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 into the PhD in health sciences with a concentration in behavior analysis or 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 an experimental 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 9 hours per term/semester and finish in six to eight terms/semesters.