Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA501  Ethical & Professional Conduct  (3.0 Credits)  

An examination of professional and ethical behavior in the delivery of applied behavior analysis services. The course will focus on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ABA or School Psychology graduate programs or permission of the program director.

ABA502  Measurement & Experimental Design  (3.0 Credits)  

An examination of the research methods used in Applied Behavior Analysis. Specific focus will be placed on single-subject design, defining and measuring behavior, assessing interobserver agreement, experimental design, and data analysis.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ABA or School Psychology graduate programs or permission of the program director.

ABA503  Experimental Analysis of Behavior  (3.0 Credits)  

This course introduces the experimental analysis of behavior, a natural science approach to the study of environment-behavior relations and the foundation for applied behavior analysis. Topics discussed include respondent and operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, stimulus control, choice, correspondence relations, verbal behavior and the experimental procedures used to study them.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ABA or School Psychology graduate programs or permission of the program director.

ABA504  Philosophy of Behaviorism  (3.0 Credits)  

This course introduces students to radical behaviorism as the philosophical foundation of behavior analysis and the implications of that philosophy for research and practice. Topics addressed will include a radical behavioral perspective of complex topics related to human learning including the mind, thinking, creativity, problem solving, and cultural practices.

Prerequisite(s): B- or better in ABA503.

ABA505  Generalization & Training  (3.0 Credits)  

An advanced seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis that will focus upon the development of behavior change programs that will promote lasting changes in client behavior. Focus will be on factors that promote generalization of treatment effects and best practices in training caregivers to effectively implement behavior change programs.

Prerequisite(s): ABA512.

ABA510  Behavior Assessment  (3.0 Credits)  

An examination of assessment methods used in applied behavior analysis. Focus will be placed on functional behavior assessment, preference and reinforcer assessment, and skills assessment. Special emphasis will be placed on functional analysis methodology.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ABA or School Psychology graduate programs or permission of the program director.

ABA511  Behavior Change Procedures I  (3.0 Credits)  

An examination of the fundamentals of behavior change in applied settings. Focus will be placed on procedures to teach adaptive behavior, decrease problem behavior, and promote generalization and maintenance of behavior change.

Prerequisite(s): ABA503 and ABA510.

ABA512  Behavior Change Procedures II  (3.0 Credits)  

An advanced seminar on behavior change procedures. Study the factors that influence program development, including system and family variables, implementation of programs with treatment integrity, and the supervision and management of behavior change agents.

Prerequisite(s): ABA511.

ABA513  Verbal Behavior  (3.0 Credits)  

An introduction to Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. Students will learn the theoretical and conceptual foundations of verbal behavior and procedures for assessing and teaching verbal operants.

Prerequisite(s): ABA504.

ABA514  Behavioral Interventions for Autism  (3.0 Credits)  

An examination of behavioral interventions (ABA) for individuals with autism across the life span. Course content will focus on early intensive behavioral intervention; interventions that address motor, academic, social, and language skills; assessment of interventions; and vocational training for adults with autism.

Prerequisite(s): ABA511.

ABA515  Stimulus Control  (3.0 Credits)  

An advanced seminar in applied behavior analysis that will focus on the concepts, principles, and applications of stimulus control. Students will acquire a thorough understanding of stimulus control and learn how to design interventions based on stimulus control.

Prerequisite(s): B- or better in ABA503 and ABA511.

ABA529  Special Topics in ABA  (1.0 Credits)  

Exploration of selected areas of applied behavior analysis not covered in the regular curriculum. The course may be repeated when different topics are offered.

ABA550  Practicum in Applied Behav. Analysis  (3.0 Credits)  

Students will gain applied experience under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Experience hours will be accrued according to the experience standards set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students are responsible for arranging their own experience and supervisor arrangements. In-class time will focus on discussion of applied experiences and completion of assignments. Repeatable up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

ABA551  ABA Practicum Continuation  (3.0 Credits)  

Continuation of practicum supervision for individuals who desire to continue their practicum beyond the 6-credit maximum for ABA550. May be taken repeatedly; does not provide credit toward the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credits of successful completion of ABA550 and permission of the director of practica for the Applied Behavior Analysis program.

ABA560  Research in Applied Behavior Analysis  (1.0 Credits)  

Students work under the supervision of a faculty member to develop and conduct a research project. Course is offered on application.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.