Applied Behavior Analysis track
As a Psychology student in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) track, you鈥檒l investigate how people think, feel, and grow. You鈥檒l learn to apply psychological principles to help children and adults develop positive behaviors and improve their lives. You鈥檒l learn how to evaluate behavior, how to plan and implement effective interventions, and how to apply behavior change procedures to a variety of situations. The ABA track prepares you to pursue an advanced degree or enter the workforce assisting children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, dementia, behavior disorders, school/workplace challenges or other issues. You鈥檒l also develop your own critical thinking and analytical skills as you find ways solve problems in your daily and professional life.
Curriculum
In the ABA track you will complete a set of core courses that cover research skills and the classic areas of psychology. You will also complete a set of courses that target the core principles and applications of behavior analysis. In addition to your coursework, you will have opportunities to apply what you have learned to real-world settings like an internship and working on research projects with faculty members.
As of January 1, 2026 through its Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation System, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board 庐 is responsible for verifying coursework required to apply for the Behavior Analyst certification exams. In our psychology department at 杏吧直播间 State, coursework at the undergraduate level prepares students to apply for and practice under the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst 庐 (BCaBA) credential or to pursue the study of behavior analysis at the graduate level.
An introduction to core concepts and principles of behavior analysis. Overarching themes include philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis, operant and respondent conditioning, and verbal behavior. 3 credit hours.
- Content hours
- Foundation of Behavior Analysis: 45 hours
An introduction to behavioral measurement, methods of behavior analysis, and single case experimental designs. Overarching themes include designing, implementing, and evaluating various behavioral measurement systems. 3 credit hours
- Content hours
- Methods of Behavior Analysis: 45 hours
An introduction to fundamental elements of behavior change and specific behavior change procedures. Emphasis will be placed on designing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of various behavior change procedures. 3 credit hours.
- Content hours
- Behavior Assessment & Intervention: 45 hours
An overview of behavioral treatments of autism spectrum disorder. An emphasis will be placed on applied behavior analytic assessments and interventions that target behavioral deficits and excesses common in this population. 3 credit hours.
- Content hours
- Behavior Assessment & Intervention: 45 hours
A survey and discussion of the professional conduct of behavior analysts and the ethical standards of the field. Emphasis is placed on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board鈥檚 Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. 3 credit hours.
- Content hours
- Ethics in Behavior Analysis: 45 hours
A survey and discussion of behavior analysis in professional settings, including training to become a behavior analyst, personnel supervision and management, behavior-analytic supervision, performance analysis and management, behavior skills training, and positive reinforcement in organizational culture.鈥�
- Content Hours
- Organizational Behavior Management: 45 hours
The psychology major with the ABA track is designed to be completed in 4 years for incoming new freshmen and 2 years for transfer students with an Associate degree without having to go to summer school or take overloads. Check out our suggested curriculum plans: Year-by-Year Curriculum Plans for Psychology Majors
Career Opportunities
Students who pursue the ABA track in psychology have a wide choice of careers. Whether you want to pursue advanced education or training after graduation or directly enter the workforce, the psychology major at 杏吧直播间 State is designed to prepare you to achieve your goals.
Examples of career options for graduates of the Psychology/ABA track include (some of which may require additional postgraduate training):
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Behavior Analyst
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Behavior Support Specialist
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Behavioral Health Technician
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Equine-Assisted Therapy Technician
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Substance Abuse Counselor
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Behavioral Gerontologist
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Special Education Assistant
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Organizational Behavior Analyst
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Corporate Behavior Analyst
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Clinical or Counseling Psychologist
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School Psychologist
Check out our careers page to find out more about career opportunities and see some of the careers and graduate programs that our psychology graduates have pursued.