2019-20 Catalogs

Educational Psychology Overview

Program Faculty

Professors: Mark Steege, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D
Assistant Professors: Jamie Pratt, PsyD, BCBA-D; Garry Wickerd, PhD, NCSP, BCBA
Part-Time Lecturers: Erin Beardsley, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D; Derek Guptill, MS, BCBA; Clelia Sigaud, MS, BCBA; William Roy, PsyD, BCBA-D

Program Mission

The Educational Psychology program at the University of Southern Maine prepares graduates for careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in school and behavioral health settings.

The Educational Psychology program emphasizes the principles of learning and the applications of evidence-based behavioral strategies to promote academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success for all learners. The program imparts the knowledge and skills required to (a) conduct behavioral assessments, (b) design interventions that facilitate the acquisition of skills and the reduction of behaviors that interfere with learning, (c) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and (d) provide behavior analytic consultation and supervision services.

Programs of Study

The Educational and School Psychology Department offers two programs in applied behavior analysis:

  1. Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (24 credits)
  2. Master of Science in Educational Psychology: Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (36 credits)

Both programs of study are offered fully online (synchronous delivery) or on campus (face-to-face). Students have the flexibility to attend scheduled class sessions on the USM campus or using Zoom videoconferencing.

Both programs of study also include a course sequence verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination under the Fourth Edition and Fifth Edition Task Lists. To qualify for BCBA certification, individuals must possess an acceptable graduate degree, complete acceptable behavior analytic coursework and practical experiences, and pass the BCBA examination.  

  • The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program includes the behavior analytic coursework required for BCBA certification and is designed for students who already have an earned graduate degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or education.
  • The Master of Science in Educational Psychology program includes the behavior analytic coursework required for BCBA certification and leads to an acceptable graduate degree in educational psychology.
  • Completion of the BCBA examination and supervised practical experiences must be arranged by students independent of the University or Educational Psychology program. Supervised practical experiences may occur concurrent with or upon completion of the coursework.

Additional information about the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) standards and certification requirements may be obtained here: http://www.bacb.com