Coursework

Program coursework is consistent with the national Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Task List (3rd ed.) requirements. In addition to required behavior analytic coursework, students are expected to take additional courses to provide a broader perspective on learning, child development, special education, research, and community- and school-based service delivery.

Core Coursework (units)

• Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (4)
• Functional Assessment and Intervention (4)
• Research Methods in ABA (4)
• Research Methods in Psychology (4)
• Teaching Students with Special Needs (3)
• Learning (3)
• Developmental Psychology (4)
• Ethics (3)

Electives (two required)

• Seminar in Applied Behavioral Science (3)
• Intervention and Prevention (4)
• Cognitive and Behavior Therapy (4)
• Instructional Consultation and Intervention (4)

Practicum

Students are assigned to practicum placements each semester to provide opportunities to apply skills learned in their courses. Placements include local schools, home-based programs, regional centers, and other behavior analytic service providers. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain experience in the on-campus early intervention clinic, which is housed in the psychology department. Students are assigned on-site supervisors and attend weekly supervision meetings. During the first year of the program, students work at their practicum placements for 10 hours per week. In the second year, students work at practicum placements for 20 hours per week. These requirements, along with scheduled on-campus supervision meetings (one credit hour per semester), allow student the opportunity to gain the 1000 hours of university-based practicum experience required for certification.

Thesis

The Fresno State Master of Arts in Psychology program requires that all students complete an empirical thesis as part of program requirements. Students within the ABA track of the M.A. program conduct applied research related to program foci. To assist in completion of this task, students are assigned a faculty mentor upon admission to the program. Students may register for 3-6 credit hours of thesis during the second year of the program.