The Master's of Science in A.B.A.

The M.S. in psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis  (ABA) option is comprised of 55 quarter units, including courses offered by the psychology department and the division of special education and counseling.  The ABA option trains students in the concepts, principles, and procedures of behavior analysis, giving special consideration to their application in the areas of counseling and behavioral medicine, and in educational settings with both normal children and those with special needs.  The program is designed for graduate students who plan to work as behavior analysts, specialists, or consultants with a Masters degree, and for those who wish to pursue doctoral training in behavior analysis.  The program is currently accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and it meets the course requirements to sit for the BACB exam.

Program Mission and Description

 The Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) was first accredited in 1994 by the Association for Behavior Analysis, and only the second ABA program accredited by the organization. The program, founded by Barry Lowenkron and G. Roy Mayer, is unique in a number of ways, not the least of which is that it is an interdisciplinary program involving two different departments – the Department of Psychology and the Division of Special Education and Counseling – in two separate colleges within the University. Students apply to either the Psychology Department or the Division of Special Education and Counseling, and once admitted, take courses in both departments. The advantages of an interdisciplinary program have been described elsewhere (Mitchell & Lowenkron, 1995).

 The aim of the program is to provide comprehensive training in behavior analysis.  Students are expected to develop both a theoretical understanding as well as mastery of the application of the science of behavior analysis. The program, which most students complete in approximately two years, is designed to prepare students for employment at the master’s level or for doctoral study. The program’s core curriculum has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (www.bacb.com).

Application

The application must be accompanied by a brief, but complete, letter of intent containing a personal summary of your interest in ABA and any training and experience you have had in this area.  Also, at least two academic letters of recommendation and official transcripts must be submitted with your application.  In addition to the application, letters of reference and transcripts, a personal interview with the ABA faculty is required. Deadline for applications is February 1^st. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 1^st.

 

Note: Interested students should contact the Department of Psychology at California State University Los Angeles (323) 343-2250, or contact the program Director, Dr. Hank Schlinger at hschlin@calstatela.edu.

References
Lowenkron, B., & Mitchell, L. (1995). Developing an interdisciplinary master’s program in applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 18, 321-329.