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Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

The mission of the Behavior Analysis Master's graduate program at UNCW is to contribute to the advancement of the science and practice of behavior analysis by training graduate students in all major domains of behavior analysis. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice at the Master’s level or move on to doctoral programs.

Applied Behavior Analysis MS cohorts are typically 5 to 7 students per year.

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline that involves the comprehensive use of the principles of learning to design, implement, and evaluate strategies that promote socially significant improvements in behavior. The scope of behavior analysis is wide-ranging, including work in populations with developmental disabilities, in behavioral medicine, educational settings, non-profit organizations, and many others with emphasis placed on providing evidence-based intervention services.

Program Objectives

The overall program objective is to train graduates who are recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally as highly effective practitioners, researchers, and/or educators in behavior analysis. The program is designed to achieve this overall objective by shaping the skills necessary for students to:

  1. Understand the foundational principles of behavior analysis and the empirical bases of those principles.
  2. Contribute to the knowledge base of behavior analysis by designing and conducting empirical research using established methodologies in behavior analysis.
  3. Apply the principles of behavior analysis to analyze and change socially relevant behavior, and to do so within the ethical tenets of behavior analysis.
  4. Understand the philosophical foundations of behavior analysis (i.e., radical behaviorism) so that they can interpret naturally occurring behavioral phenomena and to approach any situation behavior analytically.

Student Experience

This program includes coursework required for the BCBA credential. The coursework is designed to provide strong backgrounds in the experimental and applied analyses of behavior, and in the methodological and conceptual foundations of behavior analysis. The program also includes practical experience in Practicum and a 6-month internship.

Proficiency in research is emphasized by requiring an empirical thesis. Students are mentored by a Behavior Analysis faculty member.

The program is typically completed in 2½ years and coursework includes a research practicum, an applied practicum, and an empirical thesis. Upon completion of coursework and research, there is a 6-month/750 hour internship. Students who successfully complete this program will obtain a Master of Science Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Learn more about Program Requirements and Coursework

Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation

The Doctoral and Master's degree programs in Behavior Analysis are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board.  The program is accredited from 2023 to 2028. For more information, please see the Association for Behavior Analysis International website.
ABAI Website

Certification & Licensure

 ABAI accreditation seal

The program meets the coursework requirements to prepare graduates for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensure in North Carolina as a Licensed Psychological Associate. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. BCBA examination pass rates for verified course sequences may be found here.

Contact Us

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Graciela Espinosa-Hernandez

psygradprogram@uncw.edu

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