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M.A. Special Education: Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)
If you’re seeking. . . a MA in Special Education, Behavior Intervention Specialist or to complete the coursework portion of the requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (additional requirements will need to be met)
You’ll need. . .
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher)
- If seeking LBS II: Illinois LBS I endorsement onvalid teaching license (Pre-K to Age 21)
Trinity Christian College’s Master of Arts in Special Education Behavior Intervention Specialist program offers a unique opportunity for multiple accomplishments. Trinity’s program is the only special education master’s degree program in the state of Illinois to combine the Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS II): Behavior Intervention Specialist endorsement with the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence (VCS) which allows our eligible students to complete the coursework associated with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) coursework requirements to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA). Students will need to meet additional requirements per the BACB.
Through the program, you will understand more deeply the wide range of difficult behaviors you already see in your classroom or profession. You will learn how to create high-quality behavior intervention plans based on observable data that will lead to significant behavioral change. You will also learn the technical language and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and their applications to prepare you for the BACB® exam. The coursework focuses on applying behavioral analysis in schools or classrooms and in settings supporting children or adults with developmental disabilities.
As a member of Trinity’s Christian community, you will wrestle with difficult ethical questions, as well as what it means to treat every person with dignity and value. Instead of seeing behavioral traits as strengths or weaknesses, our program’s focus is on providing strategies and creating opportunities where each student continues to grow and flourish. This program does not lead to an initial teaching license.
To see BACB Pass-Rate Data click HERE.
Start Dates & Format
Classes meet one-night a week on Trinity’s Palos Heights campus and begin once a year in late August. The program operates on a year-round schedule and can be completed in two years. The program is structured as a cohort model, so you will progress through each course with the same group of students. Cohort sizes are typically small with 10-15 students in each.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is $711 per credit hour. Tuition costs are for 34 credit hours. Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities on our Financial Aid pages.
Application for Admission
For admissions to this program, visit our Graduate Admissions page.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.