Education: Applied Behavioral Analysis (Graduate Certificate)
The Program
The Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations Graduate Certificate Program is designed to provide students with knowledge, concepts, and skills so that they may serve as effective practitioners who can assess, design, implement, and evaluate applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs for students and adults with special needs. This program follows the established national curriculum that will enable students to meet (1) the professional competencies (identified through a national research process) that individuals will need as Applied Behavior Analysis Practitioners, and (2) course eligibility requirements to sit for the examination at the BCBA or BCABA level.
The program was developed by UMass Boston’s Center for Social Development and Education (CSDE) in collaboration with Melmark New England and the Graduate College of Education. A research and training institute, CSDE is dedicated to promoting quality education and social development for students of all ages, particularly those at risk for academic and social failure. Since its inception in 1979, CSDE has developed and implemented a variety of programs that address the changing needs of students, families, schools, and the community. Melmark New England is a private, not-for-profit, community-based organization dedicated to serving children and adolescents within the autism spectrum disorders. The program uses an interdisciplinary team approach based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis and positive behavioral supports. In addition to its center-based program, Melmark New England is committed to supporting public school personnel so that they may educate students within their own neighborhood schools.
The Curriculum
This graduate certificate program is delivered in four courses of three credits each. A fifth course will be required for licensure in September 2005 by the national Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Through these courses the participating educators, counselors, and consultants will gain the knowledge, concepts, and skills to plan, implement, and assess applied behavioral analysis programs for qualified children and adults.
The first two courses, Basic Principles I and II, provide the tools, methodology, and ethical considerations that must be addressed for any ABA techniques to be utilized. The third course, Extended Applications, expands the use of the methodology to long-range outcomes, generalization, and emergency situations. The fourth course, Special Settings and Services, focuses upon the application of the skills, knowledge, and concepts to special populations, such as those with acquired head injuries and those who are extremely self-destructive. During this final course, participants will also have the opportunity to learn the skills that are helpful when working with others, such as parents, across settings.
Students will receive guided practice with each course’s content by developing a Case Study, which may be course-specific or continue across several courses. Successful completion of all courses will meet the education requirement to sit for the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) licensing examination.
Degree Requirements
The program comprises four 3-credit courses for a total of 12 credits, and will seek approval of an additional 3-credit course that will be added in fall 2005 to meet a new BACB requirement. Each course is offered for a total of 45 hours. Graduate credits earned in this certificate program may be incorporated within a UMass Boston master’s degree in education, or either a master’s degree or CAGS in counseling, with approval of the relevant graduate program director.
Admission Requirements
Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication.
Participants must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, psychology, or a related field that is approved by the program coordinator or instructor.
For additional information, please contact:
Mary E. Brady, Ph.D.
Center for Social Development and Education
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393
mary.brady@umb.edu OR 617.287.7254
Faculty
; BCBA • Applied Behavior Analysis: Research to Practice • Ethical Practices • Functional Behavior Assessment (Part-time)
• Administration and Program Design • Curriculum Development for Students with Severe Disabilities
; BCBA • Applied Behavior Analysis: Research Design • Behavior Consultation • Early Childhood Autism (Part-time)
; MA, Framingham State College; BCBA • Applied Behavior Analysis: Behavioral Consultation • Autism Treatment • Staff Training • Transition from School to Adult Life (Part-time)
; BCBA • Applied Behavior Analysis: Autism Treatment • Early Intervention • Home-Based Supports (Part-time)
; BCBA • Organizational Behavior Management • Systems Analysis • Applied Behavior Analysis: Traumatic Brain Injury • Autism (Part-time)
; BCBA • Applied Behavioral Analysis: Behavioral Consultation • Standard Celeration Charting • Methodologies (Part-time)
; BCBA • Staff Training • Performance Management • Applied Behavior Analysis • Student Educational Plans • Curriculum Development (Part-time)
; BCBA • Applied Behavior Analysis: Systematic Manipulation • Functional Behavioral Assessment (Part-time)
Courses
EDC G 651
Applied Behavior Analysis: Basic Principles I
The intent of this course is to provide students with the basic applied behavior analysis concepts and skills. The curriculum has been approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board in the initial content areas of Ethical Considerations, Definitions and Characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis and Basic Principles of Behavior. Students will complete an extensive case study planned and implemented to demonstrate mastery of the course competencies. This course also meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.™ requirements for ethical and professional standards issues relevant to the practice of behavior analysis (10 hrs) and basic behavior analytic principles (35 hrs).
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
EDC G 652
Applied Behavior Analysis: Basic Principles II
This course is an extension of ABA: Basic Principles I in that it seeks to provide students with advanced concepts and skills in applied behavioral analysis. The curriculum has been approved by the national Behavioral Analyst Certification Board as addressing competencies in the following areas: Behavior Assessment Characteristics and Rational, Descriptive Analysis Methods, Systematic Interpretations. Students will complete an extensive case study planned and implemented to demonstrate mastery of the course competencies. This course also meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.™ (BACB) requirements for basic behavior analytic principles (10 hrs), application of behavior analytic principles and methods in applied settings (15 hrs), and single-subject research methods (20 hrs).
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
EDC G 653
Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations: Extended Applications
This course will provide students with the opportunity to expand their concepts and skills in applied behavior analysis so that they are able to manage long-term behavior change processes and promote generalization of the learned behaviors to other life situations. The curriculum has been approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board as addressing competencies in the following content areas: Selection of Targets for Change and Intermediate and Ultimate Outcomes, General Issues Regarding the Selection of Behavior Change Procedures, Behavior Change Procedures, Generalization and Maintenance of Behavior Change, Managing Emergencies, and Transfer of Technology. Students will complete an extensive case study planned and implemented to demonstrate mastery of the course competencies. This course also meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.™ (BACB) requirements for the following: ethical and professional standards (10 hrs) and application of behavior analytic principles (35 hrs).
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
EDC G 654
Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations: Settings and Supports
This advanced course offers intensive study of selected topics in the field of applied behavior analysis. The curriculum has been approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board as addressing competencies in the application of behavioral analytic principles, methods in applied settings, and other behavioral principles. Researchers, practitioners, and parents will provide insights into current issues regarding the use of behavioral techniques with unique populations, settings, and applications. These issues might include specialized methodology for working with young children or with students who have experienced head injury. Techniques for using behavioral methodology for staff evaluations and training will also be explored. Students will complete an extensive case study planned and implemented to demonstrate mastery of the course competencies. This fourth course also meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.™ (BACB) requirements in the application of behavior analytic principles and methods in applied settings and other behavioral principles (45.5 hrs).
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits