Online Psychology Master’s Degree Program
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration
- Online
- Full-Time, Part-Time
- 1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
The online M.A. in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration degree program equips graduates with a comprehensive, foundational knowledge of psychology while providing them the opportunity to learn behavior analytic theories and procedures. This Master of Arts in Psychology program with a concentration in applied behavior analysis may also provide a bridge to more advanced studies and certifications in this specialized area.
Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration students will take 21 credit hours in foundational psychology, 9 credit hours within their Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration, and 6 credit hours in an applied research project focused on Applied Behavior Analysis. Guided by practitioner faculty, students in the Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (ABA) online degree program are introduced to ABA interventions and learn how to design appropriate approaches to behavior modification related to developmental disabilities, geriatric conditions, behavioral and learning difficulties, and mental illness.
With a strong understanding of how behavior analysis can be applied to children, adults, and seniors, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration graduates will be prepared to advance their careers in several areas including:
- Counseling
- Education
- Government agencies
- Social work
- Nonprofit
- Mental health
- Treatment Centers
Students will be required to complete an Applied Research Project over the course of their studies.
Student Experience: Online M.A. in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration Program
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology® allows you to work around your busy schedule with the convenience of online degree programs. Our online Global Student Dashboard is where you will find all of the components you need to successfully complete your M.A. in Psychology, ABA Concentration online degree program. There, you will find your coursework and interact with fellow students and professors.
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Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysis is a natural science approach to the prediction, control, and understanding of behavior. Students will first be introduced to the philosophical assumptions of determinism, empiricism, parsimony, and pragmatism. Students will then learn to identify and describe the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis. These will include operant conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement, basic schedules of reinforcement, extinction, positive and negative punishment, using primary and establishing secondary reinforcers and punishers, establishing stimulus and motivational control, and establishing discrimination and generalization training procedures. In addition, students will learn to identify, describe, and apply common behavior change procedures including shaping, chaining, and differential reinforcement.
Measurement and Design in Behavior Analysis
This course addresses the measurement of behavior, data display, interpretation of data, and experimental design. Aspects of measurement including behavior definition, measureable dimensions of behavior, measurement systems and their selection, and data collection, graphing, and interpretation will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures including interobserver agreement, social validity, and treatment integrity. This course also covers the uses and defining features of single-subject experimental designs as well as their advantages and limitations.
Professional Ethics and Issues
Professional, ethical, and legal issues related to the practice of behavior analysis are critically examined. Students read ethical guidelines relevant to behavior analysis and apply those guidelines to ethical scenarios and dilemmas. Supplementary materials illustrate or elaborate on various issues, including the history of ethics in behavior analysis and current ethical and professional issues.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.
The M.A. Psychology, ABA Concentration online degree program does not include internships or a traditional thesis option; rather, students will complete an Applied Research Project over the course of their studies that reflects their grasp of the ABA program’s learning outcomes and their ability to integrate this learning and apply it to workplace situation or other life contexts.
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Admissions Operations
c/o The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601
Application to the M.A. in Psychology, ABA Concentration online degree program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Students applying to the M.A. in Psychology, ABA Concentration program must submit the following:
- Application
- Apply Online
- Application Fee: $50
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Students should ensure their resume properly highlights two or more years of post-baccalaureate work experience.
- Essay: Please answer the following question within three double spaced typed pages (approximately 500-750 words). Essay must specifically address the program/specialization for which you are applying.
- Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe:
- Why you chose this particular program/specialization. Cite specific experiences and examples.
- Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity (see our Commitment to Diversity Statement).
- Your professional career goals as they relate to this specialization.
- Why you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals.
- Official College/University Transcripts
- Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where degrees have been earned. The Chicago School requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the institution or with your application for admission as long as they are official, sealed, and signed across the envelope flap when they arrive.
- GRE Exam
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, students who have taken the exam may submit their scores to enhance their application. Scores should be sent directly to the school (GRE School Code: 1119) for consideration.
- Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe:
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone, regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
