Behavior Analysis, Master of Science

Program Objective

Our program includes a course sequence that has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to meet the educational coursework requirements to apply to the BACB to take examinations related to Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The full program curriculum consists or 37.5 credits. Students applying to the BACB for certification are expected to meet additional requirements and should consult with the BACB directly concerning eligibility.

Students who complete the MS program are also eligible to apply for licensure in Massachusetts. Licensure requirements for applied behavior analysts are subject to change, so students should consult directly with the state licensure office regarding requirements.

CURRICULUM

Major required (core) courses (28.5 credits)

• PSY 715 - Behavioral Principles of Learning
• PSY 725 - Applied Behavior Analysis I
• PSY 726 - Applied Behavior Analysis II
• PSY 817 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• PSY 825 - Behavioral Assessment
• PSY 830 - Small N Research Design & Analysis
• PSY 840 - Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Applied Behavioral Analysis
• PSY 842 - Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis
• PSY 845 - Organizational Behavior and Supervision in Behavior Analysis
• PSY 727 - Exam Preparation in Behavior Analysis

Capstone Experience (6 credits)

• Option 1: Thesis

• PSY 899 - Psychology Masters Thesis I
• PSY 999 - Psychology Masters Thesis II

• OR

  Option 2: Research in Practice

• PSY 898 - Practical Application in Research I
• PSY 998 - Practical Application in Research II

Electives

At least 3 credits from one of the following:

• PSY 875 - Directed Study
• PSY 910 - Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis
• PSY 911 - Internship in Applied Behavioral Analysis I
• PSY 912 - Internship in Applied Behavioral Analysis II
• PSY 997 - Special Topics in Behavior Analysis

Additional Program Requirements

All students with the stated goal of working as a certified or licensed behavior analyst must provide evidence of completed supervision hours prior to graduating and must secure an appropriate placement/position by their second semester in the program.

All students are required to present at a local, regional, or national conference.

Total Credits: 37.5

Note: students may also opt to complete a project or thesis with the approval of the program coordinator.