M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Washington, D.C.
- Full-Time
- 2 years
The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program prepares students for a rewarding career in the growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis by incorporating the content areas and practicum requirements for eligibility to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). Specifically, this program can help those currently working as behavior technicians or associate-level behavior analysts to take the next step in their careers by preparing them for BCBA® certification.
Graduates may serve many different populations, including children, adults, and seniors. Specific individuals with whom graduates will work may have no diagnoses (e.g., school children in a general education classes or teachers seeking to be more effective) or may have diagnoses such as autism, developmental disabilities, or mental illness. Additionally, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of professional settings, including:
- Organizations
- Residential centers
- Schools
- Community-based settings
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Washington, D.C., Student Experience
The Chicago School’s Washington, D.C., Campus provides students easy access to the historical and cultural riches that our capital city has to offer. Students find themselves close to national monuments and museums, eclectic dining and shopping, and a plethora of organizations and agencies that can provide unparalleled real-world experiences for the psychology professional in training.
Read more about our Washington, D.C., Campus here.
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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, measurable 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.
Behavior Assessment
In this course, students learn to determine the need for behavior analytic services, conduct and interpret the results of behavioral assessments, identify common functions of problem behavior, and create socially meaningful behavior change goals. Assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits, preference assessments, as well as indirect and descriptive assessment, and functional analysis of problem behavior will be examined.
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/.
Within core coursework, students are required to complete six credits of practicum. Practicum courses are designed to meet the requirements of the BACB®.
Application to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that are considered in admission are: GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools, successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree, the admission essay, and letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors. Generally, an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. Applicants must submit official
transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications.
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. The Chicago School requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions.
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Admission essays
- Three letters of recommendation
- $50.00 (USD) application fee
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.
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The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.