The purpose of the program is to:

• teach principles, theory and research methods of behavior analysis;
• teach procedures for systematic application of behavioral interventions in applied settings; and
• provide practical experience in functional analysis; in designing, implementing and evaluating behavioral applications; and in laboratory research.

The graduate program is designed to enable students to follow either of two career paths upon graduation:

1. Professional employment in the applied field: conduct behavioral assessments and behavioral interventions in human service, educational or business settings; train employees in program interventions and conduct applied research in public and private agencies and institutions; or
2. Doctoral study in behavior analysis: enter PhD programs at other universities to continue advanced study in applied behavior analysis or the experimental analysis of behavior.

Students focusing in either area will take courses from a core curriculum, take elective courses tailored to their interests and complete a thesis.

Degree requirements

Students focusing on application will complete 48 semester hours, including 24 hours of core courses and thesis, designated and free elective courses, and 7 hours of practicum/internship. Others will complete 42 semester hours of work in the same categories, but will have one 2-hour practicum.

Full- or part-time study is possible, as long as a satisfactory pace is maintained. Ordinarily, students will take a minimum of 6 hours per term/semester and finish in five to eight terms/semesters.