Programs
Autism
Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (Doctor of Philosophy)
The Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis is a research-based program of study designed to prepare students for teaching at the university level and/or for work as scientist-practitioners involving business and industry, developmental disabilities (including autism), education, and public policy.
The program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours and is designed to be completed in a minimum of three years. Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or the equivalent. A minimum of 30 hours of coursework, as well as a minimum of 24 hours of research and dissertation credit hours (6 credits of Research Immersion, 3 credits of Research Project, 3 credits of Research Tools, and 12 credits of Dissertation), and 6 credits of other requirements (3 credits of Clinical Immersion, 3 credits for Qualifying Examination), are required for graduation.
The Ph.D. program will be offered simultaneously in a synchronous online format, affording students living outside of the Greater Boston area the opportunity to complete the program.
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Behavior Analysis (Ph.D.) Program Mission
The mission of the Ph.D. program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Endicott College is to train researchers, scientist- practitioners, and university faculty in the discovery, translation, and application of newly acquired knowledge regarding the science of human behavior toward solving socially-significant problems of human behavior and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).
Applied Behavior Analysis is a profession devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. What sets Applied Behavior Analysis apart from many other professions is a focus on objectively defining and measuring the behavior under question, while demonstrating a reliable relationship between the procedures employed and the behavioral improvements gained, utilizing methods of science, including description, quantification, and analysis. The “attitudes of science” upon which Applied Behavior Analysis is based include:
• Determinism,
• Empiricism,
• Parsimony,
• Scientific Manipulation, and
• Philosophical Doubt
The course of study will focus on educating students as researchers, applying the Scientist-Practitioner Model, also called the Boulder Model (Davison, 1998), in the discovery, translation, and application of newly acquired knowledge toward solving socially significant problems of human behavior. The Scientist-Practitioner Model is a training model for graduate programs that aspires to prepare students within a foundation of research and scientific practice.
Following the lead of the mission of Endicott College, the Ph.D. program in Applied Behavior Analysis adopts the college’s philosophy of a “concept of applied learning, which has been the hallmark of Endicott. Linking classroom and off-campus work experience through required internships remains the most distinguishing feature of the College.” The Department of Applied Behavior Analysis has a vision for the total development of the individual within a community that fosters an appreciation of diversity, international awareness, community service, and moral and ethical values. Also, like Endicott, the department programs value the need for “common threads to run through the fabric of the Endicott experience: increased self-confidence, stronger professional skills and technological competencies, and perhaps the most valued of all, lives open to change.” The goal is for the departmental Doctoral students to serve as a resource to the individuals served in these settings by systematically identifying and solving the problems faced by their caregivers in an empirical/research based approach.
Program Format
The Ph.D. program integrates technology across the curriculum. The courses will be delivered through a synchronous online model. This model appeals to busy professionals and those living outside the Greater Boston area seeking a rigorous doctoral educational experience in a convenient and modern format.
Courses are offered during three semesters (fall, spring and summer). Students are required to enroll in two courses in fall, spring, and summer semesters for the first year, and for a combination of research credits and courses for year two, followed by dissertation and other degree requirements in year three. Students who have not completed the program by the end of their third year must register for dissertation credits in all subsequent semesters, up to seven-year maximum, until completion of all degree requirements.
The Academic Program
Qualifying Examinations
Prior to the end of the student’s second year (or the completion of 36 credits), the student will complete three four-hour qualifying examinations prepared by his or her doctoral committee. The student, in consultation with his or her advisor and dissertation committee, will define the other two areas of study, as needed. As an alternative for one exam, the student can publish, in a peer-reviewed journal, a first-authored research article. Additional waivers are available for a second examination.
References:
Baer, D.M., Montrose, M.W., & Risely, T.R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Davidson, G.C. (1998). Being Bolder with Boulder model. The challenge of education and training in empirically supported treatments. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 163-167.
Sulzer, B. & Mayer, R.G. (1991). Behavior analysis for lasting change. New York; Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 60
Core Courses - 24 credits
Immersion Experiences - 9 credits
Additional Requirements - 21 credits
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Organizes the knowledge, principles, and skills of Applied Behavior Analysis in the conduct of problem- oriented research
- Formulate research questions that are in keeping with a problem-oriented model
- Design problem-oriented research projects to provide evidence-based solutions to socially significant problems
- Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equality and meeting professional standards
- Analyze and compare previous research solutions to topics within the scope of Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 40-credit degree program that includes 25 credits of required core academic courses and 15 credits of elective courses. This program was developed for students interested in completing the requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam and allows for several content specializations within ABA.
Licensure/Board Certification
The M.S. and Certificate programs offered through the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis meet the educational requirements that allow students to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©), as well as the academic standards for Licensure as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students planning to apply for Licensure or to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation should consult with their Academic Advisor regarding meeting the MA Division of Professional Licensing, BACB, and departmental standards for internship experiences and supervision. Please Note: For students living outside of Massachusetts regulations regarding licensing differ from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state licensing board if you plan to apply for a license outside the state of Massachusetts.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 40
Required Curriculum - 25 Credits
General Electives - 15 Credits
Students who do not choose a track will choose 5 courses from the below list. At least 4 of the 5 must be ABA prefix (One AUT elective is allowed).
Note: Students may choose a variety of electives from this list OR specialize in one of four tracks below.
ABA and Childhood Clinical Disorders
ABA and Organizational Behavior Management
Autism Required Courses - 9 Credits
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Articulate and act within the principles of radical behaviorism
- Solve challenging problems using the concepts and principles of ABA
- Research using disciplinary methods including measurement, data analysis, and experimental design
- Conduct practice and research in accordance with disciplinary methods
- Apply ethical decision making across all areas of clinical practice including skill and behavioral assessment, supervision and training, and individual and systems interventions
The Fifth Year Program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was developed as an option for Endicott graduates to complete a Master’s Degree in an accelerated format, and complete the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination offered through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Endicott graduates can waive up to two elective courses in the general track if they have taken one or more of the following courses during their undergraduate education: ABA 280 Introduction to the Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA 310 Assessment in Behavior Analysis, ABA 332 Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis, or ABA 145 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Non-Endicott graduates are required to complete the total required 40 credits.
The required coursework begins during the student’s first post-graduate summer term, with all requirements completed within an 18 month time period.
The following conditions apply for a student who completes a Bachelor’s degree from Endicott College:
Licensure/Board Certification
The M.S. and Certificate programs offered through the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis meet the educational requirements that allow students to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©), as well as the academic standards for Licensure as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students planning to apply for Licensure or to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation should consult with their Academic Advisor regarding meeting the MA Division of Professional Licensing, BACB, and departmental standards for internship experiences and supervision. Please Note: For students living outside of Massachusetts regulations regarding licensing differ from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state licensing board if you plan to apply for a license outside the state of Massachusetts.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 40
Required Curriculum - 25 Credits
Electives - 15 credits
At least 4 of the 5 must be ABA prefix (One AUT elective is allowed).
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Articulate and act within the principles of radical behaviorism
- Solve challenging problems using the concepts and principles of ABA
- Research using disciplinary methods including measurement, data analysis, and experimental design
- Conduct practice and research in accordance with disciplinary methods
- Apply ethical decision making across all areas of clinical practice including skill and behavioral assessment, supervision and training, and individual and systems interventions
The Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis is a unique, advanced-level program focused on the application of behavioral principles in addressing the needs of exceptional learners. The program fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) examination.
Individuals who hold a graduate degree in education or psychology who are seeking certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), may enroll in Endicott’s Verified Course Sequence (VCS©) in preparation for the certification examination. Behavior Analyst Certificate courses are three-credit-hour courses and are scheduled for 45 contact hours each.
*If you are a resident of, or plan to practice Applied Behavior Analysis in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, please understand that as if June 5, 2015, regulations governing licensure eligibility, the application process, and standards of practice for Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts (LABA) went into effect. These standards establish both “Practice” as well as “Title” standards, requiring that you must be licensed in Massachusetts to identify yourself as a behavior analyst, or practice Applied Behavior Analysis.
Licensure/Board Certification
The M.S. and Certificate programs offered through the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis at Van Loan meet the educational requirements that allow students to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©), as well as the academic standards for Licensure as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students planning to apply for Licensure or to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation should consult with their Academic Advisor regarding meeting the MA Division of Professional Licensing, BACB, and departmental standards for internship experiences and supervision. Please Note: For students living outside of Massachusetts regulations regarding licensing differ from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state licensing board if you plan to apply for a license outside the state of Massachusetts.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 21
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Have a good grasp of the theoretical perspective of behaviorism and natural science
- Understand the components of valid research
- Be able to observe human behavior and explain it causes based upon the world view of behaviorism and natural science
- Explain how behavioral principles apply to all areas of human endeavor
This certificate focuses on the application of ABA to child clinical challenges that practitioners may encounter in school settings. The courses focus on the application of ABA to clinical challenges in children, such as ADHD, learning difficulties, behavior disorders, and skill building in self-regulation. Special topics covered include collaboration between professions, evidence based curriculum development, and the use of effective social skills interventions.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 15
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Critique alternative approaches to understanding behavior associated with emotional behavioral disorders
- Value all aspects of human behavior including private events.
- Interpret the learning, behavioral, communication, and social characteristics of individuals with childhood clinical disorders.
- Design effective function-based treatments for challenging behavior based on state of the art ABA assessment techniques for individuals with childhood clinical disorders
- Support treatment decisions using existing empirical evidence
- Design individual behavior treatments including behavior reduction and skill acquisition programming
- Demonstrate understanding of the learning, behavioral, communication, developmental, environmental, and social characteristics of individuals with emotional behavioral disorders and how behavior analysis can be applied to mitigate these issues and improve quality of life.
- Differentiate levels of evidence for approaches within and outside of ABA.
- Weigh courses of action given clinical scenarios.
- Create systems for the provision of performance based feedback in supervision and training contexts.
This certificate focuses on the application of ABA to mental health issues that practitioners may encounter in treatment settings. The courses focus on the application of ABA to mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, chronic mental illness, and addiction. Special topics covered include collaboration between professions, innovative assessment and intervention methods, and individualized skill building approaches
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 15
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Critique alternative approaches to understanding behavior associated with mental health.
- Value all aspects of human behavior including private events.
- Interpret the learning, behavioral, communication, and social characteristics of individuals with mental health disorders.
- Design effective function-based treatments for challenging behavior based on state of the art ABA assessment techniques for individuals with mental health disorders
- Support treatment decisions using existing empirical evidence
- Design individual behavior treatments including behavior reduction and skill acquisition programming
- Demonstrate an understanding of the emotional, behavioral, social, and environmental aspects of mental health disorders and how behavior analysis can be applied to mitigate these issues and improve quality of life.
- Differentiate levels of evidence for approaches within and outside of ABA.
- Weigh courses of action given clinical scenarios.
- Create systems for the provision of performance based feedback in supervision and training contexts.
This certificate focuses on the application of ABA to training, supervision, and organizational management. Special attention is paid to performance management and to the application of OBM to clinical practice and to business contexts. An applied project is embedded into the certificate program, enabling the student to implement the concepts in a solution-based framework.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 15
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Critique alternative approaches to understanding behavior within organizations
- Formulate organizational systems based on a behavioral framework
- Demonstrate understanding of how behavior analytic principles relate to organizations, including performance management, effective supervision practices and the creation of systems to support the achievement of organizational goals
- Construct systems based on ABA principles and available evidence.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the individual, organizational, environmental, and other variables that contribute to behavior within organizations.
- Differentiate levels of evidence for approaches within and outside of ABA.
- Weigh courses of action given organizational scenarios
- Create systems for the provision of performance-based feedback in supervision and training contexts
Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis (Master of Education)
This program prepares students to work with children with moderate disabilities who participate in integrated/self-contained classrooms, home-based or other educational environments. The program does not lead to teacher licensing. The program meets the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysts exam. This is a unique, advanced-level component that focuses on the application of behavioral principles in addressing the needs of exceptional learners. It should be noted that licensure in any state would likely require significant additional coursework approved by those states in which the individual seeks licensure as a special educator.
Licensure/Board Certification
The M.Ed. and Certificate programs offered through the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis at Van Loan meet the educational requirements that allow students to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©), as well as the academic standards for Licensure as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students planning to apply for Licensure or to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation should consult with their Academic Advisor regarding meeting the MA Division of Professional Licensing, BACB, and departmental standards for internship experiences and supervision. Please Note: For students living outside of Massachusetts regulations regarding licensing differ from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state licensing board if you plan to apply for a license outside the state of Massachusetts.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 51
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and apply measurement data
- Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to special education
- Demonstrate the acquisition of the knowledge, principles and skills of Applied Behavior Analysis
Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Moderate Disabilities with MA Licensure (Master of Education)
The Master of Education in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12) is a program that allows students to be prepared to teach as a special educator in the state of MA and to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination and obtain an initial or professional license in Moderate Disabilities.
Initial Licensure
Students must pass the Communication and Literacy MTEL to be admitted to the program. To meet the licensure program requirements, students must successfully complete all of the required MTELs, coursework and fieldwork. Students are required to pass all required MTELs prior to enrolling in the practicum. Students who are unable to meet these requirements can complete the non-licensure master’s degree which replaces the Practicum and Reflective Seminar with two education electives.
Professional Licensure
In addition to completing the Professional Licensure Program of Study, to be eligible for a Massachusetts Professional level teacher license, a person must hold an Initial license as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12) and have been employed under the Initial license for at least three (3) years. Candidates must be able to document that they have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor and completed 50 hours of mentored experience beyond their induction year.
Licensure/Board Certification
The M.Ed. and Certificate programs offered through the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis at Van Loan meet the educational requirements that allow students to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©), as well as the academic standards for Licensure as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students planning to apply for Licensure or to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation should consult with their Academic Advisor regarding meeting the MA Division of Professional Licensing, BACB, and departmental standards for internship experiences and supervision. Please Note: For students living outside of Massachusetts regulations regarding licensing differ from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state licensing board if you plan to apply for a license outside the state of Massachusetts.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 51
Required Curriculum with MA Initial Licensure
*Courses required for obtaining Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12)
Practicum Placements will be appropriate to the level of the license sought, PreK-8 or 5-12
Required Curriculum with MA Professional Licensure
*Courses required for obtaining Professional Licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12)
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equity and meeting professional standards
- Demonstrate ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and apply measurement data
- Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to subject matter
- Demonstrate knowledge of child development
- Demonstrate acquisition of the knowledge, principles and skills of Applied Behavior Analysis
Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Severe Disabilities with MA Licensure (Master of Education)
The Master of Education in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis in Severe Disabilities (All Levels) is a program that allows students to be prepared to teach as a special educator in the state of MA and to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination and obtain an initial or professional license in Severe Disabilities.
Initial Licensure
Students must pass the Communication and Literacy MTEL to be admitted to the program. To meet the licensure program requirements, students must successfully complete all of the required MTELs, coursework and fieldwork. Students are required to pass all required MTELs prior to enrolling in the practicum. Students who are unable to meet these requirements can complete the non-licensure master’s degree which replaces the Practicum and Reflective Seminar with two education electives.
Professional Licensure
In addition to completing the Professional Licensure Program of Study, to be eligible for a Massachusetts Professional level teacher license, a person must hold an Initial license as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12) and have been employed under the Initial license for at least three (3) years. Candidates must be able to document that they have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor and completed 50 hours of mentored experience beyond their induction year.
Licensure/Board Certification
The M.Ed. and Certificate programs offered through the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis at Van Loan meet the educational requirements that allow students to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©), as well as the academic standards for Licensure as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students planning to apply for Licensure or to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation should consult with their Academic Advisor regarding meeting the MA Division of Professional Licensing, BACB, and departmental standards for internship experiences and supervision. Please Note: For students living outside of Massachusetts regulations regarding licensing differ from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state licensing board if you plan to apply for a license outside the state of Massachusetts.
Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 51
Required Curriculum with MA Initial Licensure
*Courses required for obtaining Initial Licensure in Severe Disabilities (All Levels)
Required Curriculum with MA Professional Licensure
*Courses required for obtaining Professional Licensure in Severe Disabilities (All Levels)
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equity and meeting professional standards
- Demonstrate ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and apply measurement data
- Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to subject matter
- Demonstrate knowledge of child development
- Demonstrate acquisition of the knowledge, principles and skills of Applied Behavior Analysis
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