Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed.
Program Description
The M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts(R) (BCBA). This program includes classroom-based courses in applied behavior analysis and a practicum course designed to meet the supervised fieldwork requirements to sit for the national BCBA exam.
Degree Requirements
The MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis consists of 30 or 39 credit hours. Two tracks are available that differ in the amount of supervised fieldwork that students complete through the University. All students take 24 credit hours of didactic courses to meet the current requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
USC Practicum Track (39 credits)
Students in this track will enroll in 5 semesters of EDEX 718 for 3 credits each semester (total of 15 credits), to obtain 1500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork experience through the University. This track is recommended for students who do not have a qualified Board Certified Behavior Analyst to provide supervision and who need to receive this supervision through the University. The USC Practicum track program of study consists of 39 credits.
Independent Fieldwork Track (30 credits)
Students in this track will enroll in 1 semester of EDEX 718 for 3 credits and will take an additional, approved elective course for 3 credits. This track is recommended for students who have a qualified Board Certified Behavior Analyst to provide supervision. Students in this track will accrue 300 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork through the University and will be responsible for accruing the remaining required fieldwork and corresponding supervision hours independently. The Independent Fieldwork track program of study consists of 30 credits.
During the application and interview process, each student’s placement in a track will be determined through discussion with the program faculty, a review of the student’s existing options for receiving independent fieldwork from a qualified Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the capacity of the program to enroll students in the USC Practicum track.
Applied Behavior Analysis Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 610 | Instruction of Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 615 | Curriculum and Language Instruction for Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 715 | Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education | 3 |
| EDEX 716 | Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Interventions | 3 |
| EDEX 717 | Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDEX 719 | Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDEX 721 | Organizational Behavior Management | 3 |
| EDEX 809 | Single-Case Research Designs in Special Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
Students will complete requirements in one of the two tracks below:
USC Practicum Track (15 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 718 | Intensive Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 1 | 15 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
- 1
Students in this track will enroll in 5 semesters of practicum for 3 credits each semester for a total of 15 credits.
Independent Fieldwork Track (6 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 718 | Intensive Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 1 | 3 |
| Related course in applied behavior analysis as approved by advisor. | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 6 | |
- 1
Students in this track will enroll in 1 semester of practicum for 3 credits.