Psychology - Behavior Analysis and Therapy, MS (53-991) (30 hours)

Student Learning Outcomes - Students enrolled in Behavior Analysis and Therapy courses will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:

• Demonstrate the ability to design and interpret data based on small N research design, e.g., multiple baseline, reversal, alternating treatment.
• Identify ethical and legal issues encountered by behavior analysts in research, educational, and practice settings.
• Articulate strategies for managing ethical dilemmas encountered by behavior analysts.
• Describe and explain how contextual factors and affect learning and behavior .
• Evaluate the reliability and validity of direct and indirect assessment methods and measures.
• Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of function-based interventions
• Use written and oral communication skills that demonstrate competence in APA style and language of the profession.
• Create works, products, or outcomes that illustrate technological abilities.

This all online program is designed to prepare students for employment that utilizes acquired psychological knowledge and skills as well as provide a basis for further graduate study. Students who pursue the Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy are prepared to work in applied settings as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). To meet the experience requirements for the BCBA exam, two applied practica are required under the supervision of a BCBA or BCBA-D.

Admission

Degree seeking applicants

• Fully admitted to Graduate Studies
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in psychology or education courses at an accredited institution.
• Completion of one undergraduate course in learning/behavior analysis or its equivalent with a grade of B or better.
• Official GRE score of 297 Verbal + Quantitative, preferred.
• Three letters of recommendation and a formal goal statement describing how their professional goals fit within the content and focus of the program.

OR

• Fully admitted to Graduate Studies.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in 12 or more credit hours of graduate Psychology courses at an accredited institution.
• Completion of one undergraduate course in learning/behavior analysis or its equivalent with a grade of B or better.
• Official GRE score of 297 Verbal + Quantitative, preferred.
• Three letters of recommendation and a formal goal statement describing how their professional goals fit within the content and focus of the program.

Selection will be based on the applicant’s GPA, GRE scores, consistency of the statement of purpose with program goals, and letters of recommendation indicating high potential for graduate work in psychology.

Completed applications will be considered on a space available basis until June 30. Admission is for fall semester only. No more than 12 graduate hours taken as a non-degree student (i.e., one not officially admitted to the psychology graduate program) may be applied to the M.S. in Psychology - Behavior Analysis and Therapy. The program coordinator must approve these graduate hours. All courses must also meet the time limits established by the Graduate Studies office. Upon acceptance into the program, the student will be assigned a program graduate advisor and will be able to apply for federal financial aid.

Students should be aware that most graduate courses have prerequisites. These prerequisites must be met before enrolling in the courses. In some situations, a prerequisite may be waived with the consent of the course instructor. Each student must pass a writing proficiency exam prior to filing a program of study. A score of 3.5 or higher on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE satisfies the writing proficiency exam requirement.

Non Degree Seeking Post Graduate Course Work Leading to the BCBA credential

• Hold a Master’s degree in psychology or education.
• Fully admitted to UCM by the graduate school.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in psychology or education courses at an accredited institution.
• Completion of one undergraduate course in learning/behavior analysis or its equivalent with a grade of B or better.

Students admitted to the MS-BAT program will complete the 30 hour curriculum leading to the Master of Science degree.