Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
Berkshire’s Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis program is designed for those who have a true passion for working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with neurodiverse conditions that benefit from behavior change systems. Our curriculum focuses on preparing you to sit for the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) exam.
ABA is an in-demand and rewarding profession that makes an impact in clients’ lives. It’s a type of therapy focused on helping the patient to modify their behaviors. When successful, ABA can help the patient establish or improve a wide range of critical skills, including social skills, employment-related skills, communication skills, academic skills, and hygiene-related or self-care skills.
Program Requirements
ABA 620 Philosophical Underpinning ABA – 4.50
This course identifies the goals of behavioral analysis as a science, explains the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis, describes and explains behavior from the perspective of radical behaviorism and the dimensions of ABA, and distinguishes among the four branches of ABA.
ABA 622 Concepts and Principles of ABA – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 620
Defines the field’s fundamental elements: behavior and the environmental antecedent and consequential events that influence it; and introduces key terms and principles that describe relationships among these elements.
ABA 624 Measurement and Design – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 622
Role of measurement in behavior analysis, how to assess the social significance of potential target behaviors, how to interpret graphically displayed data, options for setting criteria for behavior change, state intervention goals in observable and measurable terms, identify potential interventions based on assessment results, and recommend interventions goals and strategies.
ABA 626 Functional Behavior Assessment – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 624
Describes an assessment process that explores the purpose a behavior serves for a person, how to conduct a functional analysis of problem behavior, interpret functional assessment data, and the role in treating and preventing problem behaviors.
ABA 628 Behavioral Change Procedures – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 626
Focuses on promoting improved significant social changes in an individual’s life and defines the major types of generalized behavior change and strategies and tactics applied behavior analysts use to achieve them.
ABA 630 Developing ABA Interventions – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 628
Describes how to state intervention goals in observable and measurable terms, identify potential interventions based on assessment results, and recommend interventions, strategies, and goals.
ABA 632 Ethics Compliance Code – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 630
Outlines standards of professional practice a code of conduct for behavior analyst, describes strategies and tactics for providing ethically sound client services, and how to achieve, maintain, and to maintain and extend professional competence.
ABA 634 Supervision and Management – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 632
The course focuses on providing the supervisor with instructions on how to facilitate ABA programming with supervises, and to evaluate the effects of supervision.
ABA 636 Application of ABA Skills – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 634
This course is designed to help students achieve fluency skills in applied behavioral skills.
ABA 670 ABA Capstone Project – 4.50
Prerequisite: ABA 636
The course is designed to utilize within-subject design research strategies when conducting an applied behavior analytical experiment.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, students must complete at least 45 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 4.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution. To effectively transfer units to this degree, the transferable units were not previously used in earning another advanced degree. In addition, the coursework was completed within the past 7 years. Course equivalence cannot be granted for life experience. Please refer to the graduate information section of the University catalog for admission and evaluation.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Understand key principles of behavior analysis, including terminology and foundational concepts
Apply behavior analytic techniques to design and implement effective interventions for behavior change
Develop behavior change programs that incorporate individualized strategies, data collection methods, and measurement systems.
Assess the ethical considerations involved in behavior analysis practices, including client rights and professional conduct.
Integrate knowledge and skill in the identification of the function of the behavior and the development of an intervention.
Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including educators, psychologists, and healthcare professionals, to achieve behavior change goals.
Admissions
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.