Applied Behavior Analysis
Courses
ABA 630 Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change 4.5 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of behavioral processes as described and defined by the behavior analytic orientation of psychology. Students will learn the terminology associated with operant and classical conditioning including understanding the difference between a procedure and a process, reinforcement, extinction, punishment, association, conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ABA 631 Measurement and Experimental Design 4.5 Credits
This course is a graduate level intensive introduction to research methods in behavior analysis. The empirical methods of inquiry used in behavior analysis are substantially different than those used in traditional psychology, with the single subject design serving as the hallmark of behavior analytic research. Therefore, this course is designed to provide knowledge of the concepts and issues related to single-subject design as used in applied behavior analysis research. Topics will include the distinction between single subject and group research designs, issues related to reliability and validity, data collection and analysis techniques, treatment integrity, and other ethical and professional issues.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 632 Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis 4.5 Credits
This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills of behavioral assessment and methodologies for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. The first half of the course will explore a range of assessment techniques to use in a variety of settings, from home to school and clinic. Topics will include direct observation/data collection methods, data analysis, functional assessment, stimulus preference and reinforcer assessments, and ethical and professional issues. The second half of the course will deal specifically with functional analysis including the history of and variations to the methodology. The relationship between assessment techniques and the development of the least-restrictive but most effective behavioral intervention will also be discussed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 633 Behavioral Interventions 4.5 Credits
This course is designed to provide the student with advanced knowledge of behavioral interventions designed for both skill acquisition and reduction purposes. Considerations of ethical, social, and cultural variables affecting the selection and effectiveness of intervention strategies will also be highlighted. The course readings and writing assignments will provide students with the skills and opportunity to critically evaluate various intervention procedures and identify opportunities and methods to promote generalization and maintenance of treatment outcomes.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: (EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]) and (EDEX 632 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 632 [Min Grade: B])
ABA 634 Consultation, Systems Change and Supervision 4.5 Credits
This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively consult with education, mental health and behavioral health staff working in community settings. The course is designed to familiarize students with theories and models of adult behavior change, and the procedures and processes used in an indirect-service delivery model. Students will be expected to apply the knowledge acquired through the consultative process and with a consultee.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 635 Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct 4.5 Credits
This course introduces the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. These professional and ethical standards are required to be upheld by professionals obtaining and maintaining certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Students will be introduced to the standards, disciplinary complaint and review process, and possible disciplinary actions. Additionally, students will be introduced to the various professional membership organizations and the resources available from each.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 636 Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis 4.5 Credits
This course provides intensive practice in application of behavioral concepts introduced earlier in the program course sequence. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and practices of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and Performance Management (PM) in order to create meaningful procedures and materials that can be used as future behavior analysts. Course topics and assignments also include creating plans for future supervisory relationships, pinpointing behavior definitions, developing measurement plans, creating a means for feedback, effective use of reinforcement, management strategies with the greatest effect, overall evaluation of management/supervision strategies, and ethical/professional issues.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 640 An Analysis of Verbal Behavior 3.0 Credits
This course will introduce students to Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior, including the use and classification of verbal operants, private events, and language training. Students will learn strategies to assess language deficits and instructional tools to teach vocal and non-vocal verbal responses. Lastly, students will read seminal and current research related to verbal behavior and understand its application to teaching individuals with language delays.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B] or ABA 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 641 Therapeutic Approaches Using Principles of Behavior Analysis 3.0 Credits
This course will explore therapeutic approaches for a wide range of mental health concerns using the principles of behavior analysis. This includes historical approaches starting in classic behavior therapy to modern “Third Wave” contextual behavior therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral Activation (BA) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). The course will have a more specific focus on learning ACT in detail as ACT is the most comprehensive and well-researched model out of these contemporary approaches and incorporates various aspects of BA and FAP.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ABA 642 Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis 3.0 Credits
This seminar course is designed to allow students to delve into advanced and/or current topics in applied behavior analysis. Course format includes readings, discussion, student presentations, and guest speakers.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ABA 630 [Min Grade: B] or EDEX 630 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 780 Capstone in ABA I 3.0 Credits
This course is the first of a two-part capstone sequence for students in the Master's in ABA program. In this course students will conceptualize and design a research project using single subject design methods. By the end of this course, students will have secured a site for data collection, conducted a literature review, and designed a methodology for their proposal.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ABA 631 [Min Grade: B]
ABA 781 Capstone in ABA II 3.0 Credits
This course is the second of a two-part capstone sequence for students in the Master's in ABA program. In this course students will collect original field data pertaining to their capstone project approved in ABA 780. By the end of this course, students will have collected and analyzed their data and discussed its implications for future research and the applied field of behavior analysis and submitted their final research paper and professional poster.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ABA 780 [Min Grade: B]
