M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
Welcome to the Center for Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA) and the M.S. Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism!
Are you interested in working with people diagnosed with autism? Do you want to learn effective strategies that will make a difference to children and adults with this disorder? Then Sage Graduate School’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism is for you.
You will receive a thorough training in the only therapeutic approach to the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders that has empirical research to support its effectiveness with this population.
This program is delivered totally via distance learning, utilizing online delivery of classes, as well as clinical supervision delivered by geographically close adjunct supervisors or alternative supervision (e.g., webcam observation).
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is rapidly becoming the most often diagnosed childhood disorder. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a branch of psychology rooted in the application of science to the study of human behavior, is a special therapy that has been shown to be quite effective in reducing the impact of autism spectrum disorders.
Your studies will combine two tracks, plus supervised practice. You will thoroughly study Applied Behavior Analysis, both the conceptual underpinnings as well as the skills necessary to effect behavioral change. You will learn strategies for defining and assessing behaviors, development of instructional goals that are measurable, antecedent strategies to promote learning, use of consequences to effect positive change, and rules for determining success and mastery. You will learn the procedures and strategies for dealing with language development, abnormal behavioral patterns, and socialization issues. Your application of these skills will be evaluated in clinical settings where you will be working with persons with autism and other disorders.
The second major focus of the program involves a deep understanding of autism. You will learn about the etiology of the disorder and assessment strategies. You will understand how persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are affected in all areas of development, including language, learning, socialization, and personal behaviors. Different theoretical explanations of ASD will be covered, as well as different therapeutic approaches towards solving language, learning, and behavioral issues.
Those who complete the master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism are eligible to take the national examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Students who already possess a master’s degree in a related area (such as special education or psychology) and are interested in board certification as a Behavior Analyst, may choose to complete the ABA courses only (15 credits) plus the clinical practicum courses, and receive a recommendation to take the examination that leads to BCBA certification.
