Vicky G. Spencer, Associate Professor of ABA
Halpin-Harrison Hall, Room 115, vspencer@su.edu

The Online Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis emphasizes the analysis and design of the environment to improve the performance of individuals as varied as children or adults with autism, parents of challenging children and the corporate executive attempting to maximize the productivity of employees. The online program consists of 33 credit hours, including 21 credit hours in the ABAI-verified course sequence, six (6) credit hours of electives and six (6) credit hours for a capstone project. Each of the courses include both synchronous and asynchronous classes which ensures that students will get to know their instructors and their peers. The curriculum is designed to meet the BACB’s 5th Edition coursework requirements, which go into effect in January 2022, and to prepare students to sit for the 5th Edition BCBA certification examination.

Upon completion of the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis, students will:

• Understand and apply ethical considerations in behavior analysis.
• Master the concepts and principles of behavior analysis.
• Identify and apply appropriate measurement systems of behavior.
• Apply experimental design skills to behavior analysis.
• Understand fundamental and specific elements of behavior change.
• Design and apply procedures to evaluate the efficacy of their diagnoses and interventions.
• Identify and apply intervention strategies, including plans for unwanted effects.
• Apply behavior change systems.
• Implement a behavior change management and supervision program.
• Develop expertise in a behavior analytic application such as autism, organizational behavior management and behavioral pharmacology.

Admissions Requirements

Minimum undergraduate major grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

An essay statement of the applicant’s reasons for applying to the Applied Behavior Analysis program, including what factors influenced the decision and how this program will help the individual to reach professional goals.

Three letters of recommendation written by professors, supervisors or other persons engaged in the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis or other human services professions.

This is a cohort program, and admission is limited to Fall semester only. Students complete the program in four or five terms (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall).