Graduate

Applied Behavior Analysis

Learn the science of behavior so that you can influence change and solve socially significant problems.

Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Program Tracks Available

On campus

Admission Deadline

Fall: July 15 (Fall 2020 semester begins August 17)

Degrees Offered

M.A., C.A.G.S.

School

School of Graduate Studies

Department

Psychology

Program Overview

Program Viewbook

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs at Assumption University prepare students for careers as applied behavior analysts, and graduates of our programs will be well-prepared for both clinical and research-based positions. Our programs teach the science of behavior, which is essential for individuals interested in autism, general and special education, developmental and intellectual disabilities, social work and related fields.

The multi-disciplinary focus of the ABA programs provides opportunities to work with faculty in the psychology, human services and rehabilitation studies, and education departments.

The coursework covers both typical and atypical development, and the comprehensive curriculum covers the applied, experimental, and conceptual branches of behavior analysis.

Fieldwork experience is built into the program, allowing students to gain competency in implementing behavior-analytic interventions under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in a manner that is integrated with their coursework. Students in the master’s program also have the ability to pursue either an applied or research track through tailored coursework.

The program meets coursework and fieldwork requirements to apply for licensure as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts. The course sequence has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting the education requirements to apply to sit for the BCBA exam. Our combined pass rate on the BCBA from August 2018 to August 2019 is 85.7%, compared with the national average of 65% for 2018.

Program Contact

Susan M. Cahill

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Schedule a Conversation

508-767-7365 sm.cahill@assumption.edu Admissions House - Room 205

Karen Lionello-DeNolf, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Director of Applied Behavior Analysis

508-767-7498 k.lionellodenolf@assumption.edu Kennedy Memorial Hall - Room 144

Sabine Prizio

Academic Affairs Support Team

508-767-7297 sprizio@assumption.edu Kennedy Hall - Room 169

Why ABA at Assumption?

No application fee

Course sequence verified by ABAI

1,500 to 2,000

Fieldwork experience hours

85.7%

Assumption’s combined pass rate on the BACB exam for August 2018 to August 2019

Pursue either an applied or research track through tailored coursework

GRE not required

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Program Curriculum

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 46-credit program that can be completed in two years. Classes are held during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Two to three classes will be taken each semester, and each class meets once per week in the evening. A 52-credit thesis option is also available. The coursework includes the applied, experimental and conceptual branches of behavior analysis, so students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them to work in a variety of settings. Students interested in gaining research experience can pursue a thesis option in which they conduct an applied research project.

A benefit of the program is that it includes practicum classes that will allow students to obtain supervision of fieldwork hours in a manner that is coordinated with their coursework. The practicum sequence is overseen by a practicum coordinator and supervision is provided by BCBAs with extensive experience providing training to students.

Students who complete this program will have met the coursework and fieldwork experience requirements to apply for licensure as applied behavior analysts in Massachusetts and to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam (under the 5th Edition Task List). Applicants may need to meet additional requirements to qualify.

Required Courses

Behavior Analysis Courses

ABA 500	Principles of Learning and Behavior Analysis*
ABA 501	Measurement and Research Methods in Behavior Analysis*
ABA 600	Behavioral and Functional Assessment*
ABA 601	Behavior-Analytic Interventions I*
ABA 602	Behavior-Analytic Interventions II*
ABA 603	Ethical, Legal and Professional Topics in Behavior Analysis*
ABA 604	Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis*
ABA 605	The Experimental Analysis of Behavior
ABA 804	Integrative Seminar in ABA

Behavior-Analytic Fieldwork Courses

ABA 700	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I
ABA 701	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis II
ABA 702	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis III
ABA 703	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis IV
ABA 710	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I: Group Supervision

Interdisciplinary Electives (Choose 2)

ASD 640	Collaboration and Coordination: Autism Spectrium Disorders or
RCP 530	Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice
ABA 503	Behavior Analysis and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or
ASD 600	Foundations and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
PSY 502	Psychology of Development or
SCP 545	Human Growth and Development through the Life Span or
SED 563	Developmental Pathways and Challenges
ABA 704	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis V

Optional Courses

ABA 800	Pre-thesis Seminar in ABA
ABA 801	MA Thesis in ABA I
ABA 802	MA Thesis in ABA II
ABA 803	MA Thesis in ABA III

*ABAI Verified Course Sequence course

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying exam is required for all students in the Applied Behavior Analysis M.A. and C.A.G.S. programs. The exam itself will be conducted in such a way as to maximize your opportunity to exhibit integration of the theoretical, basic, applied, and ethical principles learned across the curriculum. Students completing the optional thesis in ABA will complete a thesis defense in lieu of the qualifying exam.

Assumption cannot guarantee that students successfully completing the program will pass the certification exam or become licensed.

View 2020-21 Course Descriptions

View Summer 2020 Course Offerings

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

A 37-credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis is offered to students who have completed a master’s degree in any field of study and wish to complete the coursework and fieldwork requirements to sit for the BCBA exam. The C.A.G.S. consists of seven courses on applied behavior analysis (the BACB Verified Course Sequence), practicum courses, and an integrative seminar in ABA.

Required Courses*

ABA 500	Principles of Learning and Behavior Analysis*
ABA 501	Measurement and Research Methods in Behavior Analysis*
ABA 600	Behavioral and Functional Assessment*
ABA 601	Behavior-Analytic Interventions I*
ABA 602	Behavior-Analytic Interventions II*
ABA 603	Ethical, Legal and Professional Topics in Behavior Analysis
ABA 604	Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis*
ABA 804	Integrative Seminar in ABA

*Verified Course Sequence course

Required Practicum Courses

ABA 700	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I
ABA 701	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis II
ABA 702	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis III
ABA 703	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis IV
ABA 710	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis: Group Supervision

Students may choose to take additional courses from among the following electives for additional credit:

ABA 503	Behavior Analysis and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
ABA 605	The Experimental Analysis of Behavior
ABA 704	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis V
ASD 600	Foundations and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD 640	Collaboration and Consultation: Autism Spectrum Disorder
PSY 502	Psychology of Development
SCP 545	Human Growth and Development through the Life Span
SED 563	Developmental Pathways and Challenges
RCP 530	Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying exam is required for all students in the applied behavior analysis M.A. and C.A.G.S. programs. The exam itself will be conducted in such a way as to maximize your opportunity to exhibit integration of the theoretical, basic, applied, and ethical principles learned across the curriculum. Students completing the optional thesis in ABA will complete a thesis defense in lieu of the qualifying exam.

Assumption cannot guarantee that students successfully completing the program will pass the certification exam or become licensed.

View Course Descriptions

View Summer 2020 Course Offerings

Practicum

Fieldwork is an essential part of training to become an applied behavior analyst because it allows you to obtain the competencies needed to accurately assess behavior and develop successful interventions for your clients. Fieldwork experience is gained by working or volunteering in natural environment settings in which you can use ABA when working with people. One benefit of Assumption’s ABA program is that it includes required practicum classes that allow students to obtain supervision of all of their fieldwork hours prior to graduation. There are certain fieldwork requirements that need to be met to apply for licensure and to sit for the BCBA exam. These include:

Working at a site that allows you to work with more than one person.
Working a minimum of 20 hours per month related to behavior analysis.
Supervision by a BCBA who has completed supervisor training, meets the current BACB supervision requirements, and is licensed as an LABA in Massachusetts.
Receiving the minimum percentage of supervised hours and the minimum number of observations and supervisor contacts per supervisory period.

Current BACB Experience Standards state that you need to accumulate 2,000 fieldwork work hours with 5% supervised hours under the Supervised Fieldwork standard or 1,500 fieldwork hours with 10% supervised hours under the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork standard. Assumption’s practicum classes are designed to accommodate either of these standards, depending on the student’s placement. In some cases, students may need to take additional practicum credits to meet fieldwork requirements.

To participate in practicum, you must work or volunteer at a clinical setting where a BCBA who has met the current BACB supervision requirements and is licensed as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts can provide 3 to 4 hours of individual supervision per month. In addition, you must be able to work with multiple clients providing behavior-analytic services for at least 100 hours per month. Students will be asked to identify a practicum placement during their first semester and secure site/supervisor approval from the program director. The program director is available to assist students in identifying an appropriate placement.

Assumption’s practicum courses are aligned with the behavior-analytic coursework. This allows students to gain skill in applying assessments and interventions in a coordinated manner and is a significant advantage of our program. During the first semester, a majority of supervision is provided by practicum instructors in addition to on-site supervisors. In subsequent semesters, supervision is split between Assumption practicum instructors and on-site supervisors.

Practicum Courses

ABA 700	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I
ABA 701	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis II
ABA 702	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis III
ABA 703	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis IV
ABA 704	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis V*
ABA 710	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis; Group Supervision

*Elective for students who need additional fieldwork hours

View Course Descriptions

View Summer 2020 Course Offerings

Faculty

In the Applied Behavior Analysis program you will learn from experts in the field.

Karen Lionello-DeNolf, Ph.D. Program Director Assistant Professor of Psychology Director of Applied Behavior Analysis

Sheila Bessette, BCBA-D, LABA Adjunct Faculty, Graduate/Professional Studies

Andrea Bowes, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Elizabeth Brennan, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Desiree Chumsantivut, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Dewey DeLisle, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Kelly McConnell, BCBA-D, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Colleen Yorlets, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Practicum

How does the practicum work?

Fieldwork Placement

Students are encouraged to work with the Program Director in order to identify a fieldwork site placement. Students are asked to identify a placement and have it approved by the Program Director during their first semester. Students may begin the practicum course sequence in the second or later semesters. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with the Program Director prior to accepting a position at a fieldwork site.

Fieldwork Hours

To qualify to sit for the BCBA exam, students are required to complete at least 1,500 and up to 2,000 hours of fieldwork in applied behavior analysis, depending on the percentage of fieldwork hours supervised by a qualified BCBA. Students will complete four to five semesters of practicum in order to accumulate the required fieldwork hours. Students are required to work or volunteer at their approved site for approximately 130 per calendar month.

Fieldwork Supervision

In the first semester of practicum, students will receive both individual and group supervision through the practicum classes. In subsequent semesters of practicum, students will receive 50% of their supervision during the weekly class meeting; the remaining 50% will be received individually at their work site. All supervision will be provided by BCBAs who are also Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts in Massachusetts.

Kate Diaz

Applied Behavior Analysis 2019
Behavioral Clinician, Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA)

The Applied Behavior Analysis program challenged and supported me in becoming a behavioral clinician

Each one of my instructors brought their own experience into the classroom which has been useful in my current position. I assist in creating Positive Behavioral Support plans that focus on adults increasing their independence and accomplishing their goals.

Amanda Maynard

Applied Behavior Analysis 2019
Special Education Teacher and BCBA (supervisor), Worcester Public Schools

The class sizes are small, and the professors are accessible and kind.

Assumption’s ABA program provided opportunities for learning and assessment of student knowledge, practicum experience, and covered the perfect amount of content taught seamlessly, which was hugely influential in my achievement of passing the board exam through the BACB.

Ashley Perry

Applied Behavior Analysis
Shared Living Case Manager, Seven Hill Foundation

I want to really make a change for the people I support.

I hope to gain the proper skills to go into the field and work with young children or adults to help reduce problem behaviors for struggling families.

Stephen Blaisdell

Applied Behavior Analysis 2018
BCBA serving public school districts

Understanding the theories and practices is important to realizing how they can be applied.

I want to develop behavior programs based on scientific principles and feel confident that the work I am doing is individualized and targets the behavior I want to change. I also would like to become a BCBA, and I know this program will prepare me well.

Shining their light

Kate Diaz

Applied Behavior Analysis 2019
Behavioral Clinician, Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA)

The Applied Behavior Analysis program challenged and supported me in becoming a behavioral clinician

Each one of my instructors brought their own experience into the classroom which has been useful in my current position. I assist in creating Positive Behavioral Support plans that focus on adults increasing their independence and accomplishing their goals.

Amanda Maynard

Applied Behavior Analysis 2019
Special Education Teacher and BCBA (supervisor), Worcester Public Schools

The class sizes are small, and the professors are accessible and kind.

Assumption’s ABA program provided opportunities for learning and assessment of student knowledge, practicum experience, and covered the perfect amount of content taught seamlessly, which was hugely influential in my achievement of passing the board exam through the BACB.

Ashley Perry

Applied Behavior Analysis
Shared Living Case Manager, Seven Hill Foundation

I want to really make a change for the people I support.

I hope to gain the proper skills to go into the field and work with young children or adults to help reduce problem behaviors for struggling families.

Stephen Blaisdell

Applied Behavior Analysis 2018
BCBA serving public school districts

Understanding the theories and practices is important to realizing how they can be applied.

I want to develop behavior programs based on scientific principles and feel confident that the work I am doing is individualized and targets the behavior I want to change. I also would like to become a BCBA, and I know this program will prepare me well.

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Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites:

To be accepted into the master’s program, you must have:

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an official transcript
An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0

To be accepted into the C.A.G.S. program, you must have:

A master’s degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university and an official transcript

Application Requirements:

Completed Application Dated & Signed
Three letters of recommendation are required* – professional and at least one academic.
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement
Current Resume
TOEFL or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English)

*We strongly recommend at least one academic letter of recommendation; the remaining letters may be professional. All recommendations may be professional if an academic letter is not feasible. However, all letters should address the student’s ability to complete graduate-level academic work and may also address the student’s experience with ABA-based interventions.

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Learn More about Career Opportunities in Applied Behavior Analysis

Interventions based on the principles of behavior analysis are commonly used in the treatment of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and autism. However, behavior-analytic principles can be applied in many other areas. Included here is a resource that showcases many ABA subspecialty areas.

Applied behavior analyst career pathways

ABA Resources

Downloads

External Resources

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Applied Behavior Analysis

Learn the science of behavior so that you can influence change and solve socially significant problems.