Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis), MA

Program Overview

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Arizona State University's online Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement ABA principles and provide evidence-based services to individuals with diverse learning and behavior needs. The program combines theory and practice, allowing students to focus on their chosen population and prepare for the BACB® examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. Graduates are prepared for careers as ABA therapists, behavior consultants, and other roles in the field of ABA.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• The Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) program at Arizona State University (ASU) prepares professionals to work with individuals with diverse learning and behavior needs using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
• The program is offered online and combines various resources and technologies to allow students to interact with faculty and classmates directly.
• Applied projects and assignments allow students to focus on their chosen population while gaining the knowledge and skills to use ABA across diverse populations and settings.
• Graduates are prepared to provide ABA services and support to clients, organizations, communities, and families.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement ABA principles.
• Develop graduates' ability to design and implement individualized interventions for individuals with diverse learning and behavior needs.
• Prepare graduates to provide evidence-based ABA services and support to clients, organizations, communities, and families.
• Enable graduates to meet the diverse behavior needs of individuals and make a lasting positive impact in the community.

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Description:

• The program is offered online, allowing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments.
• The curriculum combines theory and practice, providing students with the knowledge and skills to apply ABA principles in real-world settings.
• Students have the opportunity to focus on their chosen population, such as individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities.
• Graduates are eligible to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®).

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program covers various aspects of ABA, including:
• Measurement, data analysis, and experimental design
• Concepts and principles of ABA
• Behavior analytic assessment
• Behavior change procedures
• Personnel supervision and organizational behavior management in educational settings
• Philosophical foundations of ABA in educational settings
• Ethics of ABA

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Structure:

• The program consists of 30 credit hours, including required core courses, concentration courses, electives, and a culminating experience.
• Students can choose to complete either an applied project or a capstone course as their culminating experience.
• An optional remote supervised independent fieldwork practicum is also available.

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Course Schedule:

• The program is offered online with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
• Students can choose to take courses full-time or part-time.

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Modules:

• Required Core Courses (3 credit hours):
• SPE 525 Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design
• Concentration Courses (18 credit hours):
• SPE 526 Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• SPE 527 Behavior Analytic Assessment
• SPE 560 Behavior Change Procedures: Implementing Interventions in Behavior Analysis
• SPE 562 Personnel Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management in Educational Settings
• SPE 563 Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings
• SPE 567 Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Electives (6 credit hours):
• Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours):
• SPE 593 Applied Project or SPE 597 Capstone

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Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• The specific assessment methods used may vary depending on the course.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by a faculty of experienced professionals with expertise in ABA.
• Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Online lectures
• Discussions
• Group work
• Simulations
• Case studies
• Students have the opportunity to interact with faculty and classmates through online tools and forums.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the field of ABA, including:
• Applied behavior analysis therapist
• Behavior consultant
• Behavior specialist
• Board certified behavior analyst
• Early intervention specialist
• Educator
• Organizational behavior management specialist
• Graduates who successfully complete the program and pass the BACB® examination will be qualified to provide ABA services independently.