MA Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis is a well-developed discipline among the helping professions, with a mature body of scientific knowledge, established standards for evidence-based practice, distinct methods of service delivery, recognized experience and educational requirements for practice, and identified sources of requisite education in universities.
The MA in Behavior Analysis requires the completion of 33 credits. It is designed so that all requirements can be met within 15 months. Classes typically meet in the evening (4:30 pm or later). Depending on the content, classes are either face-to-face, blended, or online.
The program meets New York State education requirements leading to licensure as a licensed behavior analyst. Those who are licensed behavior analysts can provide services to persons with autism, autism spectrum disorders, and related disorders pursuant to a diagnosis and prescription or order from a person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to provide such diagnosis and prescription (http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/aba/article167.htm).
Other requirements to become a licensed behavior analyst are:
- Passing the NYLBA and Autism Exam: completion of the program makes the students eligible to take the exam*.
- 1500 hours of supervised experience: at least 150 hours must be accrued during the program. We have affiliation agreements with local service agencies for that purpose.
*NYLBA Exam requirement may also be fulfilled by BACB Exam. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination: PSY 607, PSY 610, PSY 651, PSY 657, PSY 658, PSY 705, and PSY 706. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Major Requirements
Fall 1st year
- PSY 607 Measurement and Experimental Design in ABA (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 651 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 644 Psychology and Diversity (3 credits, online)
- PSY 659a Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 credit, face-to-face)
Spring 1st year
- PSY 610 Behavioral Assessment (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 657 Behavior Change Procedures (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 759 Maintenance of Client Records (2 credits, online)
- PSY 659a Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 credit, face-to-face)
Summer 1st year
- PSY 658 Ethics and Standards of Practice in ABA (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 704 Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits, face-to-face)
Fall 2nd year
- PSY 705 Selecting and Implementing ABA Interventions (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 706 Personnel Supervision and Management (3 credits, face-to-face)
- PSY 799 Behavior Analysis in Theory and Practice (1 credit,, face-to-face)
- PSY 659c Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 credit, face-to-face)
Courses
PSY 607 Measurement and Experimental Design in ABA
Learn about research methodology in ABA, including the fundamentals of measurement and the use of single-subject experimental designs.
PSY 610 Behavioral Assessment
Learn about functional behavioral assessment and how to identify potential interventions for reducing problem behaviors based on assessment results.
PSY 644 Psychology and Diversity
Learn about diversity, multiculturalism, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, as they apply to working with clients who are diverse.
PSY 651 Concepts and Behavior Analysis
Learn about the concepts and principles that serve as the foundation for applied behavior analysis.
PSY 657 Behavior Change Procedures
Learn behavior-change procedures used in ABA, and the role of fundamental concepts and principles of behavior in an applied settings.
PSY 658 Ethics and Standards of Practice in ABA
Learn about ethical and professional issues related to the practice of ABA including licensing, the use of punishment, and the evaluation of new procedures in ABA.
PSY 659 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis
Gain practical experience in the design and implementation of behavioral programs for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
PSY 704 Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learn about classification systems and assessment of autism spectrum disorders, and evidence-based strategies used for their treatment.
PSY 705 Selecting and Implementing ABA Interventions
Learn how to use assessment tools for selecting and implementing interventions aimed at teaching verbal behavior and other skills to children with ASD.
PSY 706 Personnel Supervision and Management
Learn about the application of concepts and principles of behavior to the management and supervision of personnel in ABA settings.
PSY 759 Maintenance of Client Records
Learn about professional record keeping, legal and ethical requirements, including the requirements of state and federal laws.
PSY 799 Behavior Analysis in Theory and Practice
This course is the primary culminating experience of the program and includes a comprehensive exam.
Admissions Information
This program admits for the Fall only. To ensure attention to individual growth, the number of students is limited. Most have undergraduate degrees in psychology or related disciplines. Applications are processed as they are received. Applications are accepted until August 1.
- Application fee (non-refundable).
- Official copies of your undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities you have attended.
- Applicants must have achieved at least a 3.0 overall grade point average or equivalent in a bachelor's program. Students who do not meet this requirement are welcome to discuss their options for admissions with the graduate advisor.
- Personal statement that addresses the reason you are interested in pursuing graduate work in this area of study.
- Students for whom English is a second language must submit official score results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The required minimum acceptable TOEFL score is: 79 Internet-based (213computer based or 550 paper-based) or minimum IELTS score: 6.
Applications can be started online (https://apply.liu.edu/quickapp2/?campus=P) and supporting materials can be sent to:
Graduate Admissions Office
LIU Post 720 Northern Boulevard
Brookville, NY 11548-1300
For information regarding tuition and fees, see http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/Enrollment-Services/Tuition;
For information regarding financial aid, see http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/Enrollment-Services/Financial-Aid;
For additional information, please contact Dr. Benigno Alonso-Alvarez at Benigno.AlonsoAlvarez@liu.edu
CONTACT
School of Health Professions
EXPLORE
LIU Post Campus Life
Registration & Financial Aid
ADMISSIONS
516-299-2900
post-enroll@liu.edu