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Practicum & Experiential Learning

Applied Behavior Analysis

Student trainees in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration receive opportunities to participate in supervised experiential learning to develop essential profession-wide competencies and program-specific specialties in the field.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Beginning in first semester of year two, and extending through a minimum of four semesters, students integrate their academic and scientific knowledge with supervised experiential learning through a series of practicum training and directed individual study courses. 

Supervised experiential learning is sequential, cumulative, and graded in complexity. It provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate profession-wide competencies, as well as program-specific specialties in applied behavior analysis. 

In their second year, all students take practicum (PSY 593) across two semesters for 6 credit hours.

In their third and fourth years, student have the opportunity to customize their experience according to their skills and career goals for a minimum of six additional credit hours. Students may continue in applied practicum experiences (PSY 693 or PSY 793), and/or complete a research directed individual study under the guidance of a behavior analysis faculty member outside of their primary lab (PSY 691). 

Practicum

The profession-wide competencies that students must demonstrate in practicum (in accordance with their level of training) include: 

  • research, ethical and legal standards 
  • individual and cultural diversity 
  • professional values, attitudes and behavior 
  • communication/interpersonal skills 
  • assessment, intervention, supervision and consultation 
  • interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills 

Practicum placements are made by the practicum and internship coordinator in consultation with the students and members of the core faculty. Student trainees receive individual practicum evaluations by on-site supervisors (department faculty or appropriately trained and credentialed community supervisors). Practicum grades are assigned by department faculty supervisors in consultation with community supervisors, as appropriate.