MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (Online Program)
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online Program)
| Stephanie Kuhn, Ph.D., BCBA-D Graduate Coordinator, WH 318B |
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| kuhns@wcsu.edu | ||
| Therese Richardson, Dept. Secretary, WH 321 |
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| richardsont@wcsu.edu |
| Faculty: | A. Brewer, A. Giannakakos-Ferman, S. Kuhn. |
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Program Overview and Mission
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has a requirement of thirty credits. The program is housed in the Educational Psychology Department. The M.S. in ABA offers courses of study students can apply toward advanced degrees or toward careers as Board-Certified Behavior Analysts.
The mission of Western Connecticut State University’s ABA program is to provide high-quality behavior analytic instruction to practitioners. We offer courses with advanced online technology in an academic environment dedicated to education and research.
Program Learning Goals and Objectives
Students will be able to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge of the basic skills, underlying principles of applied behavior analysis. In addition, students will demonstrate mastery of the knowledge of the application of practice-oriented skills in applied behavior analysis. The goal of the program is to provide instruction such that students are professionally competent and proficient in all areas of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® and such that students are prepared the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification Examination provided by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®.
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and principles that underlie the science of behavior analysis and to application of those concepts and principles to the practice of the profession.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the process and procedures for implementing functional behavioral assessment procedures as well as the application of applied behavior analysis-based intervention procedures.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of research design and procedures in applied behavior analysis.
Disclaimer: State laws related to licensure of behavior analysts vary and can change over time. The ABA program at WCSU currently meets with education requirements for licensure in CT and most other states. However, licensure requirements vary by state and it is the responsibility of the applicant to be knowledgeable about licensure requirements in the state in which he or she may plan to apply for licensure.
Admission Requirements
Applicants who wish to be admitted to the M.S. in ABA must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
1. Application for admission to the Office of Graduate Admissions and a $50 application fee. Online Application (Application deadline for fall: June 1st / for spring: November 1st; after deadlines, applications are accepted on a rolling basis as space permits)
2. Applicants for the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
3. One official transcript mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions from each college or university previously attended, including all earned grades and degree
4. Applicant’s cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) must be at least a 2.8 for admission into program.
5. Applicant must submit professional resume/vitae.
6. Applicant must submit response to the following essay question:
In a single, double-spaced page please tell us why you believe you are a good “fit” for Western Connecticut State University’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program. To evaluate your application, it will be helpful to have the following information such as why do you wish to pursue a career in ABA, what are your goals upon earning a degree, and what are some experiences that you feel prepare you for success in our program (e.g., relevant coursework, GPA, job, etc.)?
Transcripts can be sent to: Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810 or sent as an attachment to Graduate Admissions
Degree Requirements
- The coursesin the MS in ABA program include coursework in the following areas:
A. Basic Principles of Behavior – 45 hours in one 3 credit course,
B. Theory & Philosophy in Bahavior Analysis – 45 hours in one 3 credit course,
C. Research Methods in Behavior Analysis – 45 hours in one 3 credit courses,
D. Behavior Assessment & Intervention -90 hours in two 3 credit courses,
E. Organizational Behavior Management – 45 hours in one 3 credit course,
F. Ethics in Behavior Analysis -45 hours in one 3 credit course,
G. Experimental Analysis of Behavior – 45 hours in one 3 credit course,
H. Practice Skills in ABA – 45 hours in one 3 credit course,
I. Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis – 45 hours in one 3 credit course,
J. Comphrensive Examination – 0 credit,
Required Courses (30 Semester Hours (SH):
EPY 664 Organizational Behavior Management 3 SH
EPY 665 Practice Skills in Applied Behavior Analysis I 1 SH
EPY 666 Practice Skills in Applied Behavior Analysis II 1 SH
EPY 667 Practice Skills in Applied Behavior Analysis III 1 SH
EPY 655 Basic Principles of Behavior 3 SH
EPY 658 Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis 3 SH
EPY 656 Behavior Assessment 3 SH
EPY 659 Research Methods in Behavior Analysis 3 SH
EPY 660 Ethics and Professional Issues 3 SH
EPY 662 Experimental Analysis of Behavior 3 SH
EPY 657 Behavior Intervention 3 SH
EPY 653 Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis 3 SH
EPY 663 Comprehensive Exam in Applied Behavior Analysis 0 SHCandidates must pass the comprehensive examination in order to complete the program.
- Complete an additional eight credits in Applied Behavior Analysis: EPY651, EPY652, and EPY653 (total of 30 credits). Students must pass a comprehensive examination in EPY 653 to pass the course and complete the program.
- Candidates who fail to earn a B in any course may be permitted to retake a course once and to retake a maximum of two courses. Total course retakes may not exceed two. Candidates who fail to earn a B in any course after repeating two courses will not be eligible to continue in the program and will be dismissed. EPY 653 requires the successful completion of all other ABA courses in sequence.
- Students are required to visit http://bacb.com regularly and keep up to date with all requirements to sit for the examination and become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Students are required to be knowledgeable about any and all licensure laws are requirements in that state in which he/she plans to practice.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR EXAM ELIGIBILITY
Students must complete experience that fully compliances with the BACB experience standards. This experience consists of supervised independent fieldwork (1500/2000 hours). The fieldwork experience is done independent of WCSU (i.e., required for certification but not for the completion of the degree at WCSU). The coursework, fieldwork experience and other requirements specified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board is required for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. http://bacb.com
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (30 SH) (All courses are 100% online.)
Completion of the following:
| Entering Fall Student Course Sequence / Requirements (30SH) |
| Fall 1: EPY 655, EPY 664, and EPY 665 (7 credits)
Spring 1: EPY 656, EPY 659, and EPY 666 (7 credits) Summer: EPY 660, EPY 662, and EPY 658 (9 credits) Fall 2: EPY 657, EPY 653, EPY 667, and EPY 663 (7 credits) |
| Entering Spring Student Course Sequence / Requirements (30SH) |
| Spring 1: EPY 655, EPY 664, EPY 665 (7 credits)
Summer: EPY 660, EPY 662, and EPY 658 (9 credits) Fall 1: EPY 656, EPY 659, and EPY 666 (7 credits) Spring 2: EPY 657, EPY 653, EPY 667 and EPY 663 (7 credits and 0 credit comphrensive exam) |
All courses must be taken in this sequence outlined above. Due to the program sequence, transfer credits are not accepted.
CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Candidtaes who have previously completed a graduate degree from an accredited university seeking coursework to meet the BACB pathway 2 coursework requirement may apply to complete the cretificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at WCSU. This is not a degree program. Candidates must apply and be accepted into this program. The requirements for admission are the same as those stated for the MS in ABA Program at WCSU with the addition of the prior graduate degree. BACB pathway 2 will cease to be a viable pathway to certification as of January 1, 2032. Candiates who choose the certification option must apply for and obtain certification prior to tjat time to be eligible for certification. Candidtaes who are unsure if they will obtain certification by that time must opt for the MS in ABA option. WCSU will stop offering the certificate program on or before the start pf the 2028-2029 academic year.
The following courses are required to complete this program (Total: 21 credits):
EPY 655 Basic Principles of Behavior (3 SH)
EPY 658 Theory & Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (3S H)
EPY 659 Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (3 SH)
EPY 656 Behavior Assessment (3 SH)
EPY 657 Behavior Intervention (3 SH)
EPY 664 Organizational Behavior Management (3 SH)
EPY 660 Ethics in Behavior Analysis (3 SH)
Visit http://www.bacb.com for more information.
Additional Information for both programs:
Students are required to visit http://bacb.com regularly and keep up to date with all requirements to sit for the examination and become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Students whose work is of marginal quality, less than a B, in all M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis courses or who demonstrate personal qualities that are not conducive to the role of Board Certified Behavior Analyst will not be recommended for continuation in the program.
Tuition: For more information regarding tuition costs and fees go to https://www.wcsu.edu/cashiers/tuition/
Academic calendar: For more information regarding the start date of classes and other important dates go to: https://www.wcsu.edu/calendars/
Task List course content allocation:
Fifth Edition Task List Course Content Allocation Hours for BCBA (Begins Fall 2019)
Fourth Edition Task List Course Content Allocation Hours for BCBA
Third Edition Task List Course Content Allocation Hours for BCBA
Certification Examination Pass rates: https://www.bacb.com/university-pass-rates/