Affiliation: School of Business and Professional Studies
The principles and techniques of behavior analysis have been studied and developed over many decades. Historically, behavior analysts have practiced in the area of developmental disabilities, such as autism. But today a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) opens doors to careers in business management, occupational safety, education and even specialized roles like FBI profiling - showcasing the broad applicability of ABA skills.
This program is designed to meet the coursework content hour requirement set by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The program focuses on mastering key skills required for certification and putting those into practice through internship coursework. BCBA certification requires a graduate degree in ABA, practical experience (fieldwork) and passing a certification exam. Becoming certified as a BCBA enables individuals to apply for licensure in their state of residency, where licensure is required.
Graduates can advance their careers as BCBAs, working in schools, healthcare, and private practice. ABA principles are transforming fields such as human resources, workplace safety, and special education-enabling professionals to design effective interventions and improve outcomes for individuals and organizations. Unique occupations for Applied Behavior Analysts include Business/Human Resource Management, Occupational Safety, FBI profiler and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
The program focuses on mastering key skills required for certification and putting those into practice through internship coursework.
Please visit the Graduate Studies website for updates.
ACCREDITATION
The ABAI has found this program eligible to apply for recognition via the Tiered Model of Education.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Applied Behavior Analysis graduate program at Truman State University has the following objectives:
- Students will apply behavior analysis theories, practices, and policies to working with individuals and organizations .
- Students will understand and be able to complete single-subject research designs when implementing treatments to determine their effectiveness.
- Students will address behavioral deficits and concerns using applied behavior analytic concepts and principles.
- Students will understand the specific ethical concerns and guidelines that guide the fields of behavior analysis.
- Student will assess and interpret relevant behavior analysis literature.
PROGRAM GOALS
Upon completing the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis program, each graduate will:
- Possess and apply the knowledge base to interact with clients in their chosen area of specialization;
- Engage in self-reflective practice, including the ability to evaluate personal strengths and growth areas and to develop self-improvement and self-care plans;
- Understand and employ standards of ethical practice in their chosen profession;
- Embody a professional identity when working with individuals, their families, and organizations; and
- Make decisions balancing professional standards, common practice, current research, family systems, and individual cultural values.
The Applied Behavior Analysis program is offered exclusively online following a cohort model and is designed to meet the most accepted national standards for BCBA preparation: those of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACBTM) and the accreditation requirements of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). In accordance with these standards, completion of either the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program along with the field work requirements, set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), meet the necessary requirements to become eligible to take the BCBA Certification Exam.
Qualified applicants are admitted each year. Courses follow an 8 week block schedule with two 8 week blocks during each of the fall and spring semesters. Students with recent credit from an ABAI program may request a transfer of up to 6 hours of graduate coursework. The Applied Behavior Analysis program reserves the right to deny a transfer of credit for other courses from ABAI-accredited programs, particularly if, in the judgment of the faculty, the proposed transfer course does not adequately align with the Truman curriculum. Students must supply the course syllabus from the section and the semester the course was taken.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission, a prospective student must submit:
- Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, reflecting an earned baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education or the extra-national equivalent.
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- A personal statement, as described on the departmental website.
- A completed criminal background check dated within 1 year of admission.
An applicant with a bachelor’s degree granted by an institution outside the United States must include a transcript evaluation provided by a service listed on the admissions website. Please see the International Graduate Student Admission section of this catalog for other applicable information.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completion of all program coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- No grade below a ‘C’ may count toward degree requirements. Regardless of GPA, no more than two grades of ‘C’ may count.
- Completion of all required internship experiences.
- Successful resolution of any ethical or professional concerns formally expressed by the program faculty.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
All students must complete a background screening with the Missouri Family Care Registry as part of their application to the program. The background screening must be current within one year.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) grants a national certification. Graduates seeking Board Certified Behavior Analyst status must first apply and take the Behavior Analyst Certification exam offered by the BACB® before practicing independently. In addition, some states require licensure to practice and have specific licensure laws and regulations. Students should consult the state licensing board in their state of residence to verify any additional requirements for their state. Upon certification by the BACB, indiviudals may apply for licensure in their respective state. Truman State University maintains a website with state licensure information, updated annually at http://consumerinformation.truman.edu/stateauthorization/.
Additionally, specific information about which states require licensure prior to practice, their specific requirements, and instructions to apply can be found here: http://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/. Students are expected to update their permanent address each semester to help ensure they can be properly informed about changes in licensure rules in their home state.
DISMISSAL
The department may dismiss students who do not meet the program’s standards for academic performance or for concerns related to the ethical or professional standards described in the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Students will complete a course on the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (the “Code”) prior to graduation. The “Code” can be found here: http://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BACB-Compliance-Code-english_190318.pdf.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: 32 Credits
