Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science program trains students to become scientist-practitioners who can apply behavioral science to solve problems of individual and societal importance. The program emphasizes research, intervention, and evaluation, and students work closely with advisors on professional development activities. The program is available both in person and online and satisfies coursework requirements for Board Certification in Behavior Analysis and, in most states, licensure as a behavior analyst.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Department of Applied Behavioral Science offers a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science program that trains highly competent scientist-practitioners in applied behavioral science.

Objectives:

• The program aims to advance empirically based solutions to problems of individual and societal importance, both local and global.

Program Description:

• Students learn how to examine and address problems of social importance across the lifespan.
• Students receive training in the application of behavioral science to improve the human condition through prevention and intervention.
• The program satisfies coursework requirements for Board Certification in Behavior Analysis and, in most states, licensure as a behavior analyst.
• The program follows a junior-colleague model, where students work closely with their advisors and join them in many aspects of professional development, including research, manuscript preparation, publication, and responsible conduct of research.
• Students typically work with one advisor but may work with other faculty members or have co-advisors.
• Students are free to change advisors if their or their advisor's interests change.

Assessment:

• Students must propose, conduct, write up, and orally defend an empirically based thesis.
• The thesis must meet minimum department and University requirements.
• A thesis committee evaluates the thesis, and it is successful if a majority of the committee members vote to pass it.

Teaching:

• The program emphasizes course work and training in applied and intervention research, including assessment, analysis, intervention, and evaluation.
• Students work closely with their advisors and join them in professional development activities.

Other:

• The program requires 30 credit hours, including 21 hours in 6 content areas, 3 hours in a practicum, and research and elective courses.
• The following courses are required:
• ABSC 841 Principles of Behavior I (3)
• ABSC 861 Research Methods I (3)
• ABSC 735 Conceptual Foundations I (3)
• ABSC 800 Applied Behavior Analysis I (3)
• ABSC 746 Applied Behavior Analysis II (3)
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)
• ABSC 799 Research or Intervention Practicum (3)
• The program is available both in person and online.
• The online program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, including 21 hours in 6 content areas (required courses), 3 hours in a practicum, and research and elective courses.
• The online program offers a practicum course in either basic or applied research or behavioral interventions.
• The department recommends that applicants complete 12 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate course work in behavior analysis, behavioral science, psychology, education, or related fields, and 6 hours in experimental methods, research design, or statistics.