Description and Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) degree provides you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to prepare for graduate study or to work effectively with individuals in a variety of settings. This program provides an examination of the design, analysis, and application of learning theories and behavioral principles. It is designed to prepare you to pursue careers working with children and adults struggling with behaviors ranging from difficulty with everyday social interactions to various disorders including autism spectrum disorders, and other mental health challenges.

If you have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you may be eligible for degree requirements to be waived and replaced with advanced start credit. Refer to Advanced Start Credit in Bachelor’s Degrees for details.

Accelerated Master's Degree Option

If you are interested in earning a master's degree in human services, legal studies, psychology, or public administration, consider an accelerated master's degree option. Refer to the Progression Requirements section for details.

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

1. Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Draw upon foundational principles in the field of psychology, including applied behavior analysis, including historical considerations, fundamental principles, and current trends in the field to design effective treatment. 
2. Research and Analysis: Utilize basic methodology in psychology including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings to determine effective client services. 
3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Use analytical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach in solving problems related to behavior and mental health as they relate to the current diagnostic categories to design individualized treatment plans. 
4. Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Apply conceptual knowledge of principles of applied behavior analysis to case examples and scenarios that reflect everyday problems within individuals, families, and organizations with regard to functional assessments, behavior intervention plans, and the evaluation of effectiveness of treatment. 
5. Professionalism and Ethics: Demonstrate competent and ethical practice in the field of applied behavior analysis through the conduct of functional behavior assessments that inform function-based behavior intervention plans that address socially significant behaviors. 
6. Communication: Explain treatment approaches in terms that clients, their families, and organizations can understand to gain informed consent.