Applied Behavior Analysis, M.ED

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program prepares individuals to become professional behavior therapists. The program provides a strong foundation in ABA principles and practices, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pass the BCBA exam. Graduates can pursue careers in mental health agencies and organizations, using evidence-based techniques to help clients develop healthy and productive behaviors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program prepares individuals for careers as professional behavior therapists. Graduates work in mental health agencies and organizations using evidence-based techniques to help clients develop healthy and productive behaviors.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of ABA.

• Prepare students to become competent and ethical behavior therapists.

• Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

Program Description:

• The ABA program is a 33-credit program that can be completed in as little as two years.
• The program is offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of online and on-campus courses.
• The program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Outline:

Program Content:

The ABA program curriculum covers a range of topics, including:

• Foundations of ABA: This course introduces students to the history, philosophy, and ethical principles of ABA.
• Single-Subject Research Methodology: This course teaches students how to design and conduct single-subject research studies, which are the primary method of evaluating the effectiveness of ABA interventions.
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior: This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the principles of learning and behavior change.
• Behavior Assessment: This course teaches students how to assess and identify the factors that are maintaining problem behaviors.
• Providing ABA Treatment: This course provides students with the skills necessary to design and implement effective ABA interventions.
• ABA Management and Programming: This course teaches students how to manage and program ABA services in a variety of settings.
• Administering Ethical Behavior Analytic Services: This course covers the ethical and legal considerations involved in providing ABA services.

Structure:

• The program consists of 11 courses, including 7 core courses and 4 electives.
• Students can choose from a variety of electives, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings, and Behavioral Interventions for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.
• The program culminates in a capstone project, which allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

Course Schedule:

• The program is offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of online and on-campus courses.
• Online courses are typically offered in an asynchronous format, which means that students can complete the coursework at their own pace.
• On-campus courses are typically offered in the evenings and on weekends.

Modules:

The program is divided into the following modules:

• Education Foundations: This module covers the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of education.
• Professional Core: This module provides students with the core knowledge and skills necessary to become effective behavior therapists.
• Internships: This module provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised setting.

Module Descriptions:

• Education Foundations: This module consists of three courses: Introduction to Educational Research, Development, Learning, and Inclusive Practice, and Curriculum Trends and Issues.
• Professional Core: This module consists of seven courses: Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis, Introduction to Single Subject Research Methodology, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Behavior Assessment, Providing ABA Treatment, ABA Management and Programming, and Administering Ethical Behavior Analytic Services.
• Internships: This module consists of four courses: Supervised Fieldwork Practicum I, II, III, and IV.

Assessment:

• Students are assessed in a variety of ways, including exams, quizzes, assignments, and presentations.
• The program uses a variety of assessment methods to ensure that students are meeting the learning objectives of the program.
• Students must also complete a capstone project, which is a major research paper or project that demonstrates their ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the program.

Teaching:

• The ABA program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members.
• The faculty members have extensive experience in the field of ABA and are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and case studies.
• The program also offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects and other learning experiences.

Careers:

• Graduates of the ABA program can pursue a variety of careers, including:
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
• Behavior Therapist
• Special Education Teacher
• School Counselor
• Mental Health Counselor
• The job outlook for behavior therapists is excellent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of behavior therapists will grow by 29% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Other:

• The ABA program is designed to prepare students for a variety of professional settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.
• The program also prepares students for licensure as a BCBA in most states.
• The ABA program is a rigorous and challenging program, but it is also very rewarding.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to make a difference in the lives of their clients.