Behavior Analysis (MS or EdS)
Description
Simmons’s Behavior Analysis program prepares students for leadership roles in the implementation, evaluation, and administration of applied behavioral analytic principles and methods. Our innovative curriculum emphasizes contemporary research that results in the implementation of best applied practices. While many students in our Applied Behavior Analysis programs are drawn from the fields of education and special education, the potential applications for this degree vary widely and include behavioral medicine, organizational behavior management, instructional design, and animal training.
Students have two degree options – the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) and the Master of Science (M.S.). The Ed.S. degree program is an advanced graduate degree that provides a student who currently holds a master’s degree with an area of educational specialization. The M.S. meets the educational needs of an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree and is seeking a master’s degree. Until September 2019, the program of study is 40 credits. In January 2020, the program of study is 42 credits.
Learning Outcomes
Students acquire and demonstrate complex and sophisticated behavior analytic content that prepares them for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s certification examination.
The curriculum is a Verified Course Sequence by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
The curriculum includes all mentoring and supervision experiential hours, as required by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
The curriculum also satisfies the requirements of licensure in Massachusetts as an Applied Behavior Analyst.
Requirements for entry into program
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred.
It is desirable that applicants have a balanced liberal arts education on the undergraduate level with evidence of successful completion of natural science courses. Additionally, the Admission Committee looks for relevant experience and a commitment to the science and profession of behavior analysis and its values.
Delivery Modes Available
The Behavior Analysis Master’s degree is offered at the Simmons campus and online.
Degree requirements
Credits
The Masters / Ed Specialist degree in Behavior Analysis is 40 credits.
(Note: For students entering in January 2020 and after, the credit requirement increases to 42 to align with new Behavior Analysis Certification Board requirements. Students will complete 2000 hours of practicum spread out over 6 terms.)
Program Requirements
Please note that courses are labelled BEHV for on the ground and BEHVO for online courses.
| BEHV 424 | Introduction to Behavior Analysis | 4.00 |
| BEHV 415 | Introduction to Single Subject Research Designs | 4.00 |
| BEHV 426 | Behavioral Assessment | 4.00 |
| BEHV 427 | Methods for Changing Behavior I | 4.00 |
| BEHV 434 | Methods for Changing Behavior II | 4.00 |
| BEHV 430 | Legal and Ethical Issues | 4.00 |
| BEHV 445 | Advanced Topic Applied Behavior Analysis | 4.00 |
| BEHV 461 | Mentoring Supervision I * | 4.00 |
| BEHV 462 | Mentoring Supervision II * | 4.00 |
| BEHV 465 | Theoretical & Applied Issues in Skinner's Writings | 4.00 |
For students entering in January 2020 and after, the practicum course sequence is changed as follows:
BEHV 451 Mentoring Supervision I 2
BEHV 452 Mentoring Supervision II 2
BEHV 453 Mentoring Supervision III 2
BEHV 454 Mentoring Supervision IV 2
BEHV 455 Mentoring Supervision V 2
Optional Elective
BEHVO 466 Autism Spectrum Disorders 3
Mentoring and Supervision
Prior to January 2020, two mentoring courses are taken in consecutive terms. These courses provide individualized and group supervision to students using the basic principles of behavior analysis in the classroom or work setting. They fulfill the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s requirements for completion of supervision under the Intensive Practicum category. (Classes entering from January 2020 will complete five 2-credit practicum courses.)
Students will meet individually with an appointed Individual BCBA Supervisor for one 90-minute meeting per week, and will meet as a small group with a Simmons College Group BCBA Supervisor for a second 90-minute weekly meeting.
Students must work at an approved site throughout the mentoring program. Students must work a minimum of 10 hours per week every week of the mentoring term to meet BACB® Eligibility Standards for supervision. However, Simmons College recommends students work 30 hours per week to ensure they accrue sufficient hours. Students must complete a total of 750 work hours in the approved settings over the course of the supervision experience (2 terms). A minimum of 10% of these work hours must be supervised. More than one setting may be combined to fulfill these requirements.
Responsibilities include direct and clinical service provision to human clients for whom behavior analytic services are appropriate. Per BACB standards, no more than 50% of the hours worked may be direct services. Clinical responsibilities include designing and/or monitoring behavior analytic programs, overseeing implementation of programs by others, conducting behavior analytic assessments and analyses, training other service providers to implement behavior analytic programming, and data analysis.
For students entering in January 2020, the practicum course requirements also apply, however, students must attend individual and group supervision sessions across five semesters while maintaining employment at an approved fieldwork placement. Each term, students must complete a total of 400 experience hours, which includes at least 60% of the experience dedicated to unrestricted clinical work as defined in the BACB supervised fieldwork standards. Students also attend individual and group BCBA supervisor sessions for a total of 21 supervised hours per term.
Licensure, certification, etc.
Simmons University course sequence in Behavior Analysis is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board™ and meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ (BCBA) examination. The curriculum also satisfies the requirements of licensure in Massachusetts as an Applied Behavior Analyst.
The on-campus Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program is one of only 20 master’s programs accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Graduates of our on-campus programs boast an average Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination pass rate of 80%, compared to the national average of 60%.
The Behavior@Simmons program leads to a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis. This program is intended to lead to exam eligibility for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination, and not an individual certificate or license. Some, but not all, states license Behavioral Analysts, with name of license and requirements varying by state. Generally granting of the degree, fulfilling the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and passage of a background check is sufficient for licensure in most states.
This table provides a state by state breakdown of comparable requirements, including a determination of eligibility for the national certifying exam. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets national exam eligibility requirements and not individual state specific requirements. Specific state licenses may be more applicable and/or require additional standards. Exam eligibility, licensure requirements, and appropriate pathways are subject to change and may differ based on individual student backgrounds, including coursework taken outside the scope of the program. Students should do their own due diligence and determine the appropriate pathway and license type for themselves.