Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Graduate Information Session
Doctoral ABA Program
April 24, 2024 @ 7pm | Register Here
ABA Program Mission
The Caldwell University on-campus ABAI accredited Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis program was designed to prepare students for high-level employment within areas where there are growing demands for competent professionals with expertise in applied behavior analysis: namely, developmental services, special education, mental health, and academia.
ABA Program Objectives
Ph.D. students are required to show proficiency in coursework, applied practicum, and dissertation research. The core curriculum for the Ph.D. in ABA program focuses on (a) the advanced principles and procedures of basic and applied behavior analysis practice and research, (b) the application of behavior analysis and behavioral support in complex environments (i.e., home, school, work, other community settings, and institutional settings), (c) supervision and training of others in behavior analysis, (d) conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of advanced topics in behavior analysis, and (e) development and completion of independent research in behavior analysis.
Caldwell University Center for Autism
What sets Caldwell’s Applied Behavior Analysis program apart is the Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. Situated on our campus, the Center provides assessment and intervention services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Led by a team of Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-Ds), who also instruct our courses, the Center serves as a central component for clinical training that fulfills the supervision and field work required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Graduate students have the valuable opportunity to take practicum at the Center, learning skills in assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with ASD.
experience. I really appreciate the on-campus autism center because I knew
that I wanted to have an applied clinical experience in addition to coursework
and getting the opportunity to have more supervision experience as well as
different research opportunities.”
See more ABA student testimonials >
GRADUATE PROGRAM IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well developed scientific discipline that entails the comprehensive use of empirically validated principles of learning to develop, implement, and evaluate practical strategies to enhance the abilities and self-direction skills of both children and adults in the context of community, home, and educational settings. Although the principles and procedures developed within ABA have been successfully applied in areas such as psychology, traditional and special education, business, industrial safety, addiction, self-management, and rehabilitation, ABA has been most publicly successful in its application to skill development and behavior change for people with developmental disabilities, such as those with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual developmental disorder.
Caldwell University Center for Autism
What sets Caldwell’s Applied Behavior Analysis program apart is the Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. Situated on our campus, the Center provides assessment and intervention services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Led by a team of Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-Ds), who also instruct our courses, the Center serves as a central component for clinical training that fulfills the supervision and field work required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Graduate students have the valuable opportunity to take practicum at the Center, learning skills in assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with ASD.
RETENTION FOR ALL PROGRAMS IN ABA DEPARTMENT
Students may only earn one grade below B for the graduate level courses. This course may be repeated to earn a higher letter grade. Any student who receives a grade below B in a second graduate level course will be dismissed from the program.
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
- Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Accredited by ABAI Accreditation Board)
- M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Accredited by ABAI Accreditation Board)
- Combined B.S. in Psychology/M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Post-Master Program in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Undergraduate Pathways to ABA including the Combined Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis / MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
As the capstone requirement for the Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, students must complete the courses Dissertation in ABA I, II, and III (ABA 890, ABA 891, and ABA 892), and additional dissertation courses, if necessary. In these classes, students will complete a comprehensive survey of the research literature in a particular area within applied behavior analysis, write this as a formal publication-quality literature review paper, and then orally defend it. Students will then design and conduct an original experimental research study using the principles of ABA. The dissertation research study will be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format. Following approval of the written component, both the dissertation proposal and the completed dissertation will be orally defended to a committee of faculty members and outside professionals. The goal of the completed dissertation is to generate scholarly work that will be of professional publication quality and that is a substantial and innovative contribution to the field in terms of theoretical implications or clinical applications.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
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Ph.D. Applied Behavior Analysis Admission Requirements
Note: The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 1, and applicants are only accepted for the fall semester.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in ABA or a related field such as psychology, education, or special education
- Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.6 in bachelor’s/master’s degree coursework
- Official transcripts of their bachelor’s/master’s degree coursework
- Three letters of recommendation that specifically speak to the likelihood of the applicant’s success in a doctoral degree program
- Writing sample: a research-based paper in applied behavior analysis or a related area of psychology of at least ten pages that was previously submitted as part of a course. If applicable, the applicant’s master’s thesis is preferable.
- Three to five page personal statement describing reasons for pursuing Ph.D. in ABA at Caldwell University, current research interests, and preferred faculty member with whom to study (including reasons for this choice).
- Personal interview
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (90 Credits)
Required Courses (63 credits)
Course Code : ABA 510
Course Description :
Focuses on the application of a systematic and empirical approach to the study of psychology. Topics will include: scientific method, pseudoscience, types of experimental research, variable definition, validity threats, control strategies, experimental design, ethical issues, how to present research, statistical application, and additional material. Students engage in discussion, conduct relevant empirical research, and write research reports in the American Psychological Association ABA 811 Research Practicum in ABA II (3) This course will provide additional research experience to students who have already taken ABA 809 Research Practicum in ABA I. Students can register for 1 – 3 credits per semester with a maximum of 3 credits of the research practicum in applied behavior analysis counting towards graduation. Students will be expected to devote 10 hours per week per credit towards the research practicum. Some of those hours may be spent collecting and analyzing the data, conducting literature searches, and writing a manuscript based on the data. It is assumed that most research practica will be supervised by the student’s dissertation advisor but the student and dissertation advisor may agree that another faculty member is best qualified to supervise the research. Students will be expected to meet frequently with their practicum supervisor during the semester and will be expected to complete a research paper written in APA-style by the end of the semester. The research paper should be generalization, shaping, fading, prompting, concept formation, stimulus equivalence, respondent learning, conditioned reinforcement, schedules of reinforcement, and behavioral definitions.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ABA 526
Course Description :
Provides an introduction to behavior analysis and the learning principles on which ABA is founded. Everyday behavior and how it changes is explained by learning principles derived from an analysis of scientific research. Students learn procedures that derive from behavioral principles and practice implementing those procedures in computer simulations. Principles and procedures in the course curriculum include reinforcement, extinction, differential reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, issues of discrimination and generalization, shaping, fading, prompting, concept formation, stimulus equivalence, respondent learning, conditioned reinforcement, schedules of reinforcement, and behavioral definitions.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ABA 534
Course Description :
Examines the use of the scientific method to evaluate assessment and intervention techniques in behavior analysis. Topics include measurement techniques, single-subject experimental design, selection of dependent and independent variables, graphical presentation and evaluation of results, ethics pertaining to human subjects and treatment implementation, and ways of communicating research results. Principles and procedures involved in the experimental analysis of reinforcement schedules, stimulus control, and stimulus equivalence are included.
Course Code : ABA 537
Course Description :
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the basic principles of behavior analysis. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an overall management system. It is important to understand concepts of applied behavior analysis and also how to apply those concepts across various learning environments and skill levels to become effective and efficient analyzers of the principles of learning. This course has a 12-hour field component.
Course Code : ABA 556
Course Description :
This course, which is a continuation and expansion on the principles learned in ABA 537 Intro to ABA, will examine strategies to promote generalization of learned skills, prompting strategies, teaching self-management, group-oriented contingencies, shaping techniques, behavior chains, motivational systems, and other topics. This course includes a 12-hour field component requirement.
Prerequisites :
ABA 537
Course Code : ABA 561
Course Description :
This course prepares students for the ethical and professional practice of applied behavior analysis. Students will learn about the foundations of professional and ethical behavior needed to insure a high quality of practice in behavior analysis. Included will be discussions of evaluating behavior change, collaborating with other professionals, relationships with clients and colleagues, professional representation of oneself and the field of behavior analysis, dissemination of professional values, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Guidelines for Responsible Conduct. The course content will be addressed through course readings, lectures, classroom discussion, audio-visual presentations, and role playing.
Prerequisites :
PS 526, PS 534, PS 537, PS 556
Course Code : ABA 573
Course Description :
Effective writing is an important skill to communicate the findings of a scientific discipline to other professionals and to the mainstream population. Course content will include the function of the written word, the logic of scientific vs. popular writing, APA Style, writing article summaries, writing a Literature review, developing thesis and dissertation proposals, the publication process, writing critiques, writing effective PowerPoint presentations, writing for popular media sources, the basics of grant writing, and developing the curriculum vitae. In this course, students will learn to analyze critically their own written products as well as those of colleagues and student peers. Students will write regularly, both in-class and on their own time, across a number of assignments, for practice and review.
Course Code : ABA 615
Course Description :
Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and analysis are important links between simple descriptions of behavior and treatment planning. The course will trace the historical development of functional assessment and functional analysis from conceptual contributions in the 1950s through the development of functional analytic techniques in the 1980s, to the present widespread application of these techniques. It explores a range of assessment techniques to use in a variety of settings, from home to school and clinic. The relationship between assessment techniques and the delivery of the least restrictive but most effective behavioral intervention will also be discussed. Students will acquire expertise in a wide range of indirect and direct assessment techniques.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537 and ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 624
Course Description :
This advanced course will provide an overview of contemporary research and practice in the field of OBM, also referred to as Perofrmance Management. OBM is seen by some as a behaviorally based area of specialization within the broad field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology.OBM is most closely aligned with the area of organizational behavior and personnel/ human resource management. When ABA is applied to organizational problems such as training, afety, productivity, and quality deficits, the collective set of procedures is term "OBM". The purpose of this course is to introduce students to practice and research in OBM and provide students with the skills needed to apply the fundamental principles of ABA to a variety of performance problems in organizational settings.
Prerequisites :
ABA537, ABA556
Course Code : ABA 646
Course Description :
Introduces students to a behavior analytic approach to language and to the interaction between speakers and listeners. The course will cover types of elementary verbal behavior. Students will learn to recognize examples of these concepts as they occur in everyday life. Research articles that report on teaching verbal behavior to learners will be analyzed.
Prerequisites :
ABA526, ABA537, ABA534, ABA556
Course Code : ABA 650
Course Description :
Students will develop an empirical research question, investigate the already existing research literature relevant to that question, write a literature review in the format of the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide, and develop a formal research proposal using single-case research designs.
Prerequisites :
ABA537, ABA526, ABA573, ABA510, ABA556, ABA534, all other M.A. coursework.
Course Code : ABA 651
Course Description :
Students will carry out the research project designed in ABA 650, analyze the results of the study and discuss its implications, and write the research report in the format of the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. The final product will be suitable for dissemination through professional research conferences and/or research journals. Completed projects will be published on the Web by ProQuest/UMI; a fee of $60.00 will be billed with course tuition to partially cover publication and copyright costs.
Prerequisites :
ABA 650
Course Code : ABA 655
Course Description :
This course examines radical behaviorism in a broad historical, theoretical, and philosophical context. Works by B.F. Skinner and analyses and extensions of these works will be discussed. Radical, contextual, methodological and feminist behaviorism will be analyzed and their historical roots investigated. Readings will explore major conceptual issues such as determinism, mentalism, selection by consequences, freedom, control, and responsibility. Finally, the course will cover social issues and cultural design as applications of behavioral thinking.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537, ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 800
Course Description :
Students will gain practical experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral programs with individuals with autism. All students will work in private/public schools, complete school orientation, meet guidelines for volunteers and/or employees at the school, and will be supervised by the school personnel and Caldwell College faculty. (Note: Students must take either ABA 800 or ABA 809).
Credit : 0.5 – 2
Course Code : ABA 801
Course Description :
Following ABA 800, students will gain additional practical experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral programs with individuals with autism. All students will work in private/public schools, complete school orientation, meet guidelines for volunteers and/or employees at the school, and will be supervised by the school personnel and Caldwell College faculty.
Credit : 0.5 – 2
Prerequisites :
ABA 800
OR
OR
Course Code : ABA 809
Course Description :
This course will provide additional research experience to students interested in conducting doctoral level research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students can register for 1-3 credits per semester with a maximum of 3 credits of the research practicum in applied behavior analysis counting towards graduation. Students will be expected to devote 10 hours per week per credit towards the research practicum. Some of those hours may be spent collecting and analyzing the data, conducting literature searches, and writing a manuscript based on the data. It is assumed that most research practica will be supervised by the student’s dissertation advisor but in rare cases, the student and dissertation advisor may agree that another faculty member is best qualified to supervise the research. Students will be expected to meet frequently with their practicum supervisor during the semester and will be expected to complete a research paper written in APA-style by the end of the semester. The research paper should be written in such a manner that it could be submitted to a professional journal for publication. (Note: Students must take either ABA 800 or ABA 809.)
Credit : 1 – 3
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, PS 534, PS 537, PS 556, & approval of Research Practicum Supervisor
Course Code : ABA 820
Course Description :
This 3-credit elective course for applied behavior analysis doctoral students will focus on practical issues and methods for teaching in the college environment. It will focus on selection and use of teaching materials; course structure and development of instructional sequences; the role of lecture, discussion, and active participation; student evaluation and grading practices; and student motivation.
Prerequisites :
ABA556, ABA537, ABA534, ABA526
Course Code : ABA 826
Course Description :
This course provides additional detailed coverage and builds upon materials first presented in the course ABA 526 Behavior Analysis and Learning. However, there will be an emphasis on the reading and discussion of current literature in the field of behavior analysis. This goal will be accomplished by having students read peer-reviewed articles from the leading journals in the field. Familiarizing students in the Ph.D. program with cutting edge research will better allow them to design, conceptualize, and complete their own dissertation research. Topics such as behavioral economics, the assessment and treatment of problem behaviors, and novel techniques to promote skill acquisition will be covered. In addition, students will become much more fluent with the basic underlying principles (e.g., reinforcement, stimulus control, generalization, etc.) that govern complex human behavior. To achieve these objectives, students will take an active role in discussing and presenting these topics in class and writing research reports.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526
Course Code : ABA 834
Course Description :
This course provides additional detailed coverage and builds upon materials first presented in the course ABA 534 Research Methods in ABA. The advanced research methods in ABA class will build on topics covered in ABA 534. However, there will be an emphasis on the reading and critique of journal articles and chapters from advanced text books. This goal will be accomplished by having students read and critique peer-reviewed articles from the leading journals in the field. Familiarizing students in the Ph.D. program with cutting edge research will better allow them to design, conceptualize, and complete their own dissertation research. Topics such as statistical analysis and visual inspection, as well as advanced issues in measurement and single-case design will be covered. In addition, students will become much more fluent in the development, presentation, and critique of research. To achieve these objectives, students will write and present research proposals and review the research proposals of their peers in the class.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537
Course Code : ABA 890
Course Description :
The primary outcomes assessment of a student's experience and training in the Caldwell College Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis Program is the formal research dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation is to enhance students’ abilities to conceptualize a research question that is socially significant and theoretically important to the further development of applied behavior analysis and apply sound research strategies in answering this question. Broadly, the dissertation requirements involve developing a comprehensive literature review paper, conceptualizing an original empirical research project, conducting the research project, writing a scholarly paper pertaining to the research study, defending the project, and having the dissertation project accepted by the student’s Dissertation Committee and the Office of Graduate Studies. The student will be provided with opportunities to complete these requirements in the three-part course sequence ABA 890 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis I, ABA 891 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis II, and ABA 892 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis III. Across the three courses, students will form a dissertation committee, propose a research study, develop a comprehensive written report on the literature relevant to the topic, seek IRB approval for the study, collect data for their study, and write the results of the study in a formal research paper. Both the literature review paper and the dissertation research paper will then be orally defended. The final dissertation defense and completed dissertation paper must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee.
Prerequisites :
ABA 834
Course Code : ABA 891
Course Description :
The primary outcomes assessment of a student's experience and training in the Caldwell College Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis Program is the formal research dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation is to enhance students’ abilities to conceptualize a research question that is socially significant and theoretically important to the further development of applied behavior analysis and apply sound research strategies in answering this question. Broadly, the dissertation requirements involve developing a comprehensive literature review paper, conceptualizing an original empirical research project, conducting the research project, writing a scholarly paper pertaining to the research study, defending the project, and having the dissertation project accepted by the student’s Dissertation Committee and the Office of Graduate Studies. The student will be provided with opportunities to complete these requirements in the three-part course sequence ABA 890 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis I, ABA 891 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis II, and ABA 892 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis III. Across the three courses, students will form a dissertation committee, propose a research study, develop a comprehensive written report on the literature relevant to the topic, seek IRB approval for the study, collect data for their study, and write the results of the study in a formal research paper. Both the literature review paper and the dissertation research paper will then be orally defended. The final dissertation defense and completed dissertation paper must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee.
Prerequisites :
ABA890
Course Code : ABA 892
Course Description :
The primary outcomes assessment of a student's experience and training in the Caldwell College Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis Program is the formal research dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation is to enhance students’ abilities to conceptualize a research question that is socially significant and theoretically important to the further development of applied behavior analysis and apply sound research strategies in answering this question. Broadly, the dissertation requirements involve developing a comprehensive literature review paper, conceptualizing an original empirical research project, conducting the research project, writing a scholarly paper pertaining to the research study, defending the project, and having the dissertation project accepted by the student’s Dissertation Committee and the Office of Graduate Studies. The student will be provided with opportunities to complete these requirements in the three-part course sequence ABA 890 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis I, ABA 891 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis II, and ABA 892 Dissertation in Applied Behavior Analysis III. Across the three courses, students will form a dissertation committee, propose a research study, develop a comprehensive written report on the literature relevant to the topic, seek IRB approval for the study, collect data for their study, and write the results of the study in a formal research paper. Both the literature review paper and the dissertation research paper will then be orally defended. The final dissertation defense and completed dissertation paper must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee.
Prerequisites :
ABA 891, All other Ph.D. coursework
Elective Courses (27 credits: Any 9 courses)
Course Code : ABA 535
Course Description :
An advanced overview of the physiological processes relating to human behavior. Topics include the central nervous system, neurotransmitter and neurohormonal functioning, the biological bases for emotions, perception, motivation and brain disorders.
OR
OR
Course Code : CPS 535
Course Description :
An advanced overview of the physiological processes relating to human behavior. Topics include the central nervous system, neurotransmitter and neurohormonal functioning, the biological bases for emotions, perception, motivation and brain disorders.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ABA 553
Course Description :
Provides a short history of autism and examines its characteristics and how to assess the effectiveness of the major therapies that have been developed to treat autism. In addition to evaluating applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the landmark studies by Lovaas and Krantz & McClannahan, the course evaluates other approaches, such as Auditory Integration Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Greenspan, and the Miller Method.
Course Code : ABA 572
Course Description :
Designed to familiarize students with skill acquisition services delivered to individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Through a behavior-analytic lens, students are exposed to best practices in assessing and teaching language, social, and adaptive skills. Students learn procedures derived from behavioral principles and research to promote acquisition and practice designing, implementing, and problem solving those procedures via assigned projects.
Prerequisites :
ED556, ABA556, ED537, ABA537
Course Code : ABA 600
Course Description :
This course frames the basic concepts and research findings in infant, child, and adolescent development from a behavior analytic viewpoint. Topics include theory in science, critical analyses of concepts and research methods in developmental psychology, motor development, memory, imitation, perception, thinking, reasoning, concept formation, language, and social development.
Prerequisites :
PS 526, PS 537
Course Code : ABA 601
Course Description :
Description & Necessity: The course is designed to teach the student about behaviorally based therapeutic approaches and techniques that have been empirically supported with children. Course content will focus on the theoretical conceptualization of clinical problems and the conceptual rationale for selecting and implementing behavior therapy techniques. Students will also become familiar with specific protocols for implementing several practical intervention skills.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537, ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 603
Course Description :
This course focuses on identifying and meeting the unique needs of adults with autism spectrum disorders and the families and professionals who support them. Transition strategies from school to adult life will be addressed. Components of effective teaching, employment, volunteer, and residential programs will be identified as well as access to community services. Instructional strategies for the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of skills and addressing challenging behaviors will be reviewed. Funding and legal aspects of adult services will be discussed. A brief historical perspective of services and civil rights for NJ adults with autism spectrum disorders will be reviewed.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537, ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 605
Course Description :
This course is designed to examine play assessments and interventions for children with autism. Play skills are often a target for treatment for these individuals because a deficit in this area is one of the diagnostic criteria for autism. Play skills allow children with autism to engage in appropriate independent behavior and have meaningful interactions with other children. Behavior analysts who serve children with autism must be prepared to assess and develop effective interventions for teaching play skills. Students in this course will learn about definitions of play, the concept of automatic reinforcement, the development of play in typically developing children, as well as methods of assessing and teaching play skills. Finally, students will critically evaluate the literature on interventions designed to teach play and develop research protocols that could be used to contribute to this literature.
Prerequisites :
ABA556, ABA534, ABA537, ABA526
Course Code : ABA 616
Course Description :
One of the hallmarks of applied behavior analysis is its focus on the identification of goals and the development of educational interventions specifically tailored for individual learners. This course will focus on identifying educational goals, developing individualized curriculum and motivational systems, assessing treatment effectiveness, and making decisions about transitioning.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537 and ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 618
Course Description :
This course is designed to examine the assessment and treatment of stereotypic behavior, which is commonly observed in individuals with autism and their developmental disorders. Stereotypy is often a target for treatment for these individuals because of its stigma and inverse relationship with appropriate behavior (e.g., play, conversation). Behavior analysts who serve individuals with disabilities must be prepared to conduct careful analyses and treatment evaluations for stereotypical behavior. The major objectives of the class include discussion in etiological theories of stereotypy, methods of assessing maintaining consequences of stereotypy, evaluation of the literature on interventions designed to decrease stereotypy, and development of protocols to evaluate treatments for stereotypy.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537 and ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 619
Course Description :
Difficulties with feeding have been found to occur in up to 80% of children with disabilities and up to 74% of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorders. This course introduces students to the field of pediatric feeding disorders, examining the etiologies of feeding disorders, assessment techniques, treatment procedures, caregiver training, and issues related to generalization and maintenance.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537 and ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 620
Course Description :
Investigates the processes that affect how individuals learn to respond to different situations. Included will be a discussion of the research literature concerning stimulus generalization anddiscrimination, differential reinforcement, object labeling, and concept learning, among others. Students will learn about the crucial aspects of programming for generalization or discrimination.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 537 and ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 627
Course Description :
This elective course will investigate the variables that affect how individuals learn to respond differently in the presence of different situations in their surroundings along with how various types of stimulus classes (i.e., concepts or categories) control behavior. Included will be a discussion of the research literature concerning stimulus generalization and discrimination, stimulus fading, stimulus dimensions & features (relevant and irrelevant), intra-, extra-, and inter-dimensional training, stimulus classes & concept learning (e.g., perceptual concepts, equivalence classes, relational frames), transfer of control, prompting strategies, multiple exemplar teaching, and others. Students will also learn about the crucial aspects of programming for generalization in applied settings as well as teaching conceptual behavior.
Prerequisites :
ABA526, ABA534, ABA537, ABA556
Course Code : CPS 627
Course Description :
Provides an overview of psychopharmacological interventions, including discussions of drug action and interaction, tolerance, side effects, dependency and withdrawal. Emphasis is placed upon medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of various forms of mental illness. The course will also include an examination of the counselor’s role in educating clients about pharmacological issues
Credit : 3
Course Code : ABA 631
Course Description :
Explores topics related to theories of reinforcement, establishment of conditioned reinforcers and motivation systems, the role of motivating operations and discriminative stimuli in reinforcement, maintenance of reinforcement effects, and phenomena and procedures relevant to the effectiveness of reinforcers. Basic research on choice and preference will be translated to applied issues, and students will explore the research literature on preference and reinforcers assessements.
Prerequisites :
ABA537, ABA556, ABA534, ABA526
Course Code : ABA 635
Course Description :
Focuses on the learning principles that underlie the acquisition of conceptual behavior and the formation of stimulus classes. Included will be an analysis of conditional discrimination training; equivalence class, relational class, and perceptual class formation; relational frame theory; and multiple exemplar training. Applications for individuals with developmental delays will be described.
Prerequisites :
ABA 526, ABA 534, ABA 537 and ABA 556
Course Code : ABA 640
Course Description :
Provides the student with an overview of the research literature in the area of self-management in behavior analysis. We will review self-management theory, practice, and research findings. Students will actively (a) review relevant literature, b) present and discuss topics in class, and (c) conduct, write and present projects describing your procedures and findings.
Prerequisites :
ABA534, ABA537, ABA556, ABA526
Course Code : ABA 645
Course Description :
Students will learn to identify and understand various types of pervasive developmental disorders and cognitive impairments, the etiology of these disorders, and their prevalence in the general population. Students will also acquire an understanding of current special education policies and procedures, examine various assessment strategies used to identify children with developmental disabilities, and determine appropriate educational strategies.
Course Code : ABA 802
Course Description :
Students will gain practical experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral programs with individuals with autism. All students will work in private/public schools, complete school orientation, meet guidelines for volunteers and/or employees at the school, and will be supervised by the school personnel and Caldwell College faculty.
Credit : 1 – 2
Prerequisites :
ABA801
Course Code : ABA 811
Course Description :
This course will provide additional research experience to students who have already taken ABA 809 Research Practicum in ABA I. Students can register for 1 – 3 credits per semester with a maximum of 3 credits of the research practicum in applied behavior analysis counting towards graduation. Students will be expected to devote 10 hours per week per credit towards the research practicum. Some of those hours may be spent collecting and analyzing the data, conducting literature searches, and writing a manuscript based on the data. It is assumed that most research practica will be supervised by the student’s dissertation advisor but the student and dissertation advisor may agree that another faculty member is best qualified to supervise the research. Students will be expected to meet frequently with their practicum supervisor during the semester and will be expected to complete a research paper written in APA-style by the end of the semester. The research paper should be written in such a manner that it could be submitted to a professional journal for publication.
Credit : 1 – 3
Business Electives
In place of one ABA elective course (3 credits), students enrolled in the Ph.D. in ABA program may take one of the following electives from the Schools of Business and Computer Science or Education.
Business
Course Code : BU 520
Course Description :
Considers operational, financial, policy and strategy issues using the perspective of a General Manager of a firm. The course will help the student gain a strategic view of organizations through the use of case studies and computer simulations. Students will be required to do online research on current business problems, analyze situations and propose solutions. This course will utilize the analytical skills acquired during the student’s academic and professional business career including: writing a strategic/business plan, forecasting, modeling and financial analysis.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 537
Course Description :
An overview of the financial principles guiding decision makers in a corporate setting. Topicsinclude cash flow analysis, time value of money, security pricing, portfolio management, capitalbudgeting, firm cost of capital, and capital structures.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 620
Course Description :
Provides practical experience in executive level communication techniques required in today’s business environment. Students will write workplans, reports, proposals and recommendations. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing the Internet and other information gathering technologies. Word processing, desktop publishing, presentation and graphic computer applications will be utilized. Application of techniques to produce effective oral communications such as presentations, speeches, television interviews, etc. are analyzed and critiqued.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 625
Course Description :
Overview of accounting as a management tool. Utilizes business data for decision making andfinancial planning. Provides overview of manufacturing accounting control systems and costsystems. Topics include valuation of assets, distribution costs, and effective methods ofprofitability analysis and control.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 638
Course Description :
Explains the marketing management process: identifying marketing opportunities, researchingand selecting target markets, designing the marketing mix (product or service, price, distribution,and promotional strategies), and planning, implementing, and controlling the marketing effort.Strategic managerial decision making that harmonizes the firm’s objectives and resources withneeds and opportunities in the marketplace. Emphasis on ethics and the utilization of new mediaand information technologies in strategic marketing.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 649
Course Description :
Examines, in a global context, the relevant issues surfacing in today’s business environment such as employee rights and contracts, equal rights, the social-legal-political context of workforce diversity, antitrust, negotiations, labor and management relations, the legal environment, dealing with internal and external interest groups, etc. Examines from a global perspective, cases of unethical and socially irresponsible behavior displayed by business people and corporations, and deduces a methodology that promotes an ethical and socially responsible sensitivity in the student. Issues such as environmental pollution, exploitation of workers, value erosion, accounting theft and the morality of cost benefit analysis, whistle blowing, philanthropy, and the evaluation of corporate social performance will be studied.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 650
Course Description :
This course examines how the potential of the Internet is used to generate profits for companiesby enhancing their ability to communicate with and create value for customers. The coursediscusses the Internet as an alternative platform for communicating with the customer. Emphasisis placed on the eMarketing Communications Mix for business-2-business and business-2-consumers. Moreover, by approaching Internet Marketing within the more general framework ofe-Business, the course is also intended to familiarize students with various emerging businessconcepts like customer management, blogging/personalized communications and onlinerelationship marketing as well as some of the basics like social networking and Web sites.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 652
Course Description :
This course reviews and analyzes the essential aspects of the myriad laws governing theemployer-employee relationship, including current federal laws applying to selecting, testing,compensating, promoting, and terminating employees, employment discrimination, employeebenefits, and employee workplace issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on the New Jerseylaws impacting the workplace, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 670
Course Description :
The course explores the communications part of the marketing mix. The course emphasizes the management of the various traditional communication channels (advertising, public relations, direct marketing, sales promotion, and personal selling) and new communication channels (eMarketing) through the coordination of these channels to provide a coherent and consistent message to consumers. Students will engage in the development of a strategic communications plan for a nationally advertised, popular brand in an industry where they have an interest.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 702
Course Description :
In the context of contemporary leadership theory students will develop skills to become a more effective leader, e.g., the art of listening, improving social intelligence, motivating followers, team building, assertiveness, increasing risk propensity, modeling, leading change and championing a vision, i.e., creating value for the customer with a great product/service, and communicating that vision. The seminar will be structured around readings, self-assessments, exercises and discussion.
Credit : 3
Education
Course Code : ED 522
Course Description :
This course examines both the historical basis and current federal and state statutes and regulations pertaining to special education. In depth analysis of both federal and state law cases will be examined. Issues such as the IDEIA, ADA, NCLB, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as state issues/regulations governing special education will be analyzed. Students will understand the concept of learning disabilities and the observable characteristics of those who are learning disabled ranging from severe to mild disabilities. Research, attitudes and current practice as they relate to children with individualized differences and special needs will be discussed and evaluated. This course has a 12-hour field component.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 564
Course Description :
This course is designed to provide practice for the teacher in the use of formal and informal assessments as they apply to the diagnosis of student skills and ability in reading. The utilization of a literacy profile, miscue analysis, running records and diagnosis and prescriptive techniques will be emphasized in this course. (12-hour field requirement)
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 582
Course Description :
In this course, students will develop an understanding of how to use the iPad to maximize learning for special education students in a variety of settings. Students will learn how to manage the accessibility features of the iPad and other tablets, add content to support students in general education classrooms, and create content to promote student engagement through digital media. Additionally, students will learn to evaluate and choose appropriate applications for students who need to develop communication skills, social skills, organizational skills, literacy and numeracy. Students will learn how to make informed decisions regarding implementation of the iPad or other tablet and associated apps.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 672
Course Description :
Describes the current methods of funding education in the public sector and through variousprivate or parochial school methods. Leads the student to also consider various supplementalfunding sources, public and private. State and federally funded programs and their implicationsfor various school organizations are explained. The Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures(G.A.A.P.) will be introduced and applied by the student. The various functions of a schoolbusiness office will be explained and simulated. Sources of funding in the public and privatesectors and overall governance of finances with considerations of accountability will beexamined and understood.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 675
Course Description :
Develops the writing skills and styles needed by the school administrator to communicateeffectively with the many publics who comprise the constituency of the schools. The student willlearn the value of clear verbal and written expression and successful presentation styles.Expressing oneself to a variety of audiences in a manner which is suitable to their needs, interest,and abilities, as well as their right to know will be explained and modeled. Practicalcommunication circumstances will be used whenever possible. The student will be shown howto communicate in a manner that will be most likely to gain support for initiatives and programs.Grant writing and the characteristics of a successfully framed proposal will be included. The roleof modern technology in the communications of today’s school leader will also be stressed.
Credit : 3
Status During Dissertation
Doctoral degree students who have completed all course requirements except for their dissertation may register in ABA 890 Dissertation in ABA I for three credits. Upon successful completion of ABA 890 Dissertation in ABA I, students will register for ABA 891 Dissertation in ABA II. Upon successful completion of ABA 891 Dissertation in ABA II, students will register for ABA 892 Dissertation in ABA III. Students who must continue beyond three semesters to complete their dissertation may register in ABA 896 Dissertation Continuation, which is a pass/fail non-academic bearing course that carries 3 billable credit hours. Students must seek permission from the department to continue registration for Dissertation Continuation beyond two semesters. Registration in any dissertation course will grant the student full-time status.
Transfer of Graduate Credit
For applicants who have earned their MA in ABA at Caldwell University, all credits will be accepted for transfer to the Ph.D. in ABA. For other applicants, Caldwell University will accept the transfer up to a maximum of 30 credits of graduate work in behavior analysis or a closely related field, provided that the courses taken are equivalent in content to those offered in the Caldwell University Ph.D. in ABA programs, the credits were completed within five years of the applicant’s admission to Caldwell University, and the grade earned in the courses submitted for transfer credit is a “B” or better. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the catalog description and course syllabus 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 which should not be lower than a B. Each credit transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.