Applied Behavior Analysis, MS
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MS Applied Behavior Analysis
Offered by the Department of Psychology, this MS program in applied behavior analysis is a full-time, scientifically based, two-year program that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® fifth-edition task list for coursework with 345 classroom hours and 2,000 hours of supervised practicum fieldwork.
Successful graduates are able to sit for BACB® certification and, once certified, are eligible for state-licensure. The program's learning outcomes include mastery across three major areas as identified by the certification board: basic behavior-analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities and foundational knowledge.
Applied behavior analysis training in the Department of Psychology at ASU includes supervised experience and instruction in:
- behavior analytic attitudes such as determinism, empiricism and parsimony
- fundamental elements of behavior change and behavior change procedures
- identification, assessments and interventions for behavioral excesses, deficiencies and challenging behavior
- professional ethics and conduct of applied behavior analysis
- training others in the science and practice of applied behavior analysis
- use of different behavioral measurement types and systems
- use of experimental designs to determine relationships among and between measurement, relevant variables and behavior
Degree Requirements
42 credit hours including the required applied project course (PSB 593)
Required Core (24 credit hours)
PSB 501 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSB 510 Basic Principles of Experimental Analysis of Behavior (2)
PSB 511 Advanced Research Methods (2)
PSB 520 Ethical Issues and Professional Standards in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSB 530 Behavioral Observation and Functional Assessment (3)
PSB 540 Development of Applied Behavioral Intervention Programs (3)
PSB 563 Basic Principles of Organizational Behavior Management (2)
PSB 573 Advanced Principles of Learning and Analysis of Behavior (3)
PSB 578 Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disorders (3)
Electives or Research (4 credit hours)
PSB 591 Seminar (2)
PSB 598 Special Topics (2)
Other Requirements (9 credit hours)
PSB 580 Practicum: Applied Behavior Analysis (5)
PSB 583 Fieldwork: Applied Behavior Analysis (4)
Culminating Experience (5 credit hours)
PSB 593 Applied Project (5)
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, sociology or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose form
- curriculum vitae or resume
- two letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The application is completed online through ASU's Graduate Admission Services website. Applicants should upload their unofficial transcripts to the application before submitting.
It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print the Master of Science in applied behavior analysis admission checklist from the Department of Psychology website to ensure completion of the application process and inclusion of all the required supplemental forms.
The statement of purpose form should describe professional and academic aspirations.
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professionals or faculty who can speak to the applicant's abilities.
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Application Deadlines
Fall
Career Opportunities
Graduates are positioned to be highly sought-after in the human services sector. With an evidence-based practice orientation, Board Certified Behavior Analysts® are charged with assessment of socially significant behaviors and developing interventions to promote adaptive, flexible behavior and to provide alternative responses to challenging behavior. The domains into which graduates of the program go are vast. Below is a list of some potential careers:
- assistant clinical director
- behavior specialist
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst®
- clinical director
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- msabapsych@asu.edu
- 480/727-4561