- Core courses cover topics such as behavioral assessment, research methodologies, and intervention strategies, equipping students with the skills needed to design and implement effective behavior modification plans.
- The program also includes specialized coursework in ethics, professional practice, and advanced behavioral systems.
- The program culminates in a capstone research project (see Graduate Project, below) allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of applied behavior analysis.
- ABA 500 Science and Foundations of Behavior (3)
- ABA 511 Behavioral Assessment and Treatment (3)
- ABA 522 Behavioral Research Methods (3)
- ABA 533 Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
- ABA 544 Behavioral Systems Support (3)
- ABA 577 Case Conceptualization and Development (3)
- ABA 588 Ethics in Research and Professional Practice (3)
- ABA 595 Internship (12)
- Additional courses that will count as electives towards this degree can be chosen from a list of approved elective courses maintained by the graduate program office. (3)
- ABA 594A Research Topic (3)
- The ABA 595: Internship course provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork in real-world settings. As part of the program, students are required to complete 1,000 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork, which allows them to apply the principles and techniques learned in the classroom to practical situations.
- Internships are typically conducted in environments such as schools, outpatient clinics, residential treatment centers, and community-based programs, offering students the opportunity to work directly with individuals who present a range of behavioral needs. These individuals may include children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, clinical behavior needs, or other behavioral issues that require intervention.
- More broadly, students have the flexibility to conduct their internships in any setting or population that aligns with their professional interests - as long as both the program’s requirements and the standards set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) are met. This flexibility allows students to tailor their fieldwork experiences to suit their career goals, whether they wish to specialize in educational, clinical, or community settings. These internships provide crucial practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future professional practice.
- In addition to fieldwork, students must complete nine credits of ABA 595, which includes ongoing supervision, evaluation, and reflection on their experiences. This practical training is crucial for developing the skills necessary to become a proficient behavior analyst and meets the requirements for BCBA certification.
- The Graduate Project is a critical component of the student’s academic journey. Students engage in independent research or a systematic literature review.
- Students are required to complete three credits of ABA 594: Research Topic, during which they design, conduct, and present their own research project under faculty supervision. This project enables students to apply their knowledge of behavior analysis to real-world issues or explore new areas within the discipline.
- The Graduate Project culminates in a formal written report, demonstrating the student’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the science and practice of behavior analysis. This experience also prepares students for professional practice or further academic pursuits.
ABA Core Courses (33 credits)
Offered annually, these courses are required for all students in the program.
Elective Courses (3 credits)
Culminating Experience (3 credits)
Subject to the limitations given below, a maximum of 10 credits of high-quality graduate work done at an accredited institution may be applied toward the requirements for the master’s degree. Transferred academic work must have been completed within five years prior to the date of the first degree registration at Penn State's Fox Graduate School, must be of at least B quality (grades of B- are not transferable), and must appear on an official graduate transcript of an accredited university. Pass-fail grades are not transferable to an advanced degree program unless the “Pass” can be substantiated by the former institution as having at least B quality.
Students must have a 3.0 grade-point average to graduate from the program. The time limit for graduation is eight years from the date the student begins the program.
