Applied Behavior Analysis (MEd)
Loyola University offers a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. The program is designed to prepare students to work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent clients, patients, and students in primary care and health service delivery settings. Students will become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). The program will be offered completely online, asynchronously.
Related Programs
Combined
Curriculum
Participating students will be expected to complete a total of 30 semester hours to earn the MEd degree. Of the 30 semester hours, 3 semester hours are related to the field-based/capstone course. The degree is designed to be completed within 18 to 24 months. The degree program will be delivered entirely online, asynchronously.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EABA 400 | Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 405 | Behavioral Health and Neurodivergence | 3 |
| EABA 410 | Single-Case Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 415 | Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 420 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| EABA 425 | Behavioral Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 430 | Facilitating Behavior Change in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 435 | Philosophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 440 | Organizational/Systemic Behavior and Supervision | 3 |
| EABA 560 | Field-Based Experience and Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Field-Based Hours
Students who are admitted to the program can start to acquire field-based hours under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Students will acquire these hours independent of the program, except for when they are enrolled in EABA 560. Students will be responsible for identifying their field-based placement and supervisor. It is important to note the majority of students will already be working in the field and are already working under the supervision of an individual with the BCBA credential. By enrolling in an ABA program, their supervision hours will begin to count toward meeting the requirements for sitting for the BCBA exam. Specifically, students will be eligible to take the BCBA certification exam after completing the 30 hour master's program and after completing their supervised field-based hours. The field-based hours are often completed after graduating with the master's degree.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The recommended sequence of the program is based on students enrolling in 9 credit hours each semester. The program will enroll a new cohort for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. We recommended the following sequence:
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| EABA 400 | Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 405 | Behavioral Health and Neurodivergence | 3 |
| EABA 415 | Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| EABA 410 | Single-Case Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 425 | Behavioral Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 435 | Philosophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| EABA 420 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| EABA 430 | Facilitating Behavior Change in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EABA 440 | Organizational/Systemic Behavior and Supervision | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| EABA 560 | Field-Based Experience and Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
- Prepare individuals who are eligible to take the BCBA exam and apply their knowledge of ABA to positively impact the lives of individuals and families within ABA Centers, Autism Centers, hospital settings, schools, and other organizations.
- Provide diverse learning opportunities grounded in ABA principles that prepares individuals to work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodivergent clients, patients, and students in primary care, school, and health service delivery settings.
- Provide learning opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of ABA principles, behavioral assessment skills, and implementation of advanced ABA interventions.
- Prepare students to utilize organizational and systemic behavior change principles as leaders and when fostering team development.
- Demonstrate ability to apply behavior-analytic principles using a culturally responsive approach when supervising registered behavior therapists and individuals with the Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst credential.
- LUC candidate successfully passes the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification exam.
- Successfully completes all 30 hours of course work.
- Successfully complete a capstone project that is applied in nature.
- Successfully complete a field-based experience.