2020-21 Catalogs
MS in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Science (MS) in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students for careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs®) in school and behavioral health settings. BCBAs provide systematic, evidence-based services to promote socially significant skill acquisition and address behaviors that interfere with successful functioning. BCBAs typically conduct behavioral assessments; design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions; and provide behavior analytic training, consultation, and supervision.
The MS in Educational Psychology program of study includes twelve courses (36 graduate credits). Eight of these courses have been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Four additional courses provide students with background knowledge about educational research, special education procedures, and the needs of school-aged children with exceptionalities. The program is offered in a fully online (blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses) or hybrid (blend of on-campus and online courses) format. Students in both online and on-campus programs benefit from regular opportunities to interact directly with program faculty and participate in real-time learning activities with their peers.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) credentials professionals as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs®). To qualify for BCBA certification (Behavior-Analytic Coursework Pathway), individuals must obtain an acceptable graduate degree, complete acceptable behavior-analytic coursework, complete an acceptable supervised fieldwork experience, and pass the BCBA examination. The MS in Educational Psychology program leads to an acceptable graduate degree that incorporates behavior-analytic coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet training standards established by the Fourth Edition Task List (2012) and Fifth Edition Task List (2017). Completion of supervised fieldwork experiences and the BCBA examination must be arranged by students independent of the program. Supervised experiences may occur concurrent with or upon completion of the coursework. Additional information about BCBA certification requirements may be obtained here: http://www.bacb.com
Program Requirements
The Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is awarded upon completion of the following courses (36 credits total):
- EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques
- SED 682 Special Education Regulations, Procedures, and IEP Team*
- SPY 601 Behavioral Principles of Learning
- SPY 602 Single Case Research Methods
- SPY 604 Functional Behavioral Assessment
- SPY 605 Principles and Procedures for Instructional Intervention
- SPY 606 Principles and Procedures for Behavior Intervention
- SPY 607 Consultation and Collaborative Problem Solving
- SPY 608 Professional Ethics in Behavior Analysis
- SPY 640 Supervision and Performance Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
- SPY 671 Physical Bases of Behavior
- SPY 674 Psychopathology
*Students without prior experience or coursework in special education or disability services may be required to complete SED 335 or SED 540 prior to enrollment in SED 682.
Course Sequence
The following course sequences are recommended for students pursuing full-time study. Part-time options are also available.
Fall 2020 Matriculation
Fall 2020
- SPY 601 Behavioral Principles of Learning
- EDU 600 Research Methods & Techniques
Spring 2021
- SPY 605 Principles and Procedures for Instructional Intervention
- SPY 608 Professional Ethics in Behavior Analysis
Summer 2021
- SPY 606 Principles and Procedures for Behavior Intervention
- SED 682 Special Education Regulations, Procedures, and the IEP Team
Fall 2021
- SPY 602 Single Case Research Methods
- SPY 674 Psychopathology
Spring 2022
- SPY 604 Functional Behavioral Assessment
- SPY 640 Supervision and Performance Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
Summer 2022
- SPY 607 Consultation and Collaborative Problem-Solving
- SPY 671 Physical Bases of Behavior
Spring 2021 Matriculation
Spring 2021
- SPY 601 Behavioral Principles of Learning
- SPY 608 Professional Ethics in Behavior Analysis
Summer 2021
- SPY 602 Single Case Research Methods
- SED 682 Special Education Regulations, Procedures, and the IEP Team
Fall 2021
- SPY 604 Functional Behavioral Assessment
- EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques
Spring 2022
- SPY 605 Principles and Procedures for Instructional Intervention
- SPY 606 Principles and Procedures for Behavior Intervention
Summer 2022
- SPY 640 Supervision and Performance Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
- SPY 671 Physical Bases of Behavior
Fall 2022
- SPY 607 Consultation and Collaborative Problem-Solving
- SPY 674 Psychopathology
Summer 2021 Matriculation
Summer 2021
- SPY 601 Behavioral Principles of Learning
- EDU 600 Research Methods & Techniques
Fall 2021
- SPY 602 Single Case Research Methods
- SPY 605 Principles and Procedures for Instructional Intervention
Spring 2022
- SPY 604 Functional Behavioral Assessment
- SPY 608 Professional Ethics in Behavior Analysis
Summer 2022
- SPY 606 Principles and Procedures for Behavior Intervention
- SED 682 Special Education Regulations, Procedures, and the IEP Team
Fall 2022
- SPY 674 Psychopathology
- SPY 607 Consultation and Collaborative Problem-Solving
Spring 2023
- SPY 640 Supervision and Performance Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
- SPY 671 Physical Bases of Behavior