Department of Psychology | Jacksonville State University Catalogs

Department Head: Dr. Paige McKerchar, pmckerchar@jsu.edu

MS Program Director: Dr. Makenzie Bayles, mbayles@jsu.edu

The Psychology Department offers courses leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Included in the curriculum are a broad range of behaviorally focused courses. The purpose of this degree is to prepare students for careers in the application of behavior analytic techniques to the behavioral habilitation of diverse populations. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®:

Course List
Course	Title	Credits
ABA 5508	Personnel Supervision and Management	3
ABA 5511	Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis	3
ABA 5521	Functional Assessment	3
ABA 5528	Applied Behavior Analysis I	3
ABA 5529	Applied Behavior Analysis II	3
ABA 5530	Single-Subject Research Methods	3
ABA 5538	Ethics and Professional Development	3

Applicants will have to meet additional experience requirements to qualify for national certification and state licensure.

Applied Behavior Analysis (Master of Science)

ABA 5104 Graduate Behavior Analysis Lab (1)

Teaches the skills involved in specifying, observing, and changing behavior as well as the standard behavioral laboratory techniques.

ABA 5505 Professional Behavior (3)

Introduction to professional skills for behavior analysts. Topics include, but are not limited to, technical writing, studying, time management, effective communication, and digital responsibility.

ABA 5508 Personnel Supervision and Management (3)

Introduction to personnel supervision and management using the principles of behavior analysis. Evaluating professional behavior and leadership skills, and applying concepts, strategies, and tactics to professional experiences.

ABA 5511 Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis (3)

Prerequisite(s): "B" or better in ABA 5528 and PSY 221 or ABA 5104.

Issues underlying the acquisition, conceptualization, and understanding of valid knowledge in psychology, including the design, implementation, and interpretation of research.

ABA 5521 Functional Assessment (3)

Prerequisite(s): "B" or better in ABA 5528 and PSY 221 or ABA 5104.

The strategies and ethics of functional assessment are presented in the larger context of behavioral assessment. Research articles relevant to indirect, descriptive, and experimental functional assessment approaches and assessment-based interventions are reviewed.

ABA 5528 Applied Behavior Analysis I (3)

Prerequisite(s): PSY 221 or ABA 5104.

An introduction and examination of the theory, principles, and methods of modern applied behavior analysis.

ABA 5529 Applied Behavior Analysis II (3)

Prerequisite(s): "B" or better in ABA 5528 and PSY 221 or ABA 5104.

Behavior change procedures and common applications of behavior analysis principles to areas of social importance (e.g., autism and developmental disabilities, gerontology, addiction) are examined.

ABA 5530 Single-Subject Research Methods (3)

Prerequisite(s): "B" or better in ABA 5528 and ABA 5104.

Examination of the strategies and tactics used in single-subject research to implement socially important behavior change.

ABA 5534 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)

Prerequisite(s): "B" or better in ABA 5528 and PSY 221 or ABA 5104.

Development of the paradigmatic framework of the experimental analysis of behavior, and an examination of the research and resulting body of knowledge provided by that analytical approach.

ABA 5538 Ethics and Professional Development (3)

Prerequisite(s): "B" or better in ABA 5508 and ABA 5530.

Discussion of ethical guidelines and professional skills pertinent to research and practice in behavior analysis.

ABA 5640 Analysis of Child Development (3)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 semester hours of core psychology graduate courses including ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

The behavior analytic view of child development is compared and contrasted with other systems for understanding development (e.g., Piagetian theory). Students review and critically evaluate current and seminal literature related to several developmental domains (e.g., motor, language, social).

ABA 5641 Verbal Behavior (3)

Prerequisite(s): ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

The conceptual foundation, empirical basis, and practical application of verbal behavior are surveyed.

ABA 5642 Translational Perspectives in Behavior Analysis (3)

Prerequisite(s): ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

An introduction to translational research, a hallmark of the scientist-practitioner model in applied behavior analysis.

ABA 5643 BCBA Test Content: A Comprehensive Review (3)

Prerequisite(s): ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

In-depth review of the BCBA test content for students pursuing board certification in behavior analysis.

ABA 5644 Behavior Analysis in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (3)

Prerequisite(s): ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

Discussion of important literature relevant to the use of applied behavior analytic principles and methods for studying and treating problems related to intelluctual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

ABA 5666 Impulsivity and Self-Control (3)

Prerequisite(s): ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

The conceptual, experimental, and economic analysis of impulsivity and self-control in both human and non-human animals.

ABA 5700 Seminar in Contemporary Topics (3)

Prerequisite(s): ABA 5530 and ABA 5534.

Various topics covering real-world applications of contemporary topics in Psychology.

ABA 5840 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I (3)

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor.

Practice applying behavior analysis principles and conducting research in approved settings including clinics and schools; students will initiate a research study by defining a research problem, designing and implementing a method to address the problem, and collecting data. Grades: Pass/Fail.

ABA 5841 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum II (3)

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor.

Practice applying behavior analysis principles and conducting research in approved settings including clinics and schools; students will complete a research study by collecting final data, analyzing data, and reporting the results and conclusion. Grades: Pass/Fail.

ABA 5879 Independent Readings (3)

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor and psychology graduate committee.

Independent readings will normally include content not offered in regularly scheduled classes. May be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.

ABA 5889 Independent Research (3)

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor and psychology graduate committee.

Students will conduct supervised research projects chosen in coordination with their supervisor. May be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.

ABA 5990 Thesis (3)

Prerequisite(s): Dean's Approval and Approval of Application for Thesis Option.

See "Thesis Options and Procedures." Grades: Pass/Fail.