The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis advances expertise in applied behavior analysis with a special emphasis on developing skills in the application and practice across the lifespan. Our curriculum prepares well-rounded professionals to enter challenging positions through coursework in behavior analysis, which is verified as meeting the eligibility requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® Examination by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to develop mastery in the science and application of behavior analysis by improving the skills of experienced human service professionals from such disciplines as Education, Special Education, Psychology, along with applied pedagogical concepts.
These competencies are mastered:
- Use specialized assessment tools designed to determine student eligibility for special education and related services as part of the multi-disciplinary team process
- Meet the eligibility requirements to sit for certification in behavior analysis though the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- Describe the history, philosophy and terminology of behaviorism and Applied Behavior Analysis and understanding of basic behavioral principles and their application
- Collect and analyze data, using within-subject experimental designs, and link assessment to treatment
- Use behavioral technology to conduct assessment of behavioral function and instructional programs to make data-based, timely decisions on the effectiveness of behavioral procedures and the need for modification to intervention
- Participate as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, exercising ethical responsibility to clients, and the limitations of their expertise and the protection of the dignity of those they serve
- Implement behavioral strategies in organizations by way of consultation and staff training, and discuss development from a behavioral perspective including verbal behavior and the development of play
- Develop assessment strategies to empirically validate assessment results and subsequent interventions
Admission requirements
- On-line graduate school application
- Non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended, with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation from current professional references
- Personal Entrance Essay
o Part 1: Please explain why you have chosen to enter the field of behavior analysis (300 word minimum)
o Part 2: Identify the elements that you feel are essential to becoming an effective, well-rounded behavior analyst (300 word minimum)
Notes
Qualified applicants are admitted on an ongoing space-available basis for fall admission only
- Priority admissions deadlines for fall admission is April 1
- A limited number of competitive graduate assistantships are available
More information
Andrea B. Courtemanche, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Graduate Program director in Applied Behavior Analysis
860.231.5703
aba@usj.edu
