Program Overview

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Introduction to the Diploma of Specialization in Behavior Analysis

The Diploma of Specialization in Behavior Analysis is a comprehensive program designed to provide professionals with a deep understanding of human behavior and its applications in various fields. This program is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and is grounded in the principles of natural science.

General Information

The program is dedicated to the study of human behavior, with a strong focus on experimental and applied approaches. It has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders, among others. The program also explores the application of behavior analysis in education, organizational behavior, and sports performance.

Objectives

The general objective of the program is to provide specialized training to graduates and professionals, enabling them to acquire the conceptual, methodological, and practical bases for their professional performance in the field of behavior analysis. The specific objectives include:

• Defining and delimiting the psychological aspect, differentiating it from other social or biological sciences.
• Reducing problems derived from conceptual and methodological confusion in the field of applied psychology.
• Founding the experimental bases of human behavior based on animal laboratory studies.
• Instructing in a novel or unexplored methodology for applying psychological knowledge.
• Providing students with scientifically-based intervention strategies in all fields of applied psychology.
• Presenting the latest advances in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
• Explaining the learning processes underlying psychological intervention techniques with empirical support.
• Enabling students to practice evidence-based interventions as proposed by the APA.

Program Details

Duration and Format

• Duration: From October 2025 to September 2026
• Format: Hybrid (presential-virtual)
• Location: Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid
• Credits: 30 ECTS
• Number of Places: 30 (minimum 20)
• Scholarships: Minimum 10%

Tuition Fee

• Total Price: 2,500
• Payment Plan: Available, with three installments

Admission Requirements

• Access Requirements: Official university degree in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, social work, gerontology).
• Specific Admission Requirements: Preference for graduates in psychology or related disciplines. An interview with the academic director may be required for applicants from other fields.

Selection Criteria

• Academic Record: Valued for its relevance and excellence.
• Professional Experience: Relevant experience in fields related to the study of human behavior.
• English Knowledge: Considered an asset.
• Motivation Letter: Required, expressing motivation for pursuing the diploma.

Curriculum

Plan of Studies

The program consists of the following compulsory subjects:

Subject	ECTS	Type
Epistemology and History. Philosophy of Science. Explanation of a Scientific Psychology	4	Compulsory
Basic Psychological Phenomena	6	Compulsory
Complex Psychological Phenomena	5	Compulsory
Tools for ACA and AEC. Functional Analysis of Behavior and Experimentation	5	Compulsory
External Practices	5	Compulsory
Final Project	5	Compulsory

Competencies

Basic Competencies

• Know the philosophical, historical, conceptual, and methodological principles of Behavior Analysis.
• Understand techniques, procedures, instruments, and applications of Learning Psychology.
• Apply observation and measurement methodologies of behavior.
• Use experimental results of behavior analysis in various fields of applied psychology.
• Understand and master functional behavior analysis as an approach to solving behavior problems.
• Acquire a work methodology that allows resolving problems in psychology applications.

Specific Competencies

• Acquire knowledge and skills to efficiently intervene in autism spectrum disorders.
• Apply appropriate treatment techniques in each clinical case.
• Use associative learning principles for the effective resolution of social problems.
• Develop prevention and treatment programs for health issues using acquired knowledge.

Faculty

Direction

• Director: María Xesus Froxán Parga, Professor of the Faculty of Psychology, UAM.
• Subdirector: Vicente Pérez Fernández, Contracted Doctor Professor, Faculty of Psychology, UNED.

Teaching Staff

• Includes professors from UAM, UNED, and other universities, ensuring a diverse and experienced faculty.

Practices and Employment

Practices

• The diploma includes 50 hours of external practices in centers under the tutelage of a professional.
• Practices involve applying knowledge in clinical centers and experimentation laboratories.

Professional Outcomes

• The diploma aims to provide students with basic tools for understanding human behavior, combining experimental foundation and applied aspects.
• Professional outcomes span any field of scientific psychology and disciplines involving human intervention.

Collaborating Entities

• For external practices, the program collaborates with various entities, including laboratories, research centers, and clinical institutions.

Prices and Scholarships

• Scholarships: 10% of enrolled students.
• Selection Criteria for Scholarships: Economic criteria, academic record, professional experience, and motivation.

Payment

• Total Fee: 2,500
• Payment Installments: Available, with specific dates for each installment.