integrative Seminar II | 1 |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| SWRK 5762 | Diagnosis & Assessment in Clinical Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5823 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum II | 2 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ABA 5001 | Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management | 3 |
| ABA 5116 | Practicum IV | 1 |
| ABA 5748 | Behavior Change and Process | 3 |
| ABA 5990 | Thesis Research 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| ABA 5118 | Practicum V | 1 |
| ABA 5749 | Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 5775 | Basic Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 5990 | Thesis Research 1 | 0 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| ABA 5002 | Philosophy of Behavioral Science | 3 |
| ABA 5990 | Thesis Research 1 | 3 |
| SWRK 5733 | Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SWRK 5736 | Advanced Clinical Practice with Families and Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 65 | |
- 1
Students must register for ABA 5990 in consecutive semesters for a total of six (6) credit hours.
For admission questions, contact:
School of Social Work Graduate Admissions Office
sswadmissions@slu.edu
314-977-2752
For program questions, contact:
Social Work
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
Applied Behavior Analysis
Michael J. Passage, Ph.D., BCBA Director of the applied behavior analysis program Assistant clinical professor michael.passage@slu.edu 314-977-2733