Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles to change behavior in meaningful ways. Assessment and intervention strategies based in ABA are implemented with individuals of all ages, with and without disabilities, in clinics, schools, and community settings.
The University of Utah offers coursework in ABA that prepared behavior analysts who are skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical practitioners. ABA coursework equips students with understanding of basic and advanced behavioral principles and applications of those principles, while providing ethical and theoretical frameworks for decision making as behavior analysts.
Students who have previously earned a master’s degree and with to complete ABA coursework to pursue eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam may complete the approved ABAI Verified Coursework Sequence to fulfill coursework requirements for exam elibility. Applicants who are interested in pursuing the coursework only option must schedule an appointment with the faculty program coordinator to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements for eligibility.
Students who have completed some ABA coursework at a different university may be eligible to complete remaining coursework through the University of Utah. Applicants who are interested in this option must contact the program coordinator to identify whether the current coursework meets their individual needs.
The mission of the University of Utah ABA program is to support the professional development of behavior analysts who are skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate, and ethical through high-quality training and mentorship.
- We are committed to the continuous improvement of the science and practice of behavior analysis with a focus on socially significant behavior change.
- We believe that the effectiveness of interventions is defined by meaningful impact on the consumer and that interventions must be centered on consumer needs.
- We center social validity as a core tenet of applied behavior analysis and believe that seeking consumer feedback to inform research and practice is an essential value of the field.
- We believe in centering the autonomy of individuals with disabilities and designing interventions that promote quality of life as defined by people with disabilities and their supporters.
- We value the flexibility of applied behavior analysis and the application of behavioral principles to meet the needs of diverse consumers through contextually relevant practice.
- We are committed to the ethical and compassionate practice of applied behavior analysis, centering well-being and positive behavioral supports in our research and in our practice.
- We acknowledge harm when caused and work with consumers to improve our field and our practice to avoid future harm.
Funding is available for Master’s Students in ABA through the U-TECC Technology in Training, Education, and Consultation Lab! Please contact the Rachael Katz to learn more about available funding opportunities for applied behavior analysis students through the U-TECC Lab.
Students who enroll in the ABA Coursework Only option are encouraged, but not required, to enroll in the ABA Practicum Coursework Sequence. Practicum coursework complements and extends the required coursework sequence by focusing on professional and interpersonal skills and knowledge that are essential for success as a behavior analyst working in applied settings.
Year 1 Fall Semester
| Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
SPED 6810 |
Concepts and Principles of ABA |
3 |
|
SPED 6870 |
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 1 |
3 |
|
SPED 6960 |
ABA Practicum 1 |
1 |
Year 1 Spring Semester
| Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
SPED 6880 |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) 2 |
3 |
|
SPED 7020/ EDPS 7410 |
Single-Subject Research Design |
3 |
|
EDPS 6470 |
Consultation and Supervision in Applied Settings |
3 |
|
SPED 6960 |
ABA Practicum 2 |
1 |
Year 2 Fall Semester
| Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
SPED 6850 |
Ethics and Professional Conduct |
3 |
|
SPED 6840 |
Philisophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis |
3 |
|
SPED 6970 |
Thesis |
3 |
Year 2 Spring Semester
| Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
SPED 6860 |
Basic Behavior Analysis |
3 |
|
SPED 6970 |
Thesis |
3 |
Students working in clinical and/or applied contexts may enroll in supervision credits to access individualized supervision from program faculty and/or staff that meets the requirements for supervised fieldwork experience as defined by the BACB and required to apply to sit for the BCBA exam. Students interested in registering for supervision credits should contact the faculty program coordinator to determine the appropriate number of credits to register for, given individual needs abd context.
| Number | Course Name | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SP ED 6900 |
Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis |
0-5 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
