Behavior Analysis (MS or EdS)
Description
Simmons’s Behavior Analysis program prepares students for leadership roles in the implementation, evaluation, and administration of applied behavioral analytic principles and methods. Our rigorous, practice-based curriculum focuses on contemporary research and the full range of applications of behavior analytic principles, across various domains, populations, and clinical practice. Throughout the program, students will examine the concepts and methods of applied behavior analysis within the following areas: Functional assessment and analysis, Ethics, Evidence-based instructional methods, Verbal behavior, Experimental analysis of behavior, Experimental design and research, and Supervision.
Students have two degree options – the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) and the Master of Science (M.S.). The Ed.S. degree program is an advanced graduate degree that provides a student who currently holds a master’s degree with an area of educational specialization. The M.S. meets the educational needs of an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree and is seeking a master’s degree. The program of study is 42 credits credits for students admitted to the program prior to the Spring, 2023 term; the program of study is 40 credits for students admitted to the program on or after the Spring, 2023 term.
The M.S and Ed.S. program in Behavior Analysis is a Verified Course Sequence and meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination. The on-campus Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Learning Outcomes
Students acquire and demonstrate complex and sophisticated behavior analytic skills that prepare them for clinical practice.
The curriculum meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s® degree and coursework requirements to apply for the BCBA® exam.
The campus program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
The curriculum includes experiential learning courses to develop clinical and research skills.
The curriculum satisfies the requirements of licensure in Massachusetts as an Applied Behavior Analyst.
Requirements for entry into program
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred.
It is desirable that applicants have a balanced liberal arts education on the undergraduate level with evidence of successful completion of natural science courses. Additionally, the Admission Committee looks for relevant experience and a commitment to the science and profession of behavior analysis and its values.
Delivery Modes Available
The Behavior Analysis Master’s degree is offered at the Simmons campus and online.
Degree requirements
Credits
The M.S. and Ed.S. degrees in Behavior Analysis require 42 credits and students will complete supervised fieldwork experiential learning courses for 5 terms for students admitted to the program prior to the Spring, 2023 term. The degrees require 40 credits and students will complete Practicum experiential learning courses for 2 terms for students admitted to the program on or after the Spring, 2023 term.
Program Requirements
Please note that courses are labelled BEHV for campus courses and BEHVO for online courses.
Experiential Learning Courses (for students admitted prior to the Spring, 2023 term)
BEHV/O 451 Mentoring Supervision I 2
BEHV/O 452 Mentoring Supervision II 2
BEHV/O 453 Mentoring Supervision III 2
BEHV/O 454 Mentoring Supervision IV 2
BEHV/O 455 Mentoring Supervision V 2
Experiential Learning Courses (for students admitted on or after the Spring, 2023 term)
BEHV 471 Practicum I (4 credits)
BEHV 472 Practicum II (4 credits)
Optional Elective
BEHVO 466 Autism Spectrum Disorders 3
BEHV/O 495 Independent Study (consent-only variable credit course)
Practicum
Note: Practicum courses are required for students admitted on or after the Spring, 2023 term.
Students complete two 4-credit Practicum courses during the 4th and 5th semester of the program to meet the experiential learning requirements to graduate. Students must secure a worksite that satisfies the program standards and the Association for Behavior Analysis International accreditation standards for experiential learning. The worksite and worksite clinical supervisors are vetted and approved by Simmons University faculty, at the discretion of the faculty, before a student may begin Practicum.
The Practicum courses are 4 credit hours each term, for a total of 8 credit hours. Students must work at a University-approved site completing behavior analytic activities under the supervision of a University-approved clinical supervisor for a minimum of 20 hours per month (45 hours per semester). Students must complete 90 behavior analytic experience hours to be eligible to graduate. Students meet weekly with their practicum instructor, and complete experiential learning activities and projects to develop clinical and research skills. Across the two Practicum courses, students will also complete a thesis equivalent research project.
Prior to registering for Practicum courses, MS or EdS Campus Program students complete a 0-credit Practicum Orientation course during term 3 of the program. The Orientation helps prepare students for the Practicum experience and familiarizes students with program requirements.
Licensure, certification, etc.
The M.S and Ed.S. program in Behavior Analysis is a Verified Course Sequence and meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination. The on-campus Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
This program is intended to lead to exam eligibility for the BCBA® examination, and not an individual certificate or license. Some, but not all, states license behavioral analysts, with name of license and requirements varying by state. This table provides a state by state breakdown of comparable requirements, including a determination of eligibility for the national certifying exam. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets national exam eligibility requirements and not individual state specific requirements. Specific state licenses may be more applicable and/or require additional standards. Exam eligibility, licensure requirements, and appropriate pathways are subject to change and may differ based on individual student backgrounds, including coursework taken outside the scope of the program. Students should do their own due diligence and determine the appropriate pathway and license type for themselves.
Mentoring and Supervision
Note: Mentoring and Supervision courses are required for students admitted prior the Spring, 2023 term.
Mentoring and Supervision courses (BEHV/O 451-455; five 2-credit courses) provide individualized and group supervision to students using the basic principles of behavior analysis in the classroom or work setting. They fulfill the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s® requirements for completion of supervision under the Supervised Fieldwork category.
Students must work an average of 28.5 hours per week at an approved site under the clinical supervision of an approved worksite BCBA® throughout the mentoring program. Worksite responsibilities include direct and clinical service provision to human clients for whom behavior analytic services are appropriate. Per BACB® standards, no more than 40% of the hours worked may be restricted activities (i.e., direct services); a minimum of 60% of the experience hours must be completed under the category of unrestricted clinical work (as defined in the BACB® supervised fieldwork standards). Clinical responsibilities include designing and/or monitoring behavior analytic programs, overseeing implementation of programs by others, conducting behavior analytic assessments and analyses, training other service providers to implement behavior analytic programming, and data analysis.
Students must attend weekly individual and group supervision sessions with university-appointed BCBA® faculty mentors, for a total of 21 supervised hours per term. Students must receive direct observation from their assigned mentor. Each term, students must complete a total of 400 experience hours.
Practicum
Note: Practicum courses are required for students admitted on or after the Spring, 2023 term.
The M.S and Ed.S. program in Behavior Analysis is a Verified Course Sequence and meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ (BCBA) examination. The on-campus Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Licensure, certification, etc.
The M.S and Ed.S. program in Behavior Analysis is a Verified Course Sequence and meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ (BCBA) examination. The on-campus Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
This program is intended to lead to exam eligibility for the BCBA examination, and not an individual certificate or license. Some, but not all, states license Behavioral Analysts, with name of license and requirements varying by state. This table provides a state by state breakdown of comparable requirements, including a determination of eligibility for the national certifying exam. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets national exam eligibility requirements and not individual state specific requirements. Specific state licenses may be more applicable and/or require additional standards. Exam eligibility, licensure requirements, and appropriate pathways are subject to change and may differ based on individual student backgrounds, including coursework taken outside the scope of the program. Students should do their own due diligence and determine the appropriate pathway and license type for themselves.