Behavior Analysis and Therapy

Main Content

The M.S. degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy is a 45-credit hour program. Candidates will complete a research paper or a thesis. Because of the requirements of our accrediting body, the Association of Behavior Analysis International, an empirical thesis is required. Only by approval of the program can a research paper be completed. The thesis option typically requires a thesis of an experimental nature, a survey, or other form of research in which empirical data are collected and analyzed. Candidates must demonstrate their skills in formulating researchable questions or hypotheses, in identifying and/or manipulating relevant variables, and in the analysis and reporting of the results.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Behavior Analysis and Therapy

The behavior analysis and therapy program is devoted to the empirically-based development and application of learning principles to a wide variety of human needs. Training is offered in behavioral practice, research and theory as it applies to problems such as child abuse and neglect, developmental disabilities, chronic medical conditions, and traumatic head injury.

Degree Requirements

In fulfilling the 45 credit hour requirement, the student must complete the required courses or their equivalent, at least one 3 credit hour practicum, an internship, and either a research paper or thesis. Not passing a course on two occasions can result in removal from the program. 

Required Courses

  • BAT 503: Basic Behavior Analysis
  • BAT 507: Behavior Consultation and Management
  • BAT 508: Complex Behavior Analysis
  • BAT 509A: Behavior Analysis Research Designs: Single-Subject Experimental Designs
  • BAT 512: Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis
  • BAT 526: Applications of Behavior Analysis
  • BAT 527: Verbal Behavior
  • BAT 529: Radical Behaviorism I
  • BAT 535: Behavioral Observation Methods
  • BAT 594: Practicum in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
  • BAT 595: Internship in Behavior Analysis and Therapy

Internship

The student must complete satisfactorily nine credit hours of BAT 595 (Internship in Behavior Analysis and Therapy) under the supervision of a behavior analysis and therapy faculty member. The internship is typically begun following two semesters of course work.

Research Paper or Thesis

The student must complete satisfactorily six credit hours of BAT 593 (Research in Behavior Analysis and Therapy) or BAT 599 (Thesis) under the direction of a chairperson. Not completing the thesis or research project within three semesters can result in removal from the program. The chairperson is a member of the behavior analysis and therapy faculty selected by program consensus.

For the research paper, an additional graduate faculty member may be selected by mutual agreement between the student and the chairperson to serve as a reader. This is not required.

For the thesis, a second and third faculty member of the behavior analysis and therapy program will be selected by program consensus to serve as thesis committee members. The committee will review the thesis before its initiation, as a prospectus, and after its completion, in an oral defense.    

Accreditation

The M.S. in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy program is accredited by the Association for Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI).