Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Mission Statement

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to the study of behavior, concerned with describing, explaining, predicting and changing behavior. The mission of the behavior analysis degree programs is to produce competent behavior-analytic practitioners and consultants, who are solidly grounded in basic principles derived from the experimental analysis of behavior, who approach the world from a radical behaviorist perspective, who will continue to inform their practice with current research findings, who will continue to contribute to behavioral research, who attain Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® (BCBA^®) certification, and who are prepared to enter doctoral programs.

The graduate program in applied behavior analysis is fully accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board Inc.^® (BACB^®) is the only credentialing organization for the discipline. The BACB has approved the Florida Tech behavior analysis core course sequence, which is part of all our degree programs, as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. In addition, The BACB has approved Intensive Practical Training in ABA (BEH 5250) as meeting the intensive practicum requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination when taken for a total of 12 credits over the course of three terms. Florida Tech’s degree programs in ABA, and ABA and OBM provide our students with all three requirements to sit for the BCBA examination immediately upon graduation.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior. Based on the findings of descriptive and functional analyses, ABA uses antecedents and consequences to produce practical change. ABA is based on sound scientific principles and has a solid research foundation that proves its effectiveness. ABA is based on the belief that an individual’s behavior is determined by past and current environmental events in conjunction with organic variables such as genetics. Thus, it focuses on explaining behavior in terms of external events (that can be manipulated) rather than internal constructs (that are beyond our control).

Applied behavior analysts may specialize in clinical applications (e.g., developmental disabilities, mental health and traumatic brain injury), educational applications (e.g., learning disabilities, and designing and evaluating instructional technology), health and fitness, and other areas. They typically spend more time in the problem environment than in their offices. Behavior plans are implemented in the settings where behavior problems occur, rather than the client attending sessions at an office. 

Graduates are encouraged to apply for admission into the Ph.D. program in behavior analysis. The ABA program is offered both on the main campus in Melbourne and in Orlando, Florida. Classes are primarily offered at the Orlando campus on Friday afternoons and weekends, while the main campus program offers most of its classes only on weekdays. Regardless of location, full-time students typically complete the program in four regular semesters plus the intervening summer. The organizational behavior management and the applied behavior analysis and organizational behavior management graduate degree programs are only offered at the main campus in Melbourne.

The ABA degree program provides coursework and practical experience for those who plan to work as behavior analytic practitioners or consultants in community-based and residential programs. Graduates will conduct functional assessments and functional analyses. 

Admission Requirements

An applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or other related fields, although graduates from other fields are encouraged to apply. An applicant should have a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher. An applicant should submit an application form, the provided supplemental form and the graduate application fee. Applicants should submit a statement of career objectives, a résumé, three letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Examination General Test scores. In addition, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses attempted must be submitted. All applications should be submitted by February 15, but will be accepted throughout the year. Pre-admission visits to the campus and conferences with faculty and students are strongly encouraged.

A student without a bachelor’s degree in psychology may be required to complete up to nine credit hours of psychology coursework at the undergraduate level before registering for graduate-level courses. A student who has not completed a course either in basic principles of learning (or conditioning), basic principles of behavior, or an introductory course in behavior analysis or the equivalent may not be able to register for ABA core classes until such a prerequisite is completed. A student who has not completed a physiological psychology course or the equivalent may not enroll in either PSY 5105 or PSY 5511. These courses are in addition to the credits required for a degree. A student with no previous behavior analysis-related experience may be required to obtain such experience prior to enrolling.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 44 semester credit hours is required. Requirements include completing the core curriculum (24 credit hours), a course covering biological foundations of behavior (3 credits), intensive practical training (9 credit hours), and either a capstone project course and five semester credit hours of pre-approved electives, or a thesis, thesis preparation (7 credits), one credit of elective and a final program examination. All courses must be passed with a grade of B or better. The final program examination for all students consists of a multiple-choice examination simulating the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Inc. certification examination at the behavior analyst (BCBA) level and covers material from the core courses. The final program examination is administered toward the end of the student’s second spring semester.

Year 1 (Capstone and Thesis Options)

Year 2 (Capstone Option)

Year 2 (Thesis Option)

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 44

*Electives may be chosen with advisor and program chair approval from among the following, depending on the chosen option (Capstone Project or Thesis):