Download Catalog Program and Course Descriptions

Aurora University Course Catalog
2016-2017
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
This program is offered in Aurora.
Program Description
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a field that utilizes basic behavioral principles to
address behavior challenges of social significance. This program emphasizes a natural
science approach to the study of human behavior and will introduce you to ways of
viewing everyday behavior that differs from the way behavior is typically talked about in
everyday speak. You will be introduced to the basic and applied research that serves
as the foundation for applied behavior analysis and effective behavioral treatments.
The course sequence is designed to meet the requirements of the Behavior Analysts
Certification Boards (BACB) 4th Edition Task List, and includes practicum courses that
will require you to the use skills learned in the classroom in clinical settings.
Program Goals
• Train effective and informed applied behavior analysts
• Provide hands-on training both inside and outside of the classroom
Admission Requirements
• Complete the Graduate Application for Admission at aurora.edu/auapply.
• Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (minimum
2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale).
• Submit transcripts (official, sealed in envelope) for all prior college and/or
university credit. Aurora University accepts official electronic transcripts at [email protected].
• Submit your current curriculum vita or detailed resume.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with your
professional or academic abilities.
• Submit a Statement of Purpose. Your personal statement should be typewritten,
double-spaced narrative of two to three pages and reflect standards of graduatelevel writing. It should describe your motivation and aspiration for becoming a
behavior analyst. The following questions may be used as a guide:
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a. How did you become interested in Applied Behavior Analysis?
b. What are your current interests in Applied Behavior Analysis?
c. What are your future goals in relation to Applied Behavior Analysis?
*Admission interviews are generally not required. However, the ABA committee may
request an interview for additional candidate information.
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Required Courses
Courses designed to meet BACB requirements
ABA5100 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
ABA5200 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
ABA5300 Clinical and Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
ABA5400 Behavioral Assessment (3)
ABA6200 Behavioral Interventions (3)
ABA6400 Professional and Ethical Issues (3)
Practicum Course
ABA6900 Intensive Practicum (9)
Additional Required Courses
ABA6100 Theory and Philosophy (3)
ABA6300 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
ABA6500 Capstone Course (3)
ABA6810 Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
Course Description(s)
ABA5100 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
This course provides a foundation for beginning graduate students in the experimentally
derived principles of respondent and operant conditioning and the role of those
principles in accounting for the behavior of humans and non-humans. This course,
the first in a sequence of courses, provides an in-depth introduction to the philosophy,
concepts, and principles of behavior analysis.
Semester hours: 3
ABA5200 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is an introduction to applied behavior analysis, which is a field dedicated to
the application of behavioral principles and procedures. We will cover basic principles
such as reinforcement, stimulus control, extinction, etc. and we will address how these
principles are commonly used in addressing behavioral problems of social significance.
In addition, we will cover particular topics such as drug and alcohol abuse, classroom
management, developmental disabilities, among others.
Semester hours: 3
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ABA5300 Clinical and Research Methods in Applied Behavior
Analysis
This course covers behavior measurement systems and single subject (within subject)
experimental designs. Sound understanding of these topics is critical to the success
of any practicing applied behavior analysts. In the class you will learn how to construct
behavioral definitions, data collection systems, critically evaluate research, and methods
for evaluating the effectiveness of clinical interventions.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA5100 and ABA5200.
ABA5400 Behavioral Assessment
This course covers the topic of behavioral assessment. Behavioral assessment is
a large part of any practicing applied behavior analyst’s daily duties. In this course
students will take what they have learned in previous courses and practicum experience
and apply it to behavior problems of social significance. Specifically, students will define
behavioral excesses and deficits in behavioral terms, define environmental variables in
observable and measurable terms, identify critical information in records, design and
implement behavioral assessments, and learn how to interpret assessment results.
Additionally, students will be required to explain the results of these assessments in
non-technical language and participate in simulated interdisciplinary team meetings.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA5100 and ABA5200.
ABA6100 Theory and Philosophy for ABA Practitioners
This course will familiarize students with some of the historical, theoretical, and
philosophical viewpoints that characterize radical behaviorism…the philosophy that
gave rise to applied behavior analysis. During the course students will be presented
with the various theoretical and philosophical positions that define radical behaviorism.
During the course each of the topics will be addressed and the practical significance of
each of these positions will be discussed.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA5300 and ABA5400.
ABA6200 Behavioral Interventions
This course is designed to further students’ working knowledge of behavioral
interventions. In this course students will be explore the scholarly research that has
given rise to common behavioral treatments and discuss the benefits and limitations
of various behavioral interventions. Additionally, students will be required to develop
interventions targeting both skill acquisition and behavior reduction.
Semester hours: 3
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Prerequisite(s): ABA6100 and ABA6300.
ABA6300 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is designed to further students’ working knowledge of various intellectual
and developmental disabilities and contemporary issues that applied behavior analysts
encounter in the workplace. Throughout the course students will lead discussions
describing the etiology, behavioral characteristics, special considerations, and areas of
issues future research for various intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA5300 and ABA5400.
ABA6400 Professional and Ethical Issues
This course is designed to familiarize students with the Guidelines for Responsible
Conduct for Behavior Analysts that was developed by the Behavior Analysis
Certification Board (BACB). Throughout the course students will review scholarly work
and cases relevant to each of the guidelines outlined by the BACB.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA6100 and ABA6300.
ABA6500 Capstone Course
This course is designed to serve as a final evaluation for graduating students.
Students will be required to complete a capstone project that demonstrates basic the
competencies of a practicing behavior analyst and pass a comprehensive examination.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA6200 and ABA6400.
ABA6810 Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is designed to discuss new advances in the field of applied behavior
analysis. Topics include but are not limited to the following: verbal behavior, relational
frame theory, staff training, assessment and treatment considerations for specific
populations, etc.
Semester hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ABA6200 and ABA6400.
ABA6900 Intensive Practicum
(3 semester hours each taken over 3 semesters) This course is designed to meet
the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Intensive Practicum requirements.
Students will be required to complete 20 hours a week of supervised experience that
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focuses on the development of new behavior-analytic skills (see bacb.com for more
information about activities that qualify).
Semester hours: 9
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