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Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis

Track Requirements

Students will complete course work in the basic (learning and cognition) and applied analysis of behavior, behavioral treatment design and data evaluation, and practicum placement for hands-on experience with relevant behavioral procedures. In place of a master’s thesis, students will complete a full behavioral intervention using the skills acquired in the program. 

ABA faculty and students work together to secure placement at training sites for practica and interventions. Students have historically worked on sites delivering behavioral services to children with developmental disabilities and in special education. Many of our students have worked at KKI.

 

Sample Program
Year 1: Fall

  • Learning
  • ABA Methods
  • Practicum I

Year 1: Spring

  • Measurement
  • OBM
  • Practicum II

Year 2: Fall

  • ABA Elective (e.g., Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities, Verbal Behavior)
  • ABA Seminar
  • Intervention I

Year 2: Spring

  • Drugs and Behavior
  • Free Elective
  • Intervention II

The practicum gives students hands-on experience with applied behavior analysis evaluation and intervention. The intervention sequence serves as a capstone course in which students are expected to carry through and write up a full treatment program from incoming evaluation trough development of treatment protocols and intervention to evaluation of outcome. This course serves in place of what might otherwise be a thesis; successful applications will typically depend on known procedures rather than on treatment innovations, so this course provides critical preparation for subsequent applied work. Students interested in completing an intervention project that is based on original research in applied behavior analysis, and is therefore functionally similar to a master’s thesis, should contact the track directors for additional information.