Improving Lives by Changing Behavior: The ABA Program at HFU
Did you know that the demand for behavior analysts has grown exponentially over the past decade? At Holy Family University, our mission-driven program is preparing the next generation of compassionate and skilled professionals to meet this growing need.
One of the most inspiring facets of Holy Family University is how its mission is woven throughout its program offerings. One such program is the newly established Masters of Science In Behavior Analysis.
This program couldn’t be a better fit to live the mission here at Holy Family. The words “Teneor Votis” (translated to “I am bound by my responsibilities”) inspire students to advocate for social justice, shape public policy and respect the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family.
Behavior Analysts, too, are “bound by their responsibilities” ensuring the highest quality of care for the clients they support, by providing compassionate, evidenced-based interventions that lead to an improved quality of life. At its core, the goal of Behavior Analysts is to help clients improve their lives by changing behaviors that stand in the way of achieving their goals.
What Do Behavior Analysts Do?
Some might be surprised to learn that Behavior Analysts work in a variety of capacities. They are called in to assist children, adults, organizations, and even animals reach their goals. Now more than ever, Behavior Analysts are needed to help find solutions to improve:
- Learning in the classroom: Improve Reading and Math Skills
- Behavioral challenges in the classroom, home, and community: Increase Cooperation and Safety
- Justice system: Preventing Violence
- Health and fitness goals: Reach Weight Loss Goals
- Pet, zoo, and service animal interactions: Improved Animal Behavior
- Productivity and employee morale in the work force: Motivating Employees
- Climate change: Environmental Stability
- And so much more
Demand for Behavior Analysts Is on the Rise
According to the 2023 Lightcast report created for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), demand for behavior analysts is increasing. Annual nationwide demand for individuals holding BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 14% increase from 2022 to 2023. Pennsylvania and New Jersey were in the top 10 highest in states in 2023, with Maryland immediately following. This puts Holy Family University in a great position to help fill a much-needed employment void and ultimately improve the quality of life for so many in our region and beyond, which is at the core of our Holy Family values.
Why Is This?
We all can all think about someone who needs help improving some aspect of their life. As I am sitting here, I am thinking about how I need to get more on track with my eating habits after the holidays! We also know that challenging behaviors in schools are on the rise and teachers need help supporting these vulnerable populations. From the things like this to the big things like helping an individual with developmental disabilities improve their safety, and changing the way we treat our planet, behavior analysts are there to “Save the World” one behavior change at a time.
Why Choose Holy Family University's Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
The Holy Family University Master of Science in behavior analysis has been developed to cultivate a community of compassionate and competent behavioral practitioners. Through hands-on instruction, mentoring, and supervision, we empower our students to integrate the principles of behavior into both practice and research, while prioritizing the well-being of professionals.
Key Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Certification Readiness: Graduates of the program meet the academic requirements for national BCBA certification and licensure in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional practice
- Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Students engage in experiential learning, mentorship, and supervision that bridge theory with practice
- Focus on Professional Well-Being: The program emphasizes the importance of professional wellness as a foundation for maintaining productivity and satisfaction in the field
Program Objectives
- Fostering a Culture of Compassion and Competence: Create a supportive environment where students develop empathy and understanding alongside technical proficiency, ensuring they become compassionate and competent behavioral practitioners that recognize the importance of professional well-being as crucial for maintaining productivity and overall satisfaction in the profession
- Providing Experiential Learning Opportunities: Offer hands-on mentoring and supervision to facilitate practical application of behavior analysis principles in real-world settings, enabling students to seamlessly integrate theory with practice
- Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between students, faculty, and professionals from diverse fields to enrich perspectives and approaches, preparing graduates to address complex societal issues through interdisciplinary solutions
- Empowering Agents of Change: Equip graduates with the critical thinking skills and ethical framework necessary to identify and implement behavioral interventions that lead to positive, socially significant outcomes for those in need, and to help students become contributors and leaders in behavior analysis thereby empowering them to effect meaningful change in the profession and communities worldwide
Our goal is to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to design behavioral programs that effect positive, socially significant outcomes in the world.
Ready to make a difference in the world through Behavior Analysis? Discover how Holy Family University can help you achieve your goals. Visit us to learn more or apply today!
