Description and Outcomes

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis emphasizes coursework that develops the understanding and application of applied behavioral theories and concepts. Content topics include behavioral assessment, treatment intervention and evaluation using a scientist-practitioner approach with a focus on ethical practice, and management and supervision processes.

The curriculum integrates learning modules to help prepare you to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® (BCBA^®) certification exam. This verified course sequence is designed to prepare you to work in the field of behavior analysis with a diverse population of clients in a variety of community and educational settings.

The program culminates with a capstone experience that incorporates a BCBA certification prep exam. Successful completion of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis meets the educational requirements toward the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential in all states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territory of Guam.

Please refer to the website of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board^®, Inc., for full eligibility requirements as well as the Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams section for important program disclosure information.

Program Length

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program consists of a minimum of 45 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a master of science degree.

Program Outcomes

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Examine how assessment and intervention procedures in applied behavior analysis are derived from behavioral theories and concepts. 
2. Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Evaluate psychological and behavioral theories and concepts in relation to various real-world situations within the field of applied behavior analysis.
3. Research and Analysis: Develop appropriate evidence-based practice strategies using the theoretical and conceptual foundations of applied behavior analysis. 
4. Professionalism and Ethics: Integrate relevant legal, ethical, individual, cultural, and social validity standards and guidelines established within the field of applied behavior analysis.

Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the professional competencies associated with your academic program in the Professional Competencies section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.

Policies

Progression Requirements

1. You can enroll in no more than three courses per term.
2. You may not use credit for prior learning to fulfill the following courses; you must complete these courses at Purdue Global. In addition, to be eligible to satisfy certification requirements and ensure your knowledge is current, you may be required to retake the following courses if you are a returning student and completed them more than 5 years prior to your re-enrollment. You may request exceptions, based on relevant coursework and professional experience, from the Dean or a designee.
    

   Course List

   Code	Title	Credits
   PS507	Ethics for Behavior Analysts	5
   PS555	Applied Behavior Analysis Fieldwork	5
   PS558	Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis	5
   PS560	Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis	5
   PS561	Concepts of Measurement and Experimental Designs	5
   PS562	Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis	5
   PS563	Implementing Procedures for Behavior Change	5
   PS564	Clinical Applications, Supervision, and Management	5
   PS565	Master's Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis	5

Fieldwork Requirements

If you elect to take PS555 Applied Behavior Analysis Fieldwork, you are responsible for locating a site in which to complete those hours and passing a background check for the site. You are also required to complete an orientation. You must complete all pre-fieldwork placement requirements and have permission of the Clinical Placement Team in order to enroll in a course that includes completion of practicum or field placement hours. A list of requirements is available from the Clinical Placement Team.

If you feel that you may not be able to complete the PS555 Applied Behavior Analysis Fieldwork prescribed requirements in 10 weeks, you must contact the Clinical Placement Team in order to gain an extension in the course. If an extension is granted, you will enroll in PS559 Practicum Field Placement Extension which will allow you 10 extra weeks to complete the requirements of PS555 Applied Behavior Analysis Fieldwork. Enrollment in this course will only be granted at the discretion of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

^{The 🌐 icon appears in the title of traditional courses that are also available as a set of module courses. Module course availability may be limited to certain academic calendars. See Course Types for information about module courses.}

Program Requirements