ABA Program: Suggested Course Sequence
- SED 700- Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- SED 702- Behavioral Measurement and Assessment (3)
- SED 704- Functional Assessment (3)
- SED 706- Research Methods and Experimental Design (3)
- SED 708- Ethics and Professional Conduct (3)
- SED 710- Behavior Change Procedures (3)
- SED 712- Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
- SED 714- Supervised Practicum and Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
- SED 716- Maintenance of Client Records (3)
- SED 718- Issues of Cultural and Ethnic Diversity (3)
- SED 722- Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone Research Project * (3)
*Master's Degree Only
ABA Program: Course Descriptions
SED 700 Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a course designed to provide the student with an understanding of the Concepts and Principles that underlie the science of ABA. The historical and philosophical background of ABA will be covered and students will learn about the essential elements of ABA. An introduction to behavioral measurement will be provided in the context of some basic behavior change methods. Additionally, students will be introduced to the Laws, Rules, and Regulations regarding the practice of ABA.
SED 702 Behavioral Measurement and Assessment
Behavioral Measurement and Assessment is a course designed to provide the student with experience in careful measurement and assessment of behavior. Methods for obtaining specific types of behavioral data, graphing and analyzing data, making recommendations and terminating services will be covered. Additionally, some behavior change procedures will be introduced for students to learn, measure, and evaluate.
SED 704 Functional Assessment
Functional Assessment is a course designed to provide the student with the history and hands on experience in fundamental elements of direct observation, functional behavioral assessment, functional analysis methodology, function-based intervention, and function-based behavior change intervention procedures.
SED 706 Research Methods and Experimental Design
Research Methods and Experimental Design is a course designed to provide the student an understanding of the importance of Single Case Research Designs (SCRDs) and the ability to evaluate and implement them. Students will design evaluations of the influence of independent variables on dependent variables in representative SCRDs. Students will also conduct component and parametric analyses. Additionally, students will design ethical evaluations of the effectiveness of interventions, state and plan for the unwanted effects of independent variables, and assess and interpret the threats to internal and external validity in experimental designs, including interobserver agreement, and reliability of the independent variable.
SED 708 Ethics and Professional Conduct
Ethics and Professional Conduct is a course designed to provide the student with a background in fundamental elements of ethical and professional behavioral practice. Students will learn to apply the “Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts” to ethical and professional conflicts.
SED 710 Behavior Change Procedures
Behavior Change Procedures is a course designed to provide the student with a comprehensive experience in the fundamental elements of behavior change and specific behavior change procedures. This will also cover the design and implementation of behavioral interventions, including environmental modification and generalization. Students will learn general concepts and principles, including matching law, behavioral cusps, verbal behavior, and derived stimulus relations. Students will also learn specific techniques that include shaping, chaining, punishment, extinction, and generalization.
SED 712 Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a course designed to provide the student with an overview of the history and current considerations related to the diagnosis of autism across the lifespan. The biological bases and behavioral phenotype of autism will be taught within the framework of child development and transition to adulthood to geriatric. Students will learn to plan and evaluate treatments for people with ASD and will write and communicate to the audience of the consumer. The New York State regulations on ABA will be reviewed and the students will take and pass a state mandated course on Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse.
SED 714 Supervised Practicum and Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is the introduction to a Supervised Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis, and consists of a 150 clock hour supervised placement (10 hours per week at site), along with a weekly class Seminar. (Students are not permitted to work less than 10 hours for their practicum hours).
SED 716 Maintenance of Client Records
Maintenance of Client Records is a course designed to provide the student with an ability to identify and apply federal, state, and professional standards for maintenance of client records, including specific state agency standards while in practice, in the office, and while working remotely. Students will also learn about best practice for maintenance of client records while file-sharing, using telepractice, professional social media and advertising, and conducting research with consented participants. Students will also identify and apply best practice for maintenance of client records while saving, archiving, and destroying records.
SED 718 Issues of Cultural and Ethnic Diversity
Issues in Cultural and Ethnic Diversity in ABA is a course designed to provide the student with an overview of the history and current considerations related to providing ABA services to individuals with autism who are members of diverse populations. Aspects of cultural and ethnic diversity will be covered and the students will apply behavioral assessments and interventions with modifications based on needs from the individuals served.
SED 722 Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone Research Project
The ABA Capstone Research Project will provide the structure and guidance for students to create a Master’s-level thesis based on a research project of the student’s area of interest in ABA and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Students will be engaged in a systematic process of research which is expected to be genuine, of high quality, and maintains a level of rigor and integrity. Students will also follow the formal process for developing a research idea, securing appropriate research approvals, conducting the research, and writing the Master’s thesis.