Special Education -MEd, Guided Studies - Applied Behavior Analysis

Program Chair

Robert Shapiro, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Nermin Bayazit, PhD
Lyndsey Benharris, PhD
Anne Howard, PhD
Laurie Link, EdD
Margaret O’Hearn-Curran, PhD
Phillip Saisa, EdD
Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D
Annette Sullivan, EdD

Program Overview

The Special Education Guided Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis program will meet the needs of individuals who are seeking a master’s degree as well as the necessary coursework to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Students complete four required courses, including a capstone course on implementation of best practices, and 30 credits in three goal areas with content meeting the standards for a Verified Course Sequence in Applied Behavior Analysis according to the Association for Behavior Analysis International and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, as well as courses related to Autism, a primary area of service delivery in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Candidates completing a Master of Education in Special Education Guided Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (Online), upon graduation are expected to: 

• develop an ability to effectively implement techniques and strategies based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• develop an ability to implement evidence-based interventions and assess students with Autism.
• develop an understanding of the importance of including all team members, including the child, when designing and considering intervention options.
• develop an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of behavior analysts, and act accordingly.
• satisfy the coursework and degree requirements necessary to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Prerequisite

• SPED 7024 - Understanding Disabilities and Diversity OR at least one Special Education course at the undergraduate or graduate level within the past 5 years  

Required Courses, (9 credits)

• EDUC 9300 - Educational Research
• EDUC 9005 - Dynamic Perspectives in Education
• SPED 9005 - Dynamic Perspectives in Education
• SPED 9200 - Consultation and Collaboration Strategies

Individual Goal Area Courses (27 credits)

Goal Area I: Behavior Analysis

• SPED 8013 - Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
• SPED 8028 - Research Methods in Behavior Analysis Comprehensive
• SPED 8029 - Behavior Change Procedures

Goal Area II: Behavior Analysis

• SPED 8032 - Identification of the Problem/Assessment
• SPED 8033 - Implementation, Management and Supervision
• SPED 8034 - Ethical & Professional Issues

Goal Area III: Behavior Analysis

• SPED 8050 - Philosophical Underpinning ABA
• SPED 8040 - Foundations and Characteristics of Autism
• SPED 8041 - Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

CAPSTONE:

• EDUC 9510 - Capstone: Implementation of Best Practices

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Total for Degree: 39 Credits