Overview
The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed to provide undergraduate students a depth of academic and practical experience relevant for employment in behavioral technician-and related- jobs immediately after finishing their Bachelor of Arts degree. Moreover, the Certificate in ABA will provide students with a solid foundation for Rider University's Masters in applied psychology program with concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.
The 17-18 credit certificate includes introductory and advanced courses that focus on ABA (PSY 212, PSY 299), the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSY 388), Research Methods in ABA (PSY 339/PSY 339L), and Professional Issues in ABA (PSY 389), as well as engaged learning experience conducting research in ABA (PSY 490), or interning for a school, clinic or agency that uses ABA (PSY 491).
Degree Offered
- Applied Behavioral Analysis Certificate
Contact
Elaine Scorpio, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chairperson
Department of Psychology
School of Humanities and Social Studies
Hennessy Science and Technology Center, 319D
609-896-5343
escorpio@rider.edu
Associated Department: Psychology
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Requirements
( 17-18 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| PSY 212 | Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| PSY 299 | Field Placement in Applied Behavior Analysis | 1 |
| PSY 339 | Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis | 4 |
| PSY 339L | Research Methods in ABA Lab | 0 |
| PSY 388 | Learning and the Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 389 | Professional Issues in ABA | 3 |
| PSY 490 | Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1 | 3-4 |
| or PSY 491 | Internship in Psychology | |
| Total Credits | 17-18 | |
1 PSY 490 Independent Study must have ABA focus; PSY 491 Internship site must have ABA focus.
Certificate Completion
To complete the ABA Certificate Program, students must meet the following requirements:
- A grade of "C+" or better in each course is required for the certificate.
- Completion of a capstone paper from PSY 490/ PSY 491 is required.
Courses and Descriptions
PSY 212 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis 3 Credits
Presents a review of classical and operant conditioning, data collection and research design, data analysis and interpretation. In addition, assessment and treatment strategies in a variety of settings, contingency management in institution, classroom and home, systematic self-desensitization, and ethical consideration are discussed.
PSY 299 Field Placement in Applied Behavior Analysis 1 Credits
The practicum provides hands-on experience using the tools of applied behavior analysis in a field setting. Provides supervised field placement experience in an approved institution or agency in order for students to gain knowledge in applications of applied behavior analysis. Placement is made in various community institutions and agencies that offer services to diverse populations.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 100, PSY 102, PSY 110 or PSY 131, and PSY 212.
PSY 339 Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis 4 Credits
This upper-level laboratory course will provide students with an in-depth study of the principles and applications of Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will examine behavioral principles, ethical considerations, and real-life applications of ABA. Each student will design and implement a self-management plan to alter the behavior of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSY 102 or PSY 110 or PSY 131) and 30 credits and PSY 212 and a minimum grade of "C" in PSY 201 .
Corequisite(s): PSY 339L.
PSY 339L Research Methods in ABA Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSY 102 or PSY 110 or PSY 131) and 30 credits and Psy212 and a minimum grade of "C" PSY 201.
Corequisite(s): PSY 339.
PSY 388 Learning and the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 3 Credits
Students will review principles of behavior covered in PSY 212 Intro to ABA (or PSY 225 Learning Theory) and move into more complex concepts and principles of behavior analysis including respondent behavior, respondent conditioning, motivating operations, schedules of reinforcement, and verbal operants. Students will also learn elements of behavior change and specific behavior-change procedures including verbal behavior training, discrete trial training, interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli, and stimulus equivalence procedures.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSY 102 or PSY 110 or PSY 131) and 45 credits.
PSY 389 Professional Issues in ABA 3 Credits
This course will provide students interested in working in the field of applied behavior analysis at the bachelor’s level content based on the task list of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) The course covers ethical and professional considerations relevant to the profession of applied behavior analysis as well as ethical and disciplinary standards of the profession. In addition, the course covers behavioral assessment and intervention, competency-based training, and evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral programs. Students will also have the opportunity to read seminal and current research literature on the topics.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSY 102 or PSY 110 or PSY 131) and 45 credits.
PSY 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-4 Credits
Provides students with an opportunity to design and carry out original research in an area of their choice. Students designate a faculty supervisor and work closely with him/her during the semester. All students must have approval from the department and the dean to register for PSY 490.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSY 102 or PSY 110 or PSY 131) and PSY 201 and 75 credits.
PSY 491 Internship in Psychology 1-4 Credits
Provides supervised work experience in an approved institution or agency in order for students to gain knowledge in applications of psychology. Placement is made in various community institutions and agencies that offer services to both exceptional and normal individuals. Prerequisite(s): senior psychology majors or minors.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSY 102 or PSY110 or PSY 131) and 75 credits.