Application Requirements

BEHAVIORANALYSIS@SIMMONS

COVID-19 Application Requirements Notice

During these unsettling times, Simmons remains dedicated to supporting student success. In line with our historic commitment to progress and educational access, we believe that knowledge drives the innovations of tomorrow. Our online programs remain open to continue to prepare future leaders who will make a difference in their fields and communities.

In light of the unprecedented challenges we are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering increased flexibility to aid applicants.

Transcripts: The admission committee accepts unofficial transcripts for application review if official transcripts cannot be obtained. Upon enrolling, please request to have all official transcripts submitted by the start of classes so that your time in the program is not disrupted.

Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations are important to our application review process. Should you be unable to provide letters of recommendation from the required sources, reach out to your admission counselor to discuss potential alternatives.

Test Scores: If testing sites are closed and you are unable to take a test needed for admission, we will evaluate alternatives on a case-by-case basis. In lieu of the TOEFL, we will accept Duolingo scores.

We are dedicated to preparing future leaders to make a difference in their communities. If you encounter any other difficulties while completing your application, our admission team is here for you. Do not hesitate to reach out to your admission counselor at any time.

In order to enroll in BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons, applicants must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The following materials must be submitted in order to apply for the program:

  • Completed online application form
  • Current résumé
  • One essay explaining your reasons for pursuing a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis, including a discussion of the intellectual and professional goals you hope to achieve
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable
  • Nonrefundable application fee of $75
    (Fee is reduced to $45 if application is submitted on or before the priority deadline)
  • GRE scores are not required for admission, but will be accepted if the applicant chooses to submit them

Application fee waivers are available for applicants affiliated with non-profit organizations such as: City Year, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and Teach for America, and military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. Please contact your admission counselor to request instructions for obtaining the fee waiver.

In the event that the Admission Committee needs more information to review an application, an applicant may be required to participate in an interview with the committee.

Online Application Form

Résumé

Your résumé should include the following:

  • Educational background, including all institutions attended, degree(s) awarded or in progress, and dates or anticipated dates of degree(s) awarded
  • Relevant employment history, including job titles, job descriptions, relevant duties performed, and dates of employment for each position
  • Community service or volunteer experience
  • Awards, publications, presentations, and memberships
  • Evidence of leadership and career progression

Essay

In 500 words, please cover:

  • Goals in Behavior Analysis: Describe your professional and intellectual goals and the relationship of the degree program to these goals.
  • Educational Background and Preparation: Describe your understanding of the field of Behavior Analysis, your interest in the field, and how your academic background has prepared you for this program. If your cumulative undergraduate GPA was below 3.0 or you struggled in any academic coursework resulting in lower grades, please reflect upon your academic experience in your essay.
  • Relevant Experiences: Address any gaps in employment and describe any relevant volunteer, full-time, or part-time work experience that you have.

Transcripts

Please submit sealed, official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, including community colleges, even if a degree was not obtained. Please request official transcripts be mailed to:

Simmons University
Application Processing Center
BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons
PO Box 30096 [015-003]
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available, applicants should specify that their transcript(s) be sent to Application Services or select Simmons University – BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons if listed as an option through the vendor. This will expedite the delivery of the transcript(s) and the completion of the application.

All coursework from institutions outside of the United States must be reviewed by an evaluation service such as World Education ServicesInternational Education Research FoundationEducation Credential Evaluation, or AACRAO International Education Services. Evaluations for study abroad coursework are not required if all course titles and grades are reflected on a US transcript. Please allow for additional time in the application process to have all transcripts evaluated by these organizations. Please note that course-by-course evaluations are required.

Letters of Recommendation

Your application must include at least two professional or academic letters of recommendation that have been written within one year of the application submission date. Your recommenders must be able to speak to your verbal and written communication skills, intellectual ability, capacity for critical analysis, and personal initiative. When you add recommenders via the online application, an email notification is sent to your recommenders. They can complete the recommendation online.

Letters must be from professional (e.g., a supervisor or manager) or academic (such as faculty, advisors, or a department head) sources. Recommendations will not be accepted from friends, family members, personal counselors or therapists, co-workers, or your clergy.

TOEFL or IELTS Scores

If English is not your first language, you are required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report, demonstrating satisfactory English language proficiency.

Please note that the TOEFL or IELTS is not required from applicants who have earned either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. postsecondary institution or from a postsecondary institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in an English-speaking country.

Upcoming Application Deadline

January 2024

Early Action Application Deadline:
July 17, 2023

Priority Application Deadline:
October 6, 2023

Final Application Deadline:
November 8, 2023

Classes Begin:
January 2024

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