M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Washington, D.C.
- Full-Time, Part-Time
- 2 Years Full-Time, 2-5 Years Part-Time
The Chicago School’s Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis in Washington D.C. provides students with a solid foundation in the principles of behavior analysis, equipping them with the skills to bring about socially significant behavioral changes through data-based program development. Students will be challenged to become leaders in the field of applied behavior analysis through the use of research-based teaching and innovative technology.
Guided by practitioner faculty, students gain experience and exposure in a wide variety of ABA applications and specialties, including:
- Early intervention techniques
- Problem behavior
- Verbal behavior
The M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis in Washington D.C. is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) as meeting the educational and/or experience requirements necessary to qualify for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BACB®) exam. The program challenges students to develop the depth and breadth of knowledge necessary to pass the BCBA® certification exam and become a successful professional BCBA®.
M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis in Washington D.C. Student Experience
Surrounded by much of the nation’s historical and cultural riches, students will have the opportunity to benefit from a location essential to much of the United States’ political, governmental, and multi-national affairs.
Expanding on the success of the Chicago, Los Angeles, and Orange County, Calif. campuses, the D.C. campus reflects The Chicago School’s commitment to diversity and effort to expand mental health services to multicultural and underserved communities.
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Science and Human Behavior
Designed to enhance a student’s understanding of the application of behavior analysis to individual and social problems, with an emphasis on the philosophical bases of behavior analysis. Students read Skinner’s seminal text, Science and Human Behavior, in which he describes behavioral and cultural analyses, as well as critiques and related articles. The major objective of the class includes understanding and critiquing Skinner’s approach to the study and control of individual and group behavior. Topics include discussing individual behavior that seems difficult to study with a behavior-analytic approach (e.g., private events) as well as control of group behavior and the problems associated with such control. Students will be able to discuss the pros and cons of Skinner’s perspective, identify the aspects of his beliefs with which they agree or disagree, and explain their own perspectives.
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.
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/.
The specialization requires seven credits (1000 clock hours) of field-based clinical training (practicum training, see BACB.com for supervision requirements) held at approved sites.
Send materials to:
Admissions Operations
c/o The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601
Application to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s M.S. 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. Students applying to the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program must submit the following:
- Application
- Application Fee: $50
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- 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.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Appropriate recommendations are from professors and/or supervisors from significant work or volunteer experiences, who can appraise your academic or professional performance. If you are mailing in your letters they should arrive in a sealed envelope, signed across the seal. You can also submit the letters online via the applicant portal.
- 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.
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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.
