Behavior Analysis

Behavior analysis is the scientific study of the interactions between environmental variables and human behavior. Decades of research in the area has led to a well-established and verified set of concepts and principles that account for human behavior. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) serves as one area of behavior analysis that applies the concepts and principles of behavior analysis to make socially meaningful and lasting change. Over the years, researchers and clinicians have used the applications of behavior analysis in a variety of areas including general education, special education, industrial/organizational settings, autism and disabilities, sustainability, and more. For more information about the professional practice of behavior analysis, click here.

Since behavior analysis can be applied to any socially significant area of human behavior, there are many careers an individual can pursue with professional certification in behavior analysis. Many behavior analysts work in:

• School settings working on academic and social behavior
• Assessment and treatment of problem behavior
• Consultants in industrial/organization settings
• Applied animal behavior analysis
• Residential settings for individuals with disabilities
• Clinic-based settings for students with and without disabilities
• Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) for students with autism
• Instructional design and curriculum development

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. For up to date information about pass-rates associated with verified course sequences, please click here. Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.

PSYC 3410: Introduction to Behavior Analysis (3 hours)

An introduction and overview of basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis. Variables and processes responsible for conditioning and learning in human and non-human organisms will be discussed.

PSYC 3420: Principles of Behavior Change (3 hours)

Advanced examination of the concepts and principles of behavior analysis and how they can be applied to make socially meaningful changes in behavior. Specific procedures to increase desirable behavior and decrease unwanted behaviors are highlighted, with a focus on human behavior.

PSYC 3425: Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 hours)

This course provides an introduction to research methodologies in behavioral sciences. An overview of single case research designs will be given including measurement, graphical display, and evaluation of behavior change interventions.

PSYC 3430: Behavioral Assessment (3 hours)

Overview of assessment and measurement techniques, with a focus on how to select, define, and measure behavior. A variety of assessment procedures (e.g., indirect and direct functional behavior assessments, preference assessments, etc.) will be covered to identify variables that establish and maintain undesirable behaviors. Single subject research designs will be discussed in relation to the evaluation of specific behavior assessment and change procedures.

PSYC 3440: Behavior Change Techniques (3 hours)

Introduces students to advanced behavior change techniques and considerations. Topics will include procedures to establish new behaviors, strategies to prevent and reduce undesirable behaviors, advanced behavior change systems, and how to select, plan for, and monitor behavior change procedures to increase or decrease target behaviors in a variety of settings.

PSYC 4791: Practicum in Behavior Analysis (3 hours)

Supervised experience in the professional practice of behavior analysis.

Interested students should contact Dr. Andrew Bulla at abulla@georgiasouthern.edu

Students interested in behavior analysis are encouraged to apply for the minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently, coursework in behavior analysis is only offered at the Armstrong Campus. Additional information regarding degree requirement, course work requirements, experience requirements and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam application process may be found at Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

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The Psychology Department anticipates that graduates of this program will seek the following professional state licenses or certifications: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

The Psychology Department has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the exam for a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst certificate in Georgia.

The Psychology Department has not determined whether the required classes and educational activities of this academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the exam for a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst certificate for any state not set forth above.

Students interested in licensure in other states are referred to https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/ for additional information.

Last updated: 12/6/2022