Behavior Analysis

Behavior analysis (BA) is the natural science that studies principles of learning and the behavior of individuals. Primary areas of study include the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) and applied behavior analysis (ABA). EAB uses laboratory research to understand the underlying basic principles of behavior whereas ABA systematically applies these basic principles to change the behavior of clients.

Behavior analysts understand that both biology and environment influence behavior. We study both human and nonhuman behavior to address socially significant issues such as health promotion, substance abuse treatment, education, animal training, employee performance and workplace safety, and the intensive treatment of pervasive developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders.

 

VCS Program: Verified Course Sequences, ABAI: Association for Behavioral Analysis International

The UAA Psychology Department offers Association for Behavior Analysis International庐 . These approved coursework sequences prepare students to sit for the 庐 (BCaBA庐) or 庐 (BCBA庐) examination to earn a nationally-recognized certification. UAA behavior analysis program coursework also prepares students who seek to find employment in agencies that provide behavior-analytic services or those who seek advanced graduate-level education.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the behavior analysis programs or would like to request more information, please fill out the following . 

The concentration is a set of specialty courses within the psychology curriculum intended for students majoring in psychology. Completing the concentration as part of a  or  in Psychology results in a record added to student transcripts that reads that they've specialized in behavior analysis within their program of study.

For students interested in pursuing professional certification in behavior analysis, see About Certification tab.

The minor is a set of specialty courses within the psychology curriculum intended for students with a major in a field outside of Psychology who want to combine their knowledge of behavior analysis with their major program of study (e.g., pre-health occupations, education, justice). Completing the  results in a record added to student transcripts that reads they鈥檝e minored in behavior analysis. 

For students interested in pursuing professional certification in behavior analysis, see About Certification tab.

The is intended for students who have already completed a 4-year degree, but who want to come back to specialize in behavior analysis. The OEC is best suited for individuals who already hold a degree, but who want to work toward certification. The OEC leads to licensure or certification.

For students interested in pursuing professional certification in behavior analysis, see About Certification tab.

The Behavior Analysis track in the UAA MS Clinical Psychology program prepares students for Behavior Analyst Certification Board () certification and the 熊猫在线视频 Licensed Behavior Analyst () credential. This culturally-sensitive, community-focused program combines a (5th Ed.) with interdisciplinary skills in clinical psychology within a place-based 48-hour graduate program of study.

You will have the opportunity to address the complex behavioral needs of 熊猫在线视频ns (including 熊猫在线视频 Native and other minority groups) through coursework, placement and supervision in community agencies and will have optional opportunities for community-engaged and thesis research..

Learn more about the program - including the application deadline - at the MS Clinical Psychology program website.

Preparing for certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) requires three things: Coursework, Experience & Supervision with a behavior analyst, and passing the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB庐) certification exam. For more information, review the .

Coursework

Potential certificants must complete a certain number of content hours in special areas of the BCBA/BCaBA Task List to be able to apply for the certification exam. The UAA undergraduate behavior analysis programs are approved under both the  and  task list standards. 

  •  (Deadline for completion January 1, 2022)

The UAA Department of Psychology offers an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI庐) verified coursework sequence. A verified course sequence (VCS) is a set of coursework that has been reviewed and pre-approved by the ABAI. Students preparing for certification can be more confident that the hours they鈥檝e completed in coursework will be accepted when preparing for certification.

Please review the content hours carefully! Students preparing for certification are advised to track their Coursework Requirements for each course. Completing a sufficient number of contact hours may require students to complete coursework beyond the minimum required to satisfy university requirements. Reach out to your behavior analysis program advisor for more information.

Students planning to pursue certification should plan to complete the following courses (at a minimum):

  • PSY A200 Introduction to Behavior Analysis
  • PSY A400 Strategies of Behavior Change
  • PSY A447 Behavioral Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • PSY A455 Interventions for Challenging Behavior 
  • PSY A468 Learning and Behavior
  • PSY A468L Learning and Behavior Laboratory
  • PSY A495a Psychology Practicum

Experience & Supervision

Certification also requires that applicants complete 1000 hours of supervised experience before testing. Experience can begin as soon as coursework in the sequence has begun (i.e., as soon as you begin taking PSY A200 Introduction to Behavior Analysis). Supervision is best accomplished when working with an organization that has behavior analysts on-site. Additional information can be found in the . 

Reach out to your behavior analysis program advisor for more information!

The Certification Exam

Following completion of necessary coursework and experience in the field, individuals can apply to sit for the BACB professional certification exam. Additional information about the exam can be found at .

What's the difference between the Behavior Analysis Programs (Concentration/Minor/OEC), BCaBA Certification, and licensure?

  • The behavior analysis programs (concentration, minor, or OEC) are academic programs offered by the 熊猫在线视频. Completion of one of these programs is reflected in a transcript or other special documentation provided by the university. Completing these programs provides knowledge and skills to work in the field of behavior analysis and helping professions, but doesn't necessarily mean that a student is ready to sit for the BCaBA certification exam or become licensed to practice.
  • Certification is offered by an external body - the . Preparing for certification involves a combination of coursework, supervised experience and a credentialing exam. Certification is the foundation for professional licensure in the state of 熊猫在线视频.
  • A professional license is required to practice  in the state of 熊猫在线视频. Visit UAA's Authorization by State website for information about licensure or certification in a state other than 熊猫在线视频.

Reach out to your behavior analysis program advisor for more information!

 

Visit the BACB to review (if available).