Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Spectrum Disorder courses

Autism Spectrum Disorder coursework overview

Coursework tailored to your learning preferences

  • Capella sets the deadlines
  • Weekly online interactions
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Planning for your degree

  • total quarter credits: 60
  • Quarter length: 10 weeks
  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Break: 3 weeks between quarters

Course requirements

  • Core 9 courses
  • Specialization 2 courses
  • Capstone 1 course
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PSY5006 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level training in applied behavioral analysis. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 5 quarter credits
PSY5260 Core Philosophical Foundations of Behaviorism 5 quarter credits In this course, students gain an understanding of the basic foundations, philosophy, and concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Students discriminate between therapeutic approaches that are behavior-analytic and those that are not. Students acquire knowledge of the basic principles and analyze behavior and environmental events surrounding the occurrence of behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 5 quarter credits
PSY7710 Core Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits In this course, students gain knowledge about the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Students practice navigating ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in the practice of behavior analysis. Students gain perspective on how to weigh risks and benefits associated with the implementation of behavior change procedures. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5260 or PSY7708. 5 quarter credits
PSY5280 Core Advanced Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits Students further examine the concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Students discern the different types of antecedents and consequences that effect behavior. Students practice speaking in the scientific terminology used in the science of behavior analysis. Students also gain a basic understanding of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer Prerequisite(s): PSY5260, Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7710. 5 quarter credits
PSY7711 Core Measurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits In this course, students gain knowledge on measurement, data display, and experimental methods commonly used in applied behavior analysis. Students distinguish the different types of measurement that may be used and determine the conditions under which certain types should be used. Students gain knowledge about single-subject design as well as different types of research methods used in behavior analysis. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY5260, PSY7710, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5280. 5 quarter credits
PSY5300 Core Fundamentals of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 5 quarter credits In this course, students investigate the experimental analysis of behavior by analyzing seminal and innovative research. Students compare and contrast the experimental analysis of behavior with applied behavior analysis research and assess the unique and important contributions of each type of research. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711. 5 quarter credits
PSY7712 Core Behavior Analytic Assessments 5 quarter credits Students apply and gain knowledge of the full range of assessment-based approaches in behavior analysis. Students gain knowledge on how to assess client's preferences, needs, and skill strengths and deficits. Students practice conducting functional behavior assessments and analyzing results of these assessments to determine functions of behavior. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY5280 or PSY7709; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7711. 5 quarter credits
PSY7713 Core Behavior Analytic Interventions 5 quarter credits In this course, students apply techniques of behavior change to behaviors of social significance. Students gain knowledge on how to design behavior change systems given results of behavior assessments. Students also gain knowledge on how to design these systems to ensure continued maintenance and generalization of skills. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711, PSY7712. 5 quarter credits
PSY6311 Specialization Course Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Early Intervention 5 quarter credits In this course, students identify diagnostic criteria related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students explore research, treatments, and assessments targeted for children diagnosed with ASD. Students develop an individualized ASD intervention plan, which incorporates collaboration, compassionate practices, and the specific diagnostic and environmental circumstances of the child. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711 or PSY8003 or PSY8002. 5 quarter credits
PSY5330 Core Organizational Behavior Management: Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits Students apply evidenced-based supervision practices to the supervision of behavior-analytic programs. Students develop skills in how to apply behavior change procedures. Students apply Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to create behavior change programs to address verbal behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7712; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7713 or PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705 and PSY7706. 5 quarter credits
PSY6313 Specialization Course Lifespan Interventions and Autism Spectrum Disorder 5 quarter credits In this course, students assess a variety of strengths and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder at different ages and stages of life. Students evaluate varied interventions associated with different times of life, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and geriatric. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY6311. 5 quarter credits
PSY7715 Capstone Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone 5 quarter credits In this course, students demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in applied behavior analysis. Students demonstrate their understanding of ethical and professional conduct and basic concepts and principles in behavior analysis. Students apply assessment techniques, implement behavior-analytic methods, and determine their effectiveness. Students demonstrate their ability to evaluate research findings by synthesizing research and drafting an experimental outline around a behavior analytic topic of their choice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework, MS in Applied Behavior Analysis students must have completed PSY5002 or PSY5006; PSY5260 or PSY7708; PSY7713 or (PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705, PSY7706); PSY7714 or PSY7724 or PSY5330; PSY5280 or PSY7709; PSY7710; PSY7711; PSY7712; PSY5300; PSY6313 or PSY6311 or PSY6315 or PSY6319 or PSY7305 or PSY7306. 5 quarter credits
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PSY7713 Core Behavior Analytic Interventions 5 quarter credits In this course, students apply techniques of behavior change to behaviors of social significance. Students gain knowledge on how to design behavior change systems given results of behavior assessments. Students also gain knowledge on how to design these systems to ensure continued maintenance and generalization of skills. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711, PSY7712. 5 quarter credits
PSY5300 Core Fundamentals of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 5 quarter credits In this course, students investigate the experimental analysis of behavior by analyzing seminal and innovative research. Students compare and contrast the experimental analysis of behavior with applied behavior analysis research and assess the unique and important contributions of each type of research. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711. 5 quarter credits
PSY5260 Core Philosophical Foundations of Behaviorism 5 quarter credits In this course, students gain an understanding of the basic foundations, philosophy, and concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Students discriminate between therapeutic approaches that are behavior-analytic and those that are not. Students acquire knowledge of the basic principles and analyze behavior and environmental events surrounding the occurrence of behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 5 quarter credits
PSY5280 Core Advanced Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits Students further examine the concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Students discern the different types of antecedents and consequences that effect behavior. Students practice speaking in the scientific terminology used in the science of behavior analysis. Students also gain a basic understanding of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer Prerequisite(s): PSY5260, Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7710. 5 quarter credits
PSY5330 Core Organizational Behavior Management: Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits Students apply evidenced-based supervision practices to the supervision of behavior-analytic programs. Students develop skills in how to apply behavior change procedures. Students apply Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to create behavior change programs to address verbal behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7712; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7713 or PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705 and PSY7706. 5 quarter credits
PSY5006 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level training in applied behavioral analysis. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 5 quarter credits
PSY7710 Core Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits In this course, students gain knowledge about the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Students practice navigating ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in the practice of behavior analysis. Students gain perspective on how to weigh risks and benefits associated with the implementation of behavior change procedures. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5260 or PSY7708. 5 quarter credits
PSY7711 Core Measurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 quarter credits In this course, students gain knowledge on measurement, data display, and experimental methods commonly used in applied behavior analysis. Students distinguish the different types of measurement that may be used and determine the conditions under which certain types should be used. Students gain knowledge about single-subject design as well as different types of research methods used in behavior analysis. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY5260, PSY7710, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5280. 5 quarter credits
PSY7712 Core Behavior Analytic Assessments 5 quarter credits Students apply and gain knowledge of the full range of assessment-based approaches in behavior analysis. Students gain knowledge on how to assess client's preferences, needs, and skill strengths and deficits. Students practice conducting functional behavior assessments and analyzing results of these assessments to determine functions of behavior. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY5280 or PSY7709; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7711. 5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PSY6311 Specialization Course Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Early Intervention 5 quarter credits In this course, students identify diagnostic criteria related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students explore research, treatments, and assessments targeted for children diagnosed with ASD. Students develop an individualized ASD intervention plan, which incorporates collaboration, compassionate practices, and the specific diagnostic and environmental circumstances of the child. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711 or PSY8003 or PSY8002. 5 quarter credits
PSY6313 Specialization Course Lifespan Interventions and Autism Spectrum Disorder 5 quarter credits In this course, students assess a variety of strengths and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder at different ages and stages of life. Students evaluate varied interventions associated with different times of life, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and geriatric. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY6311. 5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PSY7715 Capstone Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone 5 quarter credits In this course, students demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in applied behavior analysis. Students demonstrate their understanding of ethical and professional conduct and basic concepts and principles in behavior analysis. Students apply assessment techniques, implement behavior-analytic methods, and determine their effectiveness. Students demonstrate their ability to evaluate research findings by synthesizing research and drafting an experimental outline around a behavior analytic topic of their choice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework, MS in Applied Behavior Analysis students must have completed PSY5002 or PSY5006; PSY5260 or PSY7708; PSY7713 or (PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705, PSY7706); PSY7714 or PSY7724 or PSY5330; PSY5280 or PSY7709; PSY7710; PSY7711; PSY7712; PSY5300; PSY6313 or PSY6311 or PSY6315 or PSY6319 or PSY7305 or PSY7306. 5 quarter credits

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