Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism

Are you interested in working with people diagnosed with autism? Do you want to learn effective strategies that will make a difference to children and adults with this disorder? Then Sage Graduate School’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism is for you.

At Sage, you will receive thorough training in a therapeutic approach to the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that has empirical research to support its effectiveness with this population.

This degree program is delivered totally via distance learning, utilizing online delivery of classes, as well as clinical supervision by geographically close adjunct supervisors or alternative supervision (e.g., webcam observation).

ASD is rapidly becoming the most often diagnosed childhood disorder. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a branch of psychology rooted in the application of science to the study of human behavior, is a special therapy that has been shown to be quite effective in reducing the impact of autism spectrum disorders.

Your studies will combine two tracks, plus supervised practice. You will thoroughly study Applied Behavior Analysis, both the conceptual underpinnings as well as the skills necessary to effect behavioral change. You will learn: strategies for defining and assessing behaviors; how to develop instructional goals that are measurable: what antecedent strategies promote learning; how to use consequences to effect positive change; and, rules for determining success and mastery. You will learn the procedures and strategies for dealing with language development, abnormal behavioral patterns, and socialization issues. Your application of these skills will be evaluated in clinical settings where you will be working with persons with autism and other disorders.

The second major focus of the program involves a deep understanding of autism. You will learn about the etiology of the disorder and assessment strategies. You will understand how persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are affected in all areas of development, including language, learning, socialization, and personal behaviors. Different theoretical explanations of ASD will be covered, as well as different therapeutic approaches towards solving language, learning, and behavioral issues.

Faculty

Your faculty for the ABA courses are all Board Certified Behavior Analysts who have experience working with children and adults who are affected by autism spectrum disorders and will bring to your education the reality of working with this population. The supervisors of your clinical practica are nationally Board certified and have broad experience dealing with myriad challenges that afflict persons with autism.

Admission

Applicants for admission to the Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism program must meet the Sage Graduate School admission requirements:

• Official transcripts of ALL previous undergraduate and/or graduate study
• Two letters of reference (academic or professional)
• Undergraduate courses in statistics, history and systems of psychology (not required of psychology majors), and at least three other behavioral sciences courses
• Satisfactory “Personal Prospectus” statement regarding rationale for interest in the program
• Phone interview
• Current resume

Applicants who meet all admission requirements will be admitted as regular graduate students. Those who do not fully meet the requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis if they show promise for success in the program.

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of all required courses.
2. Completion of clinical practica in community settings.
3. Completion of a thesis research seminar (3 credit hours).

Students Who Already Possess a Master’s Degree
Candidates who have previously completed a master’s degree in a related area such as psychology or special education and are interested only in Board certification as a Behavior Analyst may choose to complete the ABA courses only (15 credits) plus the clinical practicum courses, and receive a recommendation to take the examination that leads to BCBA certification.

Eligibility for Board Certification
Those who complete the master ’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism are eligible to take the national examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Notice to Applicants & Candidates
Services restricted to New York State licensed professionals, including licensed psychologists, cannot be rendered by program students or graduates unless: (a) they are licensed in New York State to provide such services, or (b) they provide those services in an exempt setting as salaried employees.

School of Education Attendance Policy
While individual instructors may approach attendance and participation in varied ways in their grading policies, students in the School of Education should be aware that missing 1/4 or more of class sessions MAY result inAUTOMATIC class failure. Class content and participation are vital to meeting the objectives of School of Education courses.