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Applied Behavior Analysis Career Advising
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the study of the influence of environmental events on behaviors of social significance. The goal of ABA is to develop a behavioral technology that can enact meaningful change in an individual’s life through the use of reinforcement based strategies. In fact, if you look hard enough, ABA is all around us helping (a) children with autism learn how to communicate with others, (b) teachers with classroom management techniques, and (c) clinicians with behavioral intervention plans for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more general information on ABA see here:
Why should I be interested in Applied Behavior Analysis?
You should be interested in completing ABA coursework because you have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life who may be a part of a disenfranchised and vulnerable group. For example, many students of ABA will work with children diagnosed with autism who will need help with communication skills, social skills, cooperation skills, and tolerance skills. In addition, ABA offers certification at multiple levels including immediately after receiving a bachelor’s degree with room for growth all the way up to a doctoral degree. ABA follows a practitioner-scientist model that allows for those with a higher education to consider both opportunities of working as a clinician in the home, school, and clinic or a researcher working in a laboratory.
What does Queens College have to offer me regarding experience in Applied Behavior Analysis?
The Queens College psychology department offers multiple classes for undergraduates providing direct training in the basic principles of behavior analysis and how the principles are applied. The coursework offers a clear roadmap to becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) after receiving your undergraduate degree. Many faculty in the department are applied behavior analysts and offer a diverse range of research opportunities to work with masters and doctoral level students. Dr. Emily Jones directs an on-campus SIBS club that fosters relationships between a child with autism and their siblings. Dr. Joshua Jessel has an on-campus clinic serving children with autism who exhibit severe problem behavior and are in need of behavioral assessment and treatment. Serving as a research assistant improves your odds of continuing your education in the ABA MA program at Queens College.
What comes next if I decide to follow the Applied Behavior Analysis route?
After completing the ABA cluster coursework and receiving their bachelors in psychology, students could look into completing the necessary requirements for becoming a BCaBA. There are multiple clinics, consultants, and schools that are looking to hire BCaBAs and the demand is only growing. Students could also begin the application to be admitted to the ABA MA program at Queens College where they can continue their education to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA).
What career opportunities are there in Applied Behavior Analysis?
Career opportunities in ABA include but are not limited to: one-to-one instruction with children with autism and other related developmental disabilities, support or teaching in a special education classroom, direct support in the home environment. For those who continue to receive their master’s in ABA they can become consultants, direct their own clinics, or teach courses at a university as a faculty member.
Applied Behavior Analysis Cluster Coursework
* indicates courses with experiential/hands-on learning
Essential courses for the area of study are bolded. Not bolded classes are suggested.
Psych 101 General Psychology
Psych 1073/1 Statistical Methods
Psych 213W Experimental Psychology
Psych 311 Advanced Experimental: Learning or Psych 317 Advanced Experimental: Behavioral Analysis
Psych 214 Developmental Psych: infancy and childhood
Psych 215 Developmental Psych: adolescence
Psych 217 Developmental Psych: lifespan (only if have not taken 214 or 215)
Psych 221 Psychopathology
Psych 251 Into to learning & behavioral analysis
Psych 281 Problems in Psychology (as relevant)
Psych 372 Autism Practicum *
Psych 373 Autism Advanced Practicum *
Psych 323 Psychometrics
Psych 347 Clinical Psychology
Psych 349 Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
Psych 358 Autism
Psych 359 Developmental Disabilities
Psych 374 Culturally Responsive Family Support Practicum *
Psych 381 Advanced Special Topics (as relevant)
Psych 362 Organizational Performance Management
(View all course information here.)