Program: Applied Behavior Analysis M.A. - California State University, Stanislaus

Apr 03, 2025

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to provide students with knowledge and experience in applying the science of Behavior Analysis to a variety of areas in society. In addition, students will be prepared to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). Our graduate program reflects the balanced integration of theory, research, and practice inherent to the behavior analytic approach. We train our students to apply critical thought to practice, ensure that their clinical work is informed by the research base of empirically-validated treatments, and evaluate client progress frequently. Our program provides an unusual balance of knowledge in theoretical, applied, and experimental domains. In addition, our program arranges for close mentoring by Faculty who represent the spectrum of Behavior Analysis.

Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology or related field and completion of the prerequisites with a grade of B or better.

Prerequisites:

One upper-division course in Experimental Methods and Design
(PSYC 3000 or equivalent)
One upper-division introductory course in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 3700) or Experimental Analysis of Behavior (4720)
And one other upper-division psychology course with a behavior analytic component

Degree Requirements

(40 units)

PSYC 5025 - Research Methods in Behavior Analysis 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5055 - Foundations of Behavior Analysis 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5065 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5080 - Legal and Ethical Issues 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5090 - Behavioral Assessment 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5150 - Clinical Interventions with Families and Individuals 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5640 - Conceptual Issues Behavior Analysis 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5750 - Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis 4 unit(s)
PSYC 5870 - Behavior Analysis of Personnel Supervision 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5930 - Practicum in Behavior Analysis 3 unit(s)
PSYC 5990 - Masters Thesis 1-3 unit(s)
Any 3 additional units of Graduate PSYC coursework (3 units)

Note: No more than 9 units of graduate credit can be transferred from work taken while in unclassified status. The 9-unit limit may also apply to any graduate work transferred from other institutions. If students complete all required coursework but have not completed their thesis, they must be continually enrolled in at least one thesis unit (either PSYC 5990 or PSYC 7005) until their thesis is completed.

Culminating Experience Requirement

To obtain their master’s degrees, students must complete a thesis within the time limits set by the University. Students should also check with the graduate office for their minimum requirements regarding the formatting of the thesis document. The thesis is an empirical study designed in collaboration with the student’s thesis chair. The thesis document has specific guidelines, the writing of which is organized around chapters titled Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.