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Official Program Name:

Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis

School Offering Program:

Walden University

Degree Level:

Master's

Program Prerequisites:

Prior to enrollment in this program, students must possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Strong analytical skills are essential, as most of the specialization courses address the assessment of behaviors, analytical research, and the application of assessments in the development of behavioral programs. Applicants to Walden University should have a high school diploma or equivalent; some programs may have additional requirements.

Program Description:

The methods of behavioral assessment, intervention, and therapeutic approaches are among the main topics that students will explore in the online Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Walden University. Courses in the specialization area are designed to address functional analyses, advanced behavior analysis methodologies, data assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and the implementation of behavioral therapy programs. One specialization course focuses solely on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), covering the history, diagnosis, and treatment of autism. The core curriculum covers basic psychological models and theories addressing behavior, social development, cognition, and learning; human development over the lifespan; cultural influences on psychology; and research design methods. Track I students, who would be prepared to pursue their careers upon graduation, take an applied course discussing data analysis methods, while Track II students who aim to go on to doctoral studies take a class in quantitative analysis and reasoning. All students complete an extensive social change research project in the program's capstone.

Learning Format:

Online

Program Length:

63 credits.

Financial Aid Available:

Eligible students could be able to receive financial aid in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships. Contact Walden University's financial aid office for more information.

Required Courses for a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis:

Of the 63 credits needed to earn this MS degree, 30 are taken in the area of specialization. Students must also complete 25 core credits, three foundational credits, and five credits in the capstone course. Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Walden University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

Foundation Course (3 credits)

  • Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology

Core Courses - Track I (25 credits)

  • Themes and Theories of Psychology
  • Lifespan Development
  • Culture and Psychology
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Applied Psychology Research Methods

Core Courses - Track II (25 credits)

  • Themes and Theories of Psychology
  • Lifespan Development
  • Culture and Psychology
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis

Capstone Course (5 credits)

  • MS in Psychology Capstone

Specialization Courses: Applied Behavior Analysis (30 credits)

  • Principles of Behavioral Analysis
  • Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Behavioral Analysis
  • Introduction to Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
  • Research Methods for Behavioral Analysis
  • Advanced Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
  • Applications and Special Topics in Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Applied Psychology Research Methods

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Furthering Your Education:

Those students who complete the Track II program of the MS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis program are prepared to continue their studies at the doctoral level. A doctorate may be necessary to explore postsecondary teaching or academic careers or positions in behavioral research. Doctorate courses could delve further into research design, intervention research, conceptual analysis, and supervisory practices.

Doctoral degrees graduates could pursue include, but are not limited to:

  • Doctor of Psychology
  • PhD in Behavioral Analysis
  • PhD in Behavioral Psychology

Career Paths:

Track I graduates of the MS in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis program could be ready to apply their analytical and therapeutic skills to work with clients with autism spectrum disorders and other behavioral disorders in mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, academic settings, or hospitals. They might oversee assessment processes, therapeutic program development, or treatment evaluation. Some careers might require certification.

Some possible career titles for these graduates include:

  • Social worker
  • Behavior therapist
  • Behavioral health specialist
  • Board certified behavior analyst
  • Consumer behavior analyst
  • School-based behavior analyst