Association for Behavior Analysis International

St. Cloud State University offers campus-based and fully online Masters of Science degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as an undergraduate minor. Students in our program gain experience in a wide range of applications, collaborate with faculty on research and clinical work, and gain experience in our state-of-the-art campus clinic as well as with our community partners. Students at SCSU consistently rank among the highest on first-time BCBA exam pass rates and secure employment in the field prior to graduation.

This presentation will describe graduate training at UMBC.

The Behavior Analysis program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake provides students with a well-rounded foundation in applied behavior analysis through an integrated sequence of coursework, practicum, and research activities. Students obtain competency in theoretical and conceptual issues of behavior analysis, performance management, and the application of basic principles with particular emphasis on interventions for children and adults with developmental disabilities. A variety of practicum experiences are available in home, school, and clinic settings. All students complete individual research projects and deliver original community presentations prior to graduation. Research is student-directed, with opportunities to gain experience in a variety of areas and with various populations. Graduate assistantships and other forms of financial assistance are available to all students. The program is accredited by ABAI and includes a verified course sequence that meets the coursework requirement to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam. The coursework also prepares graduates for eligibility to be a Texas Licensed Behavior Analyst. Furthermore, graduates will be prepared to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology or behavior analysis.

The Montana State University Billings, an accredited program by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, offers students a Master of Science in Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis The program at Montana State University Billings produces highly competent behavior analysts by training them to apply basic principles derived from the experimental analysis of behavior and philosophically aligned with radical behaviorism. Students in the program learn to systematically change socially significant behavior in various settings, including educational, clinical, and society. Students gain diverse skills, including the ability to analyze environmental variables controlling behavior, develop individualized interventions, monitor treatment effectiveness, and make data-based decisions to continue or modify treatment. Graduates of the program will fill a growing demand for individuals trained in applied behavior analysis to serve student and clinical populations in the Montana area, the northern rocky mountain region, and the western states of the United States of America.

Why should you enroll in our Master of Science in behavior analysis program? We offer a flexible program that provides students the choice to focus their studies on experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) or applied behavior analysis (ABA), or a combination of both. Our expert faculty provide students with unique opportunities to conduct basic or applied research. Our program includes an ABAI verified course sequence to meet coursework requirements for eligibility to apply to the BACB for examinations related to certification, as well as conceptual and experimental seminars in behavior analysis. Housed in the Department of Psychology, this program requires a total of 37.5 credits, and students enrolled full-time can complete this program within two years. Students may also enroll part-time to complete this program in three or four years depending on the number of courses taken per semester.

McNeese State University’s Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accredited on-campus terminal master’s graduate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program emphasizes a scientist-practitioner training model to provide our students with rigorous training in the conceptual foundations of behavior analysis. Students participate in a consistent program model where coursework, research, and intensive practica experience in our on-campus ABA clinic, The McNeese Autism Program, are of equal importance. An online-only program is also available with supervised, off-campus practicum placement. Both programs hold Verified Course Sequence (VCS) status. Each student partners with a core faculty member mentor on at least one publication quality research project as part of the Thesis requirement. Our faculty hold diverse research specialties and areas of expertise. Merit based graduate assistantships and tuition reductions are available. Out of state tuition waivers can be granted. Students from our program are immediately eligible to sit for credentialing to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA®s). Moreover, our coursework facilitates eligibility to apply for licensure as Licensed Behavior Analysts in several states. Graduates often pursue doctoral degrees in behavior analysis, psychology, or other closely related disciplines.

The Psychology Department has 28 full-time faculty members. There are programs in Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Child Psychology, and Life-Span Developmental Psychology. The Department follows a “Junior Colleague” model. The behavior analysis program trains students in basic research, theory, and applications of behavior principles. Students develop skills in the experimental analysis of animal and human behavior, as well as a strong methodological and conceptual background for developing behavioral technologies. The basic, conceptual, and applied areas are integrated in the curriculum; however, students may emphasize basic, applied, or both types of research.

The Ph.D. program in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute is aimed at providing students with independent study, investigation, and research skills in applied behavior analysis that will prepare students for leadership positions in academic, clinical, and research arenas. The main areas of research focus include but are not limited to early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders, behavioral pediatrics, assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, and pediatric feeding disorders. The Ph.D. program has many unique features including close integration of didactic instruction with clinical and research training provided by leading experts in behavior analysis and structured grant writing training. The students are provided with opportunities to develop skills related to applying concepts introduced in the classroom during coordinated practica, and students receive financial support in the form of a stipend, health benefits, and a tuition waiver. Students are also provided encouragement and support to present papers at local, regional, and national behavior-analysis conferences.

The ABA degree program, delivered in hybrid form, is committed to training future behavior analysts who are thoroughly prepared for service and practice in the 21st century and offers a holistic and integrated view of health care—one that treats the whole person and provides the opportunity to consult and collaborate with students from other medical-related disciplines. The program is also dedicated to preparing students to promote social justice through culturally responsive practice and advocacy to ensure equity for all children.

Temple University has been a leader in providing graduate training in applied behavior analysis (ABA) for over 25 years. Beginning under the leadership of Saul Axelrod and Phil Hineline, students received training in the foundations of behavior analysis, conducted research, and learned about application. Temple University ABA training programs have grown to include an M.S.Ed. in ABA, a graduate certificate in ABA, an undergraduate concentration in ABA, and an undergraduate certificate in ABA. Students get training in the science of behavior analysis, a variety of applications, including autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities, and receive the coursework required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for the national certifications: BCaBA or the BCBA. Students in the M.S.Ed. program complete supervised fieldwork as well as an empirical thesis project. The students are mentored by 3 full time faculty and enjoy all the city of Philadelphia has to offer including cultural and culinary arts, and our very own Philly Metro chapter of ABAI!

The Department of Behavioral Science at Daemen University advances the science of behavior using ethical, evidence-based, and inclusive practices. We promote individual and societal well-being through culturally responsive education, research, and collaboration in the classroom and community. We offer multiple program variations to meet the needs of students seeking opportunities for graduate study in behavioral science, including our Master’s degree and Advanced Certificate programs in ABA and in Behavioral Science in Human Services. Each of our programs is delivered in the traditional modality at our Main Campus in Amherst, NY and in the asynchronous distance education modality. Our programs are Verified Course Sequences (VCS) and are registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

The Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan (BAAM) has been organized to support and promote scientific research on the basic principles of behavior and the extension of those principles to create demonstrably effective and humane outcome-based therapies with the primary goal of establishing and enhancing functional independent living skills.BAAM conducts an annual convention supporting all aspects of behavior analysis in Michigan and the surrounding region. BAAM's growing website offers a variety of resources for behavior analysts and all those interested in behavior analysis.

District of Columbia Association of Behavior Analysis (DCABA) is a non-profit organization and official chapter of ABAI and APBA, with the mission to promote the professional practice, ethics, research, and dissemination of behavior analysis for those living and working in the Washington Metropolitan area and Washington DC (DMV), and to provide our members with support and continuing education opportunities within the field of behavior analysis. DCABA commits to promoting diversity and inclusiveness in our organization and within the field of behavior analysis.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been useful in addressing social problems related to the criminal justice field. Examples include the role of training programs in reducing recidivism and prison drug programs. Progress has been made on the treatment of adolescents and children, improved parenting to reduce conduct disorder, and efforts to diminish aggressive behavior in schools. ABA has also helped in the guiding of the court system in identifying effective sanctions (graduated sanctions), understanding the effects of behavioral programs, and team problem-solving in schools for emotionally and behaviorally-disordered students. Our special interest group (SIG) has had some changes in the past year. Our goal is to explain the work we are doing in this very important specialization of ABA.

Abstract: The Military and Veterans Issues Special Interest Group (MilVet SIG). The MilVet SIG continues to pursue gaining more traction in the use of applied behavior analysis within the military. The primary areas of use continue to be Tricare's ECHO program for Autism and small portions of the Department of Veteran Affairs. For millennia, with or without the use of behavioral terminology and deliberate planning, the military has practiced the tenets and technology of operant and respondent behavior conditioning and concepts while training troops. Through an analysis of the military’s use of respondent and operant techniques, this poster examines ways in which the military of various countries across time have employed these principles. The authors provide a summary and analysis of how these principles change the behavior of service members, while also summarizing the existing use of practices and terms. The authors include a potential method for re-training service members who have suffered trauma based on the military’s current training models. This could reduce the incidence of the personal, military, and financial cost of PTSD and suicide.

The Behavior Analysis for Sustainable Societies (BASS) Special Interest Group was established to advance applications of behavior analysis to environmental issues that contribute to the development of solutions to climate change, pollution, over-consumption of resources, imbalances of environmental sustainability. Information on BASS mission, events, membership, and other pertinent information will be presented in poster format.

Abstract: We will highlight the main objective and the four missions of our SIG. That is, to bring together researchers, academics, clinicians, and students interested in the intersections of behavior analysis and neuroscience and to: (1) introduce behavior analytic research to the neurosciences and vice versa; (2) provide a meeting place and training environment for students and professionals alike interested in basic and applied neuroscience research; (3) provide a forum for collaborative relationships and the sharing best practices; and (4) advocate for and promote high standards in the application of behavior analytic treatments for individuals with neurological dysfunction. Those interested in contributing to our efforts in increasing the relevance and visibility of this SIG or with ideas for initiatives to do this are encouraged to visit the expo and speak to us.

The Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group of the Association for Behavior Analysts International focuses on the application of behavior analytic methodology to the prevention and treatment of behaviors associated with chronic illness and disease, and the promotion of behaviors associated with improved health and treatment adherence. The role of behavior analysis is important in the field of behavioral medicine. It is the mission of the Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group to encourage interdisciplinary research in the areas of behavioral health promotion, emphasizing the need for function-based and empirically validated treatments for chronic health disorders. The Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group offers students, researchers, practitioners, and consumers opportunities to discuss issues related to public health promotion and disease prevention. All are welcome to join the Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group. We hope that the Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group will help consumers and practitioners better understand the role of behavior analysis in the field of behavioral medicine, and provide an outlet for discussions of current and developing research within the field.

The Mexican Organization of Practitioners of Applied Behavior Analysis was established in 2021. OMPAC is a non-profit newly-formed organization focused on pushing recognition of Applied Behavior Analysis as an effective scientific discipline to support Mexican society. Our mission is to guide professionals interested in practicing Applied Behavior Analysis by setting standards and specialized training to treat socially significant behaviors. Among our goals are 1) to disseminate the practice of ABA in Mexico with the highest standards, 2) to provide reliable resources for people looking to deepen their understanding in ABA , 3) to facilitate communication among professionals in ABA in México and 4) set practice standards and specialized trainings. We plan to conduct regular events (workshops, trainings, webinars, etc.) with the purpose to disseminate and provide training in specific subspecialities of ABA. Our long term goal would be to set the standards to establish a Mexican Certification of Behavior Analyst.

The Standard Celeration Society (SCS) became an ABAI special interest group in 1995. The mission of the SCS states to uphold and advance the defining features and conventions of the standard celeration chart. The SCS aims to function as a friendly and enduring forum, supporting the application and dissemination of standard celeration charting across an expanding range of practitioners and other stakeholders. The values of the SCS that guide behavior in fulfilling the mission include acknowledgement and appreciation of the founding principles and applications of our science (e.g., “standing on the shoulders of giants”), authenticity, inclusivity, legacy, community, and kindness. Since 2015, the SCS has employed an organizational structure composed of a board of directors and volunteer leadership teams that actively work toward implementing new and maintaining current initiatives designed to further the organization’s mission. We have an active board of directors comprised of five members, each on 3-year terms. In addition to the board, the organization also consists of an executive director, vice presidents, and associate vice presidents. The board of directors provides guidance and decision-making for the SCS executive director, who carries out board initiatives with vice presidents, associate vice presidents, and other volunteers. Current leadership teams include finance, programs, membership, scientific and academic relations, operations, international relations, diversity, and website services. Since the beginning of 2015, our leadership teams have actively developed the underlying systems to support the SIG’s structure and facilitate institutional memory as there is transition in our leadership roles, an important component for voluntary leadership teams to maintain productivity. Current priority initiatives include providing more free continuing education opportunities for members, publication resources, and training program locations for students interested in academic training, internships, and externships, among others. The SCS offers membership for a low cost and includes discounted rates to annual conference each year, access to the historical publication database of the Journal of Precision Teaching and Celeration, and soon to be announced web-based continuing education events (annual fees: sustaining, $100; full, $50; student, $25). Current initiatives also aim to highlight our organization’s entrepreneurial members. The skills of the members, including insights and strategies developed over decades of business development in the area of precision teaching, are made available to others looking to start their own businesses. This is an exciting opportunity to become involved with the SCS, as this organization has a long history of entrepreneurs creating successful operations that provide clinical/educational services outside the mainstream of applied behavior analysis. Finally, as in many prior years, new and seasoned precision teachers gathered to learn and share research and clinical data at the SCS Annual Conference in November 2022 with both live and virtual attendance options. The society was honored to have Drs. Kim Berens and Mark Alavosius as keynote speakers along with an array of invited addresses, panels, and paper symposia. The SCS awarded Dr. Carl Binder with the Ogden R. Lindsley lifetime achievement award. Additionally, the conference offered a poster session and the annual chart share. This year, we celebrate our 36th Annual Conference November 9 – 11 in St. Pete Beach, Florida at the Tradewinds Island Resort. Please visit www.celeration.org for more information regarding the conference. The SCS eagerly welcomes new charters and members into our community. This nurturing group is full of brilliant and seasoned professionals who are always willing to offer advice or mentorship. Simply become a member and see the opportunities accelerate!