Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. — Course Requirements

< Applied Behavior Analysis M.S. Program

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program demonstrate skills and knowledge in the following areas:

1. Conceptual Understanding: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts and principles in behavior analysis
2. Theoretical Competence: Graduates will possess a strong grasp of the theoretical foundations and philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis, enabling them to critically evaluate and apply behavioral principles in various contexts
3. Research Proficiency: Graduates will be proficient in both basic and applied research methodologies in behavior analysis, allowing them to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field through rigorous empirical investigation
4. Assessment Skills: Graduates will demonstrate competence in conducting thorough behavior assessments, including functional behavior assessments, and will be proficient in analyzing and interpreting assessment data to inform intervention planning
5. Intervention Expertise: Graduates will be adept at designing and implementing behavior change procedures based on the principles of behavior analysis, with the ability to modify interventions based on ongoing assessment and evaluation
6. Performance Management: Graduates will understand principles and techniques of organizational behavior management, enabling them to better address behavioral issues with personnel and organizational settings and improve overall performance and effectiveness
7. Ethical Awareness: Graduates will exhibit a strong commitment to ethical practice in behavior analysis, adhering to the ethical guidelines outlined by relevant professional organizations and demonstrating integrity and respect for individuals' rights and dignity
8. Experiential Learning: Graduates will have engaged in meaningful experiential learning opportunities throughout the program, gaining practical experience in applying behavior analysis principles in diverse settings under the guidance of experienced mentors and supervisors.

Requirements

Our program includes 8 core courses in behavior analysis that provide a comprehensive foundation in all aspects of behavioral science, shaping the next generation of skilled behavior analysts. 

In addition, 2 experiential learning courses equip students with the practical skills to begin working in the field immediately after earning their credentials.

Finally, our 2 capstone courses transform students into practitioner-researchers, where they tackle real-world challenges and apply the principles of behavior analysis to create meaningful solutions.

Students are responsible for successfully completing all degree requirements.

HFU Graduate Course Catalog Link

Course Descriptions

PSYC 533 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis

Introduction to principles of learning through discussions of early and contemporary learning theory, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). Application of principles in educational and therapeutic settings are also examined.

PSYC 534 Basic ABA

This course thoroughly covers experimental research on learning in both humans and animals. By course completion, students will be proficient in reading and comprehending basic research basic research articles in behavior analysis, and will grasp the theoretical and practical implications of such research for understanding human behavior. This course will allow students to apply and observe these concepts and principles through a virtual lab.

PSYC 535 Behavior Assessment

This course offers comprehensive training in the utilization of commonly employed behavior assessment tools for behavioral practitioners. Through hands-on instruction, students will acquire proficiency in administering direct and indirect behavioral assessments, analyzing, and graphing assessment outcomes, synthesizing assessment data, and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders with professionalism and compassion. The assessments covered encompass functional behavior assessments, language-based assessments, functional skills assessments, social skills assessments, and preference assessments.

PSYC 536 Behavioral Change Procedures

This course will focus on the practical applications of behavior change procedures for individuals with exceptionalities, particularly uniquely abled clients, and those seeking behavioral changes. Students will apply methods in ABA to identify and measure behavior and develop behavioral intervention plans based on function.

PSYC 537 Ethics

Practicing as a competent and culturally responsive Behavior Analyst requires an understanding of risks to oneself, clients, other professionals, and the field of behavior analysis.  Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of legal constraints and ethical guidelines as pertinent to behavioral research, practice, and supervision based on the BACB' s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (the “Code”).

PSYC 538 Conceptual Analysis

This course explores B. F. Skinner's influential philosophy of Radical Behaviorism, as articulated in his key texts 'Beyond Freedom and Dignity' and 'About Behaviorism'. It aims to deepen understanding of the science of behavior and its philosophical underpinnings, fostering the application of behavior analysis principles to diverse contexts.

PSYC 539 Personnel Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management

This course prepares students with comprehensive insights and practical techniques in performance management for effectively consulting, supervising, managing, and supporting individuals utilizing behavioral assessment and intervention programs fostering ethical practices to increase positive staff and organization outcomes. Additionally, students will learn about the importance of collaboration between students, faculty, and professionals from diverse fields to enrich perspectives and approaches, preparing graduates to address complex societal issues through interdisciplinary solutions.

PSYC 540 Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

This course will provide the student with information regarding the rationale, design, and application of research designs in applied behavior analysis with a focus on single subject designs. The student will have the opportunity to propose and design a study that utilizes the principles of applied behavior analysis.

PSYC 541 ABA Thesis 1

This course aims to develop students' competence in identifying and defining a research problem and designing a method to address it. By the end of the course, students will have acquired a thesis advisor, completed a thesis proposal, received project approval from faculty and the thesis advisor, submitted an IRB application, and completed the introduction and methodology sections of their thesis. Students will meet weekly with thesis faculty and classmates for focused discussion and feedback on the dissertation process. Additionally, six individual meetings with the thesis advisor are required.

Weekly Meetings:

• Format: Group discussions, presentations, and peer feedback
• Expectations: Active participation, preparation of materials, and constructive feedback

Individual Meetings:

• Frequency: Six meetings with the thesis advisor
• Purpose: Personalized guidance, progress check, and addressing specific challenges

PSYC 542 ABA Thesis 2

This course is intended as a continuation of ABA Thesis 1. Students will develop competence in conducting and reporting an investigation that carries out the method to conclusion. The result of this course will be conducting data collection and analysis, completing the results and discussion sections of the thesis, and developing a research poster to be presented and defended before the ABA faculty and peers. The final acceptance of the thesis is based upon the vote of the thesis advisor and ABA faculty. The student is also required to provide a bound copy of the thesis to the ABA Department Chair. Students will meet weekly with the thesis faculty and classmates for focused discussion and feedback on the dissertation process. Six individual meetings with the thesis advisor are also required.

Weekly Meetings:

• Format: Group discussions, presentations, and peer feedback
• Expectations: Active participation, preparation of materials, and constructive feedback

Individual Meetings:

• Frequency: Six meetings with the thesis advisor
• Purpose: Personalized guidance, progress check, and addressing specific challenges

PSYC 543 Seminar Component of Experiential Learning in ABA 1
PSYC Experiential Learning Field Component in ABA 1

Students will participate in an experiential learning that will follow the experience guidelines of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Small group supervision will be provided on a weekly basis. Students will apply the content of the ABA program courses while directly working in their supervision experience. Students will receive the supervision and feedback needed to develop the professional repertoire of a Behavior Analyst.

PSYC  544 Seminar Component of Experiential Learning in ABA 2
PSYC Experiential Learning Field Component in ABA 2

Students will participate in an experiential learning that will follow the experience guidelines of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Small group supervision will be provided on a weekly basis. Students will apply the content of the ABA program courses while directly working in their supervision experience. Students will receive the supervision and feedback needed to develop the professional repertoire of a Behavior Analyst.

Other Requirements

To be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam, students are also responsible for accumulating 2000 supervised fieldwork hours, submit all documents that are required. Completing 2000 hours is not a requirement for program completion. 

To become a BCBA students must pass the BACB BCBA Examination. Passing the BCBA exam is not a requirement for degree completion. 

Although there is overlap, the requirements for becoming and practicing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst are different than the requirements for completing these programs. 

Students should familiarize themselves with all credentialing requirements before applying for board certification. For more information please visit https://www.bacb.com/.

Timeline

Fall Semester

1. PSYC 533 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
2. PSYC 534 Basic ABA

Spring Semester

1. PSYC 535 Behavior Assessment
2. PSYC 537 Ethics

Early Summer Semester

1. PSYC 536 Behavioral Change Procedures

Late Summer Semester

1. PSYC 540 Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

Fall Semester

1. PSYC 538 Conceptual Analysis
2. PSYC 541 ABA Thesis 1
3. 543 PSYC Seminar Component of Experiential Learning in ABA 1
   PSYC Experiential Learning Field Component in ABA 1

Spring Semester

1. PSYC 539 Personnel Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management
2. PSYC 542 ABA Thesis 2
3. 544 PSYC Seminar Component of Experiential Learning in ABA 2
   PSYC Experiential Learning Field Component in ABA 2

Faculty & Administration

Our faculty are not only experts in behavior analysis but also seasoned professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This ensures that students receive practical, relevant insights that directly apply to the challenges they will face in the field.

Our faculty are dedicated, collaborative, and student focused practitioners with a commitment to developing and mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts and contributing to the research on effective interventions for the most vulnerable populations. A close student-professor culture in the applied behavior analysis programs creates a professional environment where students are viewed as professionals and colleagues.

Behavior Analysis Program Director 
Dr. Katharine Croce, BCBA-D
Associate Professor
BA, LaSalle University
M.Ed., Temple University
Autism Certificate Pennsylvania State University
Ed.D., Saint Joseph’s University