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Education > Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education > Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. >

Requirements

Requirements

Students in the MA-ABA program are required to complete:

  • Coursework
  • Fieldwork: 1. Clinical Practicum 2. Research Practicum
  • Thesis

MA-ABA Coursework

The following courses represent the required courses students take during their two years in the program. Some of these courses are offered face-to-face, with the course scheduled one evening a week to allow students to complete intensive fieldwork requirements. Other courses are offered online, with students able to complete all assignments off campus. It is not possible to substitute any of the courses or take courses in an alternative order. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board Inc. (hereafter “BACB”) has approved the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements (i.e., fieldwork, exam application) to qualify for the exam.

MSU’s hybrid M.A. in ABA program had a first-time pass rate of 85.71% in 2021, according to BACB data.

**CEP 845: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Intervention

This course examines assessment and intervention for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Course participants will become knowledgeable and highly skilled practitioners who understand assessments (formal and informal) and can subsequently recommend and implement the most appropriate interventions to meet the needs of their students.

CEP 848: Organizational Behavior Management

Effective supervision and organizational management strategies in behavior analysis for practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis. Organizational behavior management related to performance analysis and management, supervision of others, training staff, and behavioral systems analysis.

**CEP 851: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis

This course provides the opportunity to learn, explore and apply the fundamental elements, concepts and principles in applied behavior analysis (ABA)—the scientific application of learning principles to solve a wide range of socially significant issues facing humans. Students will become versed in the development of this science and be guided to think critically about the tenets of ABA, developing a graduate-level understanding and appreciation of the science of behavior including basic principles, concepts, techniques, interventions, research, ethical considerations and applications of ABA.

CEP 852: Experimental Analysis of Behavior

This course provides graduate students with in-depth knowledge in basic behavioral processes, presenting information relating to human and non-human learning with a focus on the experimental analysis of behavior. Computer-based simulations of laboratory experiments provide opportunities for students to apply acquired skills in areas including (but not limited to): respondent conditioning, operant conditioning, establishing operations conditioned reinforcement, rule-governed behavior, behavioral pharmacology, remembering/forgetting.

CEP 853: Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change

This course examines multiple approaches to functional behavior assessment and intervention, emphasizing application to students with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will be provided the skills necessary to complete a thorough functional behavior assessment, develop a function-based behavioral intervention plan and implement the behavior plan with a student diagnosed with ASD or other disabilities.

**CEP 854: Ethics in Behavior Analysis

This course focuses on professional, legal and ethical guidelines for the applied behavior analyst, preparing students to be ethical providers of behavior analytic services. Content for this course is required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for a university-approved course sequence in the preparation of Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and will include, but is not limited to: informed consent, protection of confidentiality, selection of least intrusive and restrictive behavior change procedures, ethical decision making and legal issues.

**CEP 855: Foundations of Behavior Analysis

The underlying historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of behavior analysis.

CEP 942: Single-case Experimental Design for Educational Research

This course will prepare participants to carry out intervention-based research and identify evidence-based practices in educational settings utilizing single-case experimental designs. Participants will carry out research projects directly relevant to roles as intervention researchers or practitioners (e.g., behavior analysts, special educators, school psychologists) working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.

** = online course

MA-ABA Coursework Sequence

  • Year 1
    • Fall Courses
      • *CEP 851: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
      • CEP 852: Experimental Analysis of Behavior
      • CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 1 (2 credits)
    • Spring Courses
      • *CEP 845: Assessment and Intervention in ASD
      • CEP 942: Single-case Experimental Design
      • CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 2 (2 credits)
    • Summer Courses
      • CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 3 (2 credits)
      • CEP 899: Master’s Thesis Research (2 credits)
      • CEP 848: Organizational Behavior Management
  • Year 2
    • Fall Courses
      • CEP 853: Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change
      • *CEP 855: Foundations of Behavior Analysis
      • CEP 899: Master’s Thesis Research (2 credits)
      • CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 4 (2 credits)
    • Spring Courses
      • *CEP 854: Ethics in Behavior Analysis
      • CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 5 (2 credits)
      • GRADUATION!!!

* = online course

Note: If not indicated, all courses = 3 credits

Learn more about the field experiences and practicum by visiting the experiences page.

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