Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program 
Application Requirements

Undergraduate degree and grade requirements

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in psychology, education or a related field with a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher prior to matriculation.

Prerequisite coursework

It is expected that students enter the ABA program with adequate academic preparation to undertake graduate studies, and a knowledge base that is equivalent to an undergraduate major in psychology. Students entering the program must have:

• 6 credits of English
• 6 credits of Math (research methods and/or statistics coursework will meet this criteria)
• 15 credits of psychology or relevant electives

At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses that would enhance their preparation for the graduate program.

Information for international students and California residents

Admission to PCOM is not open to applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Please Note: Due to restrictions by the State of California, California residents are not eligible to enroll in PCOM online programs.

What else do I need to apply for the Applied Behavior Analysis MS program?

Your application will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:

• Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• A general autobiographical statement explaining your interest in PCOM's ABA program as it relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less).
• A writing sample, preferably graded, that demonstrates your best writing ability. No page length or subject matter requirements (a paper written during your undergraduate career would suffice).

When is the deadline to apply?

This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application closes on Friday, August 14, 2026, but an early application is highly recommended.

How to apply

Prospective students may submit their application through PCOM's online application management system. Additional details, including application availability and instructions, are available on our application portal.

Where do I send my college transcripts?

Note that official college transcripts from all colleges/universities/schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu.

Where do I send my letters of recommendation?

Letters of Recommendation can be sent through the PCOM application portal or directly to PCOM Admissions in PDF format to recommend@pcom.edu. Recommenders can be directed to our "For Recommenders" page for guidance.

What are the next steps?

Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted via email with a confirmation of its receipt including reminders of the appropriate steps to complete the application process.

What happens after I apply to the MS in ABA program?

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired class size is achieved, therefore it is recommended for candidates to submit applications early. Classes begin in the fall term.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects the new students. Following completion of the admissions process, each applicant is notified of the Admissions Committee's decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Interviews for this program will be conducted virtually throughout the year.

As an applicant to PCOM's MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program, you are responsible for ensuring that all admissions materials are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.

Criminal background check requirement

The College requires a criminal background check for all program applicants and enrolled students. The PCOM Office of Admissions will facilitate a criminal background check prior to matriculation processed by a PCOM vendor of choice. Subsequent criminal background checks can occur during enrollment, including but not limited to, when the student is conducting internships, clerkships, clinical coursework, or other types of coursework that occur off campus. Should you be charged, convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor or felony crime after the date of your original application submission, you are required to notify the Dean of your program in writing within 10 business days of the occurrence. This communication should be sent by certified mail to the Dean at the address on the acceptance letter.

Technical standards

Prior to enrollment, all candidates are required to complete the College's Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation (PDF).

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at admissions@pcom.edu.

PCOM Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Toll Free: 800-999-6998
Local: 215-871-6700
Fax: 215-871-6719
Email: admissions@pcom.edu
X: @PCOMAdmissions

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHURE [PDF]