Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.Ed. 1 Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.Ed. COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (http://education.temple.edu) About the Program The mission of the Master of Science in Education program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is to enable its students to work proficiently with the coherent system of concepts and principles of behavior analysis, preparing them for professional careers in a variety of environments. The core principles and techniques of ABA are broadly applicable, hence, the interdisciplinary character of this program. Demand for individuals with applied behavior-analytic competencies is intense and growing, especially in social service agencies and educational institutions that serve individuals with autism or with developmental disabilities and functional deficits resulting from head injury. The program also provides competencies for diverse types of work, such as devising arrangements for more effective instruction and classroom management; teaching strategies for effective behavior management in home settings; and designing and improving performance, productivity, and safety in organizations. The program is anchored on fundamentals of the behavior-analytic approach. These include direct and continuous measures of behavior both before and during interventions and graphical representation of outcomes, especially as applied to within-subject research designs. Complementing these is an emphasis on the logic and style of scientific prose and on principles of ethical practice. Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years Campus Location: Main, with some courses offered at off-site locations Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Students complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Accreditation: The degree program includes a course sequence approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Job Prospects: Graduates are prepared for professional careers in a variety of environments, particularly in social service agencies and educational institutions. Licensure: Coursework may apply toward earning the Behavior Specialist license from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students may take up to, but not more than, 9 credits of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program. The credits transfer into the program, if the student is admitted. Students completing non-matriculated courses before being admitted to the program are NOT guaranteed admission. Financing Opportunities: Financial support opportunities may include scholarships, tuition remission, and other financial aid such as grants, loans, and federal work study. Admission Requirements and Deadlines Application Deadline: Fall: March 1 Spring: November 1 Applicants should submit all required admissions documents by the application deadline to receive priority consideration for admission and financial support. APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program. Letters of Reference: Number Required: 2, with a third submitted at the applicant's discretion. Please submit the "Reference Report for Graduate Study," found at http:// www.temple.edu/grad/admissions/documents/web_grad_reference_report.pdf. From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members and others who can provide insight into the applicant's academic competence. Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University. Coursework or work experience that provided some exposure to behavior analysis is strongly preferred. Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A bachelor's degree is required. Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 UGPA requirement may be considered for admission if they meet one of the following exceptions: 1. Standard exception: 3.5 UGPA during the last two years AND a minimum of 3.25 Graduate GPA for 9 credits (typically taken as a non-matriculated student in the program prior to application for admission).
2 Temple University Bulletin 2015-2016 2. Special exception: Applicants who do not meet regular admission criteria may be considered for a special exception if a compelling case can be made for admission on the basis of some additional source of data. Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, outline your interest in seeking a degree with a specific focus on the career to which you aspire, your interests, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program. Standardized Test Scores: TOEFL score (international applicants only): 88 ibt or 575 PBT minimum. Applicants with scores between 88 and 100 ibt or between 575 and 600 PBT must take an English refresher course. Resume: Current resume required. Credits Earned in a Certificate Program: Students who choose to enroll in the program may have up to 12 credits earned for either the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (http://education.temple.edu/aba) or Autism Endorsement Certificate (http://education.temple.edu/specialed/autism) applied to the M.S.Ed. upon acceptance into the program. Completion of a certificate program does not guarantee admission into the master's program, and students who are accepted may have to complete more than 33 credits to meet all requirements of the master's program. Students currently enrolled in a certificate program and considering matriculation into a master's program are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Program Requirements General Program Requirements: Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 33 Required Courses: ABA 5302 Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effective Teaching Strategies 3 ABA 5303 Ethics and Applied Behavior Analysis 3 ABA 5304 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 3 ABA 5305 Single Subject Research Design 3 ABA 5676 Applied Behavior Analysis 3 ABA 8787 Seminar on Verbal Behavior 3 Elective 1 3 Practica ABA 9387 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 6 Master's Thesis EDUC 9996 Thesis Credits: Masters 6 Total Credit Hours 33 1 Advisor's approval required. Practicum: Students are required to take two 150-hour practica for 3 credits each: ABA 9387 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis. Acceptable practicum sites are those engaged in applied behavior analysis practice/research with the ability to provide ongoing supervision to students in the discipline. A list of approved sites is available, although other sites can be approved by the program. Culminating Events: Master's Thesis: Students are required to conduct a rigorous behavior-analytic project. They write a report in publication format and then present the project and its findings in a formal defense before program faculty. Contacts Program Web Address: http://education.temple.edu/aba Department Information: Dept. of Psychological Studies in Education College of Education 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091 educate@temple.edu
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.Ed. 3 215-204-0999 Mailing Address for Application Materials: Temple University College of Education Office of Enrollment Management 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 150 Ritter Hall Annex Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091 Department Contacts: Admissions: Office of Enrollment Management educate@temple.edu 215-204-0999 Applied Behavior Analysis Courses ABA 5302. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effective Teaching Strategies. 3 Credit Hours. The course overviews instructional, curricular and behavioral intervention strategies for students with autism spectrum disorders within various settings based on the science of applied behavior analysis. ABA 5303. Ethics and Applied Behavior Analysis. 3 Credit Hours. This course provides the student with an overview of ethical practices and considerations for behavior analysts working across a variety of applied settings, including schools and agencies that support people with disabilities. ABA 5304. Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis. 3 Credit Hours. This course provides the student with an introduction to the concepts and principles of behavior analysis. Core concepts including motivation, reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and rule governed and verbal behavior will be covered, along with examples of behavior change techniques that employ these concepts. ABA 5305. Single Subject Research Design. 3 Credit Hours. This course provides an overview of strategies for designing and conducting single-subject research in special education. Competencies include selection of independent and dependent variables for research, measurement tactics, research design, establishing generality of results, and ensuring the integrity of research procedures. The methods discussed are not specific to any disability or age level; rather, they are a general set of methods for conducting and interpreting single-subject research. ABA 5676. Applied Behavior Analysis. 3 Credit Hours. Introduction to the functional analysis of behavior of children in the school setting. Includes behavior theory, assessment, interaction, and evaluation. A behavior-change program is conducted. ABA 8787. Seminar on Verbal Behavior. 3 Credit Hours. Advanced course in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis on verbal behavior. Designed to provide students with an overview of verbal behavior (as defined in the field of applied behavior analysis) and an overview of its practical application in teaching language to children with diagnosed language delays.
4 Temple University Bulletin 2015-2016 ABA 9387. Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis. 1 to 6 Credit Hour. This course is one of two required 150-hour practica within the ABA Program (6 course credits total). The goals of the practica are to: 1) Broaden your range of competencies in the field of ABA in real-life settings under the tutelage of seasoned ABA clinical or research supervisors. The range of competencies upon which you will be evaluated by your site supervisor (not this instructor) can be found at the online ABA Practicum Evaluation link: http://edtemple.org/aba/practicum-student-evaluation; 2) Use practical experience to develop 3 research questions for possible exploration for your Master's Research Project, submitted through Blackboard; 3) Develop ABA written presentation skills through a case presentation, submitted through Blackboard; 4) Complete short discussion board assignments; 5) Build networks for future employment in our field. To this end students are encouraged to complete their practica in settings other than those in which they are presently employed. Students petitioning for an exception should first consult their advisor to provide a rationale for the exception, complete the exception form located in the masters program handbook, and then provide a plan to ensure that the practica experiences will be distinguished from their compensated duties. School Psychology Courses SPSY 5667. Introduction to Cognitive Assessment. 4 Credit Hours. Intensive overview and training with diagnostic instruments of cognitive abilities. Practice with specific tests of intelligence, memory, and cognitive processing. Introduction to the assessment of adaptive behavior. Discussion of theories of cognitive functioning and research literature on intelligence testing. SPSY 5671. Advanced Cognitive Assessment. 4 Credit Hours. Further training and practice with specialized instruments of cognitive assessment. Focus on birth to age 5, dynamic assessment, multicultural and bilingual assessment issues, and an introduction to neuropsychological principles. SPSY 5672. Personality and Psychotherapy. 3 Credit Hours. Covers major theories of personality and psychotherapy, and applications to counseling, assessment, and projective testing in the schools. SPSY 5673. Introduction to the Diagnostic Process. 3 Credit Hours. Discussion of the integration of data from case histories, observations, interview and tests in making differential diagnosis. Diagnosis using DSM-IV-TR and educational identification under special education law with both covered. Overview of major diagnostic categories found in schools. Comprehensive study of skills in interviewing, report writing, systematic observation of child behavior, and evaluation of teaching effectiveness. Major emphasis on conceptualizing and writing recommendations for educational remediation. SPSY 5674. Assessment of Personality & Behavior. 3 Credit Hours. Intensive training with diagnostic instruments of personality and behavior. Discussion of educational planning and remedial techniques in relation to personality and behavioral dynamics of children. Emphasis also on theoretical constructs in understanding learning and behavioral difficulties in children. SPSY 5676. Applied Behavior Analysis. 3 Credit Hours. Introduction to the functional analysis of behavior of children in the school setting. Includes behavior theory, assessment, interaction, and evaluation. A behavior-change program is conducted. SPSY 5771. Physiological Psychology. 3 Credit Hours. This course is for graduate students in training to be psychologists. It introduces students to the biological bases of behavior, with a focus on brainbehavior relationships.
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.Ed. 5 SPSY 8621. Academic Assessment and Intervention. 4 Credit Hours. This course is intended to introduce pre-service school psychologists to the theories, skills, and ethical and legal considerations of academic assessment in school settings. The assessment class will be taught within the over-arching framework of an ecological, multi-tiered assessment model. The link between assessment and instructional decision-making will be emphasized throughout the course, with attention to assessment practices for learners with diverse needs and providing instructional support to teachers. Students enrolled in the course will learn how to select, design, administer, score, interpret, and report results for a variety of assessment approaches related to monitoring instructional efficacy and learner outcomes in a standard-aligned model. Assessment approaches will include: (a) authentic; (b) screening; (c) diagnostic; (d) formative; (e) benchmark; and (f) summative. SPSY 5676 Minimum Grade of B May be taken concurrently. SPSY 8770. Seminar: Special Topics in School Psychology. 3 Credit Hours. Advanced seminar considering the literature in a specific area of school psychology research. SPSY 8771. Social Psychology of Education. 3 Credit Hours. Discussion of principles of social psychology as applied to the school as an institution. Emphasis on the psychology of planned educational change. Theoretical bases of the process of change and innovation within the schools. Rationale for intervention strategies SPSY 8772. Seminar: Role and Function of the School Psychologist. 3 Credit Hours. Analysis of role and functions of school psychologists. Study of relevant research dealing with varied roles the school psychologist can play within the school system and in other settings. Consideration of legal and ethical practices in school psychology. SPSY 8774. Professional Issues and Literature in School Psychology. 3 Credit Hours. Doctoral seminar in professional issues and the research literature in school psychology. Required for School Psychology Ph.D. students. SPSY 8775. Ethical and Legal Problems in School Psychology. 3 Credit Hours. Ethical and legal issues in the administration of individual tests, establishment of counseling relationships, handling of psychological records, and consultative relationships with school personnel, testifying in court and educational hearings. Licensing procedures discussed. SPSY 8776. History and Systems of Psychology. 3 Credit Hours. This course is for graduate students in training to become psychologists. It introduces students to the history of psychology and the theoretical schools of psychology practice. It is required for students in the School Psychology PhD program. SPSY 5676 Minimum Grade of B May be taken concurrently. SPSY 8777. Psychotherapeutic Strategies. 3 Credit Hours. A study of the application of psychotherapeutic techniques, with an emphasis on group techniques, in the school setting. SPSY 8780. Topical Seminar in School Psychology. 1 to 6 Credit Hour. Special topics of interest to the school psychologist. Topics may include therapeutic problems, school discipline problems, parenting and remediation strategies. Topics may vary.
6 Temple University Bulletin 2015-2016 SPSY 8787. Seminar on Verbal Behavior. 3 Credit Hours. Advanced course in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis on verbal behavior. Designed to provide students with an overview of verbal behavior (as defined in the field of applied behavior analysis) and an overview of its practical application in teaching language to children with diagnosed language delays. SPSY 5676 Minimum Grade of B- May not be taken concurrently. SPSY 9487. Practicum in School Psychology. 1 to 3 Credit Hour. Practicum in School Psychology that is not included in one of the established practicum courses. Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: School Psychology SPSY 9587. School Consultation. 3 Credit Hours. Extensive school practicum (practicum of 3 hours per week) consulting with teachers regarding behavior change, instructional consultation, and mental health consultation. Includes assessing treatment integrity. SPSY 9687. Clinical Supervision Seminar in School Psychology. 3 to 12 Credit Hours. Case studies by the student in the Psychoeducational Clinic (taken concurrently) are reviewed in depth. Assessment, observations, interviews, diagnosis, educational identification, and remedial strategies are covered. Open only to matriculated school psychology students. SPSY 9688. Psychoeducational Clinic. 3 Credit Hours. A practicum course providing supervised training in psychoeducational assessment and counseling of children with learning problems. Open only to matriculated school psychology students. SPSY 9787. Practicum on Children with Low Incidence Disabilities. 3 to 6 Credit Hours. Supervised experience in schools or related settings assessing students with a variety of disabilities. SPSY 9788. Seminar on Children with Low Incidence Disabilities. 3 Credit Hours. Training and supervision on special tests, rating scales, and observational assessment of children who are blind, deaf, or have disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, orthopedic disabilities, or multiple disabilities. SPSY 9876. Supervision in School Psychological Services. 3 Credit Hours. This course will prepare school psychologists to conduct effective, ethical clinical supervision. Issues of administrative supervision and evaluation of school psychological services will also be addressed. Both theory and practice will be emphasized. (SPSY 8772 Minimum Grade of B- May not be taken concurrently AND SPSY 9687 Minimum Grade of B- May not be taken concurrently). SPSY 9885. Internship in School Psychology. 3 to 12 Credit Hours. Supervised internship as a full-time school psychologist in an approved school system, intermediate unit, or consortium.
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.Ed. 7 SPSY 9982. Independent Study in School Psychology. 1 to 6 Credit Hour. Intended to meet the needs of students in school psychology who desire to carry on an individual investigation. SPSY 9986. Internship in School Psychology. 1 to 12 Credit Hour. Supervised internship as a school psychologist in an approved school system, intermediate unit, or consortium. SPSY 9999. Doctoral Dissertation. 1 to 6 Credit Hour. Registration limited to candidates for the doctorate who have successfully completed the minimum number of semester hours required for the degree and the preliminary examination. Continuous registration during the fall and spring terms is required until the dissertation has been completed, successfully defended, and accepted by the Graduate School. Student Attribute restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Dissertation Writing Student, School Psy Clinical Clearance