MS ABA Curriculum

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (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 to qualify. Course descriptions can be found below the table. Click here to view the practicum placement curriculum under Program Milestones.

PSB courses and the practicum experience are ONLY available to students enrolled in Psychology's MS ABA program.

CORE COURSES

PSB 501: An introduction to the fundamental principles of behavior including the history, theory, definitions, processes, concepts and characteristics of applied behavior analysis.

PSB 510:  This course will introduce students to the practical applications of research methodology in order to examine the effects and evaluate the efficacy of behavioral interventions. It will provide students with an empirical science approach to designing, conducting, and critically evaluating research involving applications of the experimental analysis of behavior in the use of graphic displays, single-case, ABAB, multiple baselines, changing criterion and alternating treatment designs.

PSB 520:  Ethical standards and legal responsibilities including regulatory requirements and Arizona licensing statutes for ABA professionals who provide services to individuals with special needs and their families.

PSB 511: This course builds upon PSB 501 and PSY 510 and focuses on research techniques such as time-series methods for single case assessment, behavior measurement and the effectiveness of treatment interventions on behavior. Topics include conducting component and parametric analyses and use of experimental designs such as withdrawal, reversal, criterion, and multiple baselines.

PSB 530: Focuses on how to conduct behavioral observations and functional analyses using various methods for assessment and for data collection, organization and interpretation.

PSB 540: Includes techniques for conducting task analyses; developing target intervention outcomes; determining alternative behaviors and environmental changes; and use of behavior change procedures such as reinforcement, extinction, punishment, shaping, modeling, training and teaching.

PSB 573:  An in-depth review of the philosophy and theory of behaviorism and its scientific application. Includes Skinner’s conceptual framework plus fundamental elements of behavior change and procedures.

PSB 563: This course includes an overview and the use of Behavioral Systems Analysis (BSA) and Performance Management (PM) as they relate to the identification and modification of environmental variables that can affect and improve individual and organizational performance as a system. Basic techniques will include analysis of antecedents, behavior and consequences and development of interventions to support the desired performance improvements and increase system productivity.

PSB 578:  An overview of the major theories and research related to the development of psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence including autism, attention deficit disorder, behavior disorders and intellectual disabilities.