Applied Behavior Analysis M.S.
The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on training students in the philosophy of radical behaviorism, the basic experimental underpinnings of the field of ABA, and the design and implementation of ABA interventions in research and practice. Students in the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program will be required to complete an Intensive Practicum training experience, meeting experience standards as dictated by the BACB® as well as an applied research thesis. This program is designed to prepare students to become behavior analysts who are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination®, thereby meeting national workplace demands for behavior analysts with the BCBA credential. (The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® has verified the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify.)
The program is offered in a blended format.
In addition to the College of Professional Studies and Advancement Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:
- Submit a written statement of academic and professional goals
- Submit a multi-question essay responding to the questions established and periodically revised by the faculty. This essay is intended to assess the student's writing skills, critical thinking skills, and their understanding of applied behavior analysis. (Note, this essay is used for assessment purposes only and accuracy of responses on this essay will not impact admission considerations).
- Submit a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate's capacity for undertaking graduate studies.
- Undergo faculty review
Program Details:
- Requires 45 SH for completion
- Requires a grade of “B” or better in all coursework
- Requires completion of Thesis
Required Courses
Gateway Courses
| ABA 500 | Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 501 | Measurement and Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis | 4 |
Program Core Courses
| ABA 510 | Skills Assessment and Intervention | 4 |
| ABA 511 | Functional Assessment and Intervention | 4 |
| ABA 512 | Verbal Behavior | 2 |
| ABA 515 | Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 516 | Radical Behaviorism | 3 |
| ABA 517 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| ABA 520 | Supervision and Training in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 590 | Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis | 2 |
Note: ABA 590 must be taken for a total of 8 semester hours.
Capstone Courses
| ABA 599A | Thesis in Applied Behavior Analysis I | 2 |
| ABA 599B | Thesis in Applied Behavior Analysis II | 1 |
| ABA 599C | Thesis in Applied Behavior Analysis III | 1 |
| ABA 599D | Thesis in Applied Behavior Analysis IV | 1 |
Electives
Choose 3 semester hours from the list of courses listed below:
| ABA 595 | Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 1 TO 3 |
| CIC 503 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation | 3 |
| CIC 504 | Instructional Decision Making | 3 |
| ECE 510 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECE 512 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 2 |
| ECE 519 | Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
| LAP 520 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| LAP 526 | Psychology of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| LAP 535 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| OBD 551 | Diversity and Inclusion in the Organizational Culture | 3 |
| SPE 501 | Educational and Diagnostic Assessment of Exceptional Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| SPE 502 | Language Development and Challenges in Children and Adolescents | 2 |
| SPE 526 | Expressive Language Difficulties: Impact on Academic Learning | 2 |
| SPE 527 | Differentiated and Individualized Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 547 | Assistive Technology for the Universal Design Classroom | 3 |
| SPE 555 | Differentiated Instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment | 3 |
| SPY 506 | Interventions in Schools with Multicultural Students | 3 |
| SPY 508 | Practices and Principles of School Psychology | 2 |
| SPY 510 | School-Family-Community Partnerships | 3 |
| SPY 514 | Tests and Measurement | 2 |
| SPY 518 | Universal Prevention and Promotion for Behavioral Health | 3 |
| SPY 525 | Methods of Research-Based Intervention for Tiered Services | 3 |
Note: Students may select other CPSA/NCE courses with the approval of Program Chair or designate.