Applied Behavior Analysis MS

Our coursework covers all the requirements of the most current Behavior Analysts Certification Board Edition Task List.  Students will learn key principles of learning, many different intervention strategies, the philosophy of behavior analysis, how to ethically operate as a professional, how to apply interventions in diverse settings, how to assess and analyze behavior to determine causes, to supervise and manage staff, and how to measure behavior to determine change. You will learn all the skills necessary to operate as a BCBA effectively.

Which courses will I take as part of this program?

The MS program is a 36-credit-hour program that operates on a cohort model and begins in the Fall semester. The coursework for the MS program includes the following: Many courses will have built-in field placement options, starting as early as the spring of your first semester, so that you can begin accruing practicum hours before the official practicum course begins!

• 1st Fall
  • SPED 7514 ---- Introduction to ABA                                                   
  • SPED 7010 ---- Ethical Issues in ABA                                                       
• 1st Spring
  • SPED 7518 ---- Evidence-Based Practice in ABA                                      
  • SPED 7517 ---- Functional Analysis and Treatment of Problem Behavior 
• 1st Summer
  • EDPR 7581 ---- Behavior Analysis and Single-Case Design                  
  • SPED 7519 ---- Practicum in ABA    
• 2nd Fall
  • SPED 7519 ---- Practicum in ABA                       
  • SPED 7516 ---- Advanced Principles and Concepts in ABA
• 2nd Spring
  • SPED 7519 ---- Practicum in ABA                       
  • SPED 7520 ---- Behaviorism Seminar
• 2nd Summer
  • SPED 7521 – Facilitating Generalization and Maintenance of Learning                 
  • SPED 7900 ---- Advanced Practicum/Capstone      

Program Coordinator

James Meindl, BCBA
Professor, Applied Behavior Analysis
PhD, Ohio State University
Email | 901.678.3310

Contact the Graduate Office with questions on the program Email | 901.678.4861

Why Pursue a Degree in ABA?

A Close-Knit Community

Our ABA program is designed to make you successful as a student and a future BCBA.  This requires a strong clinical skill set and a community of supportive professionals.  To promote this community, we operate on a cohort model, which means you take all classes in a set sequence with the same students each semester.  We also have an active student association – The University of Memphis Association for Behavior Analysis – that promotes student involvement and engagement outside class.  Our program is also highly engaged with the Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis – TABA – a statewide organization promoting behavior analysis.  Faculty are heavily involved in TABA and students present, volunteer, and network with professionals to further foster a broader community.  Upon graduation, you will find a familiar face wherever you go!

Active and Involved Faculty

The faculty in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program have a range of clinical and research backgrounds to ensure all students receive a broad range of experiences while in the program.  Clinically, our faculty have worked in various settings (e.g., homes, schools, clinics) across a spectrum of behaviors (e.g., problem behavior, selective mutism, phobias, skill development, and athletics).  The research interests of the faculty are equally broad and range from experimental research dealing with complex behavior phenomena to clinical application of virtual reality to school-based interventions.  Faculty develop a close relationship with students in and out of the program and support students even after graduation. Whatever your interest, there’s something here for you!

Working as a Behavioral Analyst

Behavior analysts work in many applied fields, including education, business, and clinical psychology, and demand for BCBAs has increased by %5,852 from 2010-2021. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has received much attention for its effectiveness with children with autism. Researchers and clinicians recognize ABA as the treatment of choice for behavior problems and learning difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. Many BCBAs work in schools as teachers or psychologists working with special education students. Many also work as scientists and scholars in higher education. Some BCBAs provide in-home supervision of direct care providers or provide direct care for children with developmental disabilities and Autism. Others provide clinical services, including functional analysis of behavior and treatment of serious behavior disorders such as self-injury and physical aggression. Still others work in business, training new employees and improving training programs.

However, not everyone who calls themselves a behavior analyst or a behavior therapist is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. A BCBA is a professional who has documented graduate training and supervised, hands-on experience in applying the principles and procedures of behavior analysis and has passed an examination in ABA given by the BACB.