Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well developed field of study among the helping and education professions. ABA entails the comprehensive use of empirically validated principles of human learning to enhance the development, abilities, and self-direction skills of both children and adults. The 39-credit Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis is an interdisciplinary program that provides coursework across two departments (Education and Psychology).

Students are required to show proficiency in coursework and to complete a research thesis. The core curriculum for this program focuses on (a) the methods, principles, and procedures of basic and applied behavior analysis practice and research and (b) the application of behavior analysis and behavioral support in complex environments (i.e., home, school, work, other community settings, and institutional settings). The Master’s program in ABA was designed to prepare students for employment within the fields where there are growing demands for competent professionals with expertise in applied behavior analysis: namely, developmental services, special education, and mental health.

The core of the program is 18 credits which have been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ examination. These courses are:

  • PS 526 Behavior Analysis and Learning
  • PS 534 Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • ED 537 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
  • ED 553 Assessing Effective Treatment for Children with Autism
  • ED 556 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
  • ED 570 Teaching Language and Social Skills to Children with Autism

Those who wish to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ examination must meet additional requirements to qualify for certification. (See www.bacb.com for certification requirements.)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in a related field such as psychology, education, or special education
  • Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
  • Satisfactory scores on the general Graduate Record Exam (GRE), or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) (Students who complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in ABA prior to matriculating into the Masters Program in ABA are exempt from this requirement)
  • Two letters of recommendation for graduate study
  • Writing sample: a research-based paper in psychology or education of at least ten pages that was previously submitted as part of an undergraduate or graduate course. Other subject matter may be considered if the candidate has had limited prior psychology or education work.
  • Personal Interview

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – 39 credits

Required Courses (27 credits)

PS 510 Survey of Research Methods
ED 537 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers (3)
PS 526 Behavior Analysis and Learning (3)
PS 534 Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
ED 553 Assessing Effective Treatment for Children with Autism (3)
ED 556 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers (3)
ED 570 Teaching Language and Social Skills to Children with Autism (3)
PS 650 Thesis in Applied Behavior Analysis I (3)
PS 651 Thesis in Applied Behavior Analysis II (3)

Elective Courses (12 credits: Any 4 courses)

PS 535 Biopsychology or PS 627 Psychopharmacology (3)
PS 615 Functional Behavior Assessment (3)
PS 620 Stimulus Control (3)
PS 625 Motivational Systems and Reinforcement (3)
PS 630 Choice & Preference (3)
PS 635 Concept Formation (3)
PS 640 Self-Management (3)
PS 645 Developmental Disabilities (3)
PS 646 Analysis of Verbal Behavior (3)
ED 571 School- and Home-Based Programs for Children with Autism (3)
ED 572 Individualized Assessment & Programs for Children with Autism (3)

Transfer of Graduate Credit

Caldwell College will accept the transfer of a maximum of twelve credits of graduate work in Psychology, Education or a closely related field, provided that the credits were completed within five years of the student’s registration at Caldwell College. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the catalog description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator.

Statement of Outcomes Assessment

As the capstone requirement for the Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis, students must complete the courses Research Thesis I and II (PS 650 & PS 651). In these classes, students will first complete a comprehensive survey of the research literature in a particular area within applied behavior analysis. They will then design and conduct an original empirical research thesis using the principles of ABA and an appropriate single-case research design. When completed, the research study will then be written up in the style of the American Psychological Association (APA). Following the write-up, the thesis will involve an oral defense/presentation to a committee of faculty members. The goal of the completed thesis is to generate a scholarly work that will be of professional presentation and/or publication quality.