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MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Education

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program, Behavior Analysis in Education specialization combines foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the behavior analytic field with specialized knowledge for practicing applied behavior analysis (ABA) in educational settings. The curriculum focuses on ethical and professional conduct; behavior analysis concepts, principles, and research methods; teaching strategies using behavior analysis; and the implementation of ABA techniques in educational settings. Upon successful completion of this specialization, learners are prepared to identify behavioral problems through assessment; design, implement, and manage culturally appropriate interventions and treatments; perform effective behavior supervision; and bring about positive change for diverse individuals in educational settings.

Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession

Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) related to professional psychology programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators in the Applied Behavior Analysis program have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate manner and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional competence; self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.

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Core courses:

PSY5006
Foundations of Theory and Practice for Applied Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Learners identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master’s degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master’s-level training in applied behavioral analysis. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY5300
Fundamentals of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

In this course, learners investigate the experimental analysis of behavior by analyzing seminal and innovative research. Learners compare and contrast the experimental analysis of behavior with applied behavior analysis research and assess the unique and important contributions of each type of research.  For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis learners only. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7708
Basic Foundations in Applied Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners gain an understanding of the basic foundations, philosophy, and concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Learners differentiate between therapeutic approaches that are behavior-analytic and those that are not. Learners acquire knowledge of the basic principles and analyze behavior and environmental events surrounding the occurrence of behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7709 *
Advanced Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners further examine the concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Learners discern the different types of antecedents and consequences that effect behavior. Learners practice speaking in the scientific terminology used in the science of behavior analysis. Learners also gain a basic understanding of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7708. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7710 *
Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners gain knowledge about the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Learners practice navigating ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in the practice of behavior analysis. Learners gain perspective on how to weight risks and benefits associated with the implementation of behavior change procedures.  Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7708. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7711 *
Measurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners gain knowledge on measurement, data display, and experimental methods commonly used in applied behavior analysis. Learners distinguish the different types of measurement that may be used and determine the conditions under which certain types should be used. Learners gain knowledge about single-subject design as well as different types of research methods used in behavior analysis.  Prerequisite(s): PSY7708, PSY7710, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7709. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7712 *
Behavior Analytic Assessments

Learners apply and gain knowledge of the full range of assessment based approaches in behavior analysis. Learners gain knowledge on how to assess client's preferences, needs, and skill strengths and deficits. Learners practice conducting functional behavior assessments and analyzing results of these assessments to determine functions of behavior.  PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712.​  Prerequisite(s): PSY7710, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7711. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7713 *
Behavior Analytic Interventions

In this course, learners apply techniques of behavior change to behaviors of social significance. Learners gain knowledge on how to design behavior change systems given results of behavior assessments. Learners also gain knowledge on how to design these systems to ensure continued maintenance and generalization of skills.  PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711, PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7715 *
Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone

In this course, learners demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in Applied Behavior Analysis. Learners demonstrate their understanding of ethical and professional conduct and basic concepts and principles in behavior analysis. Learners apply assessment techniques, implement behavior-analytic methods, and determine their effectiveness. Learners demonstrate their ability to evaluate research findings by synthesizing research and drafting an experimental outline around a behavior analytic topic of their choice.  Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework,​ PSY7713, PSY7714. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7724 *
Organizational Behavior Management: Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis

Learners apply evidenced-based supervision practices to the supervision of behavior-analytic programs. Learners develop skills in how to apply behavior change procedures. Learners apply Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to create behavior change programs to address verbal behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY7712, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7713. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits

Specialization courses:

PSY6319
Behavior Analysts as Consultants

In this course, learners assess best practices for consulting in schools. Learners evaluate school-based consultative approaches and the laws and regulations related to the implementation of applied behavior analysis in schools. Learners investigate how to approach this consultation while maintaining compassionate and inclusive practices.  For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits
PSY7306
Education and Teaching in Applied Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners evaluate the theories of behavior analysis and how they influence teaching and educational programs. Learners synthesize research related to teaching skills in the field of behavior analysis and explore how they will use principles from theory and research to inform their teaching. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

5 quarter credits

 

 

Total

 

 

At least 60 quarter credits

* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. State licensing boards review each applicant's completed education, exam scores, supervised experience, criminal history, and application materials at the time of license application to determine eligibility. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website.

 

 

 

 

Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)