Students in the MA-ABA program are required to complete:
Coursework
Fieldwork: 1. Clinical Practicum 2. Research Practicum
Thesis
MA-ABA Coursework
The following courses represent the required courses students take during their two years in the program. Some of these courses are offered face-to-face, with the course scheduled one evening a week to allow students to complete intensive fieldwork requirements. Other courses are offered online, with students able to complete all assignments off campus. It is not possible to substitute any of the courses or take courses in an alternative order. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board Inc. (hereafter “BACB”) has approved the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements (i.e., fieldwork, exam application) to qualify for the exam.
Verified Course Sequence pass-rate data
MSU’s hybrid M.A. in ABA program had a first-time pass rate of 85.71% in 2021, according to BACB data.
**CEP 845: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Intervention
This course examines assessment and intervention for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Course participants will become knowledgeable and highly skilled practitioners who understand assessments (formal and informal) and can subsequently recommend and implement the most appropriate interventions to meet the needs of their students.
**CEP 851: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
This course provides the opportunity to learn, explore and apply the fundamental elements, concepts and principles in applied behavior analysis (ABA)—the scientific application of learning principles to solve a wide range of socially significant issues facing humans. Students will become versed in the development of this science and be guided to think critically about the tenets of ABA, developing a graduate-level understanding and appreciation of the science of behavior including basic principles, concepts, techniques, interventions, research, ethical considerations and applications of ABA.
CEP 852: Experimental Analysis of Behavior
This course provides graduate students with in-depth knowledge in basic behavioral processes, presenting information relating to human and non-human learning with a focus on the experimental analysis of behavior. Computer-based simulations of laboratory experiments provide opportunities for students to apply acquired skills in areas including (but not limited to): respondent conditioning, operant conditioning, establishing operations conditioned reinforcement, rule-governed behavior, behavioral pharmacology, remembering/forgetting.
CEP 853: Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change
This course examines multiple approaches to functional behavior assessment and intervention, emphasizing application to students with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will be provided the skills necessary to complete a thorough functional behavior assessment, develop a function-based behavioral intervention plan and implement the behavior plan with a student diagnosed with ASD or other disabilities.
**CEP 854: Ethics in Behavior Analysis
This course focuses on professional, legal and ethical guidelines for the applied behavior analyst, preparing students to be ethical providers of behavior analytic services. Content for this course is required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for a university-approved course sequence in the preparation of Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and will include, but is not limited to: informed consent, protection of confidentiality, selection of least intrusive and restrictive behavior change procedures, ethical decision making and legal issues.
**CEP 855: Verbal Behavior in Education
This course examines educational procedures for teaching language and literacy using Skinner’s (1957) conceptual analysis of verbal behavior as a foundation. Participants will learn the terminology associated with a behavioral explanation of language development, understand the historical controversy surrounding Skinner’s conceptualization and learn to administer educational procedures rooted in a verbal behavioral approach.
CEP 942: Single-case Experimental Design for Educational Research
This course will prepare participants to carry out intervention-based research and identify evidence-based practices in educational settings utilizing single-case experimental designs. Participants will carry out research projects directly relevant to roles as intervention researchers or practitioners (e.g., behavior analysts, special educators, school psychologists) working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.
** = online course
MA-ABA Coursework Sequence
Year 1
Fall Courses
*CEP 851: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
CEP 852: Experimental Analysis of Behavior
CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 1 (2 credits)
Spring Courses
*CEP 845: Assessment and Intervention in ASD
CEP 942: Single-case Experimental Design
CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 2 (2 credits)
Summer Courses
CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 3 (2 credits)
CEP 899: Master’s Thesis Research (2 credits)
CEP 848: Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis
Year 2
Fall Courses
CEP 853: Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change
*CEP 855: Verbal Behavior in Education
CEP 899: Master’s Thesis Research (2 credits)
CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 4 (2 credits)
Spring Courses
*CEP 854: Ethics in Behavior Analysis
CEP 894F: Clinical Practicum 5 (2 credits)
GRADUATION!!!
* = online course
Note: If not indicated, all courses = 3 credits
MA-ABA Course Alignment with Behavior Analyst Certification Board Inc. 4th Edition Task List
CEP 851
CEP 845
CEP 852
CEP 853
CEP 854
CEP 855
CEP 942
Totals
45 Hours in ethical & professional conduct
3 hrs
45 hrs
48 hrs
45 Hours in concepts & principles of behavior analysis
45 hrs
5 hrs
50 hrs
25 hours in measurement (including data analysis)
12 hrs
19 hrs
31 hrs
20 hours in experimental design
3 hrs
20 hrs
23 hrs
30 hours in identification of the problem & assessment
21 hrs
9 hrs
30 hrs
45 hours in fundamental elements of behavior change & specific behavior change procedures
15 hrs
25 hrs
6 hrs
21 hrs
67 hrs
10 hours behavior change systems
10 hrs
10 hrs
10 hours in intervention & behavior change considerations
4 hrs
3 hrs
6 hrs
13 hrs
10 hours in implementation, management & supervision