Behavior Analysis M.S.

Philosophy
Programs of Study
Model Course Plan
Major Professor and Advisory Committee
Thesis Requirement
Time Limit
Applying to the Psychology Graduate Program

Philosophy

Behavior Analysis is the science that emphasizes environmental control of the behavior of the individual organism. The master's specialty introduces students to this science and its application through formal coursework in ...

conceptual foundations,
basic principles, and
research methods.

The program produces master-level psychologists who can conduct behavior analytic research and understand the conceptual and methodological foundations for applying such research. The specialty is appropriate, therefore, for students planning to pursue advanced study within a department that offers a doctoral level specialty in behavior analysis, and for students seeking employment, as behavior analysts, after earning the master's degree.

Students with master's level training in behavior analysis have been sought, over the past few years, by medical units to treat brain injury and feeding disorders; by private schools to treat autism and other disabilities; by public schools to reduce inappropriate behavior and increase learning; by industry to increase safe performances and employee productivity through computer-based and other training systems, and by health organizations to increase preventive behavior. The specialty is, therefore, appropriate for workers in southeastern Wisconsin who are employed in such areas and who wish to enhance their skills and productivity. The specialty is also appropriate for students seeking employment in such areas.

Students may focus on either basic or applied research, and conduct either laboratory or field research. The specialty primarily prepares students for basic research and advanced study through research, with non-human and human organisms, in its extensive on-campus laboratories. The specialty primarily prepares students for future employment as applied behavior analysts through research conducted at off-campus sites, established by appropriate service providers.

Students who have completed undergraduate majors in psychology, at UWM, are encouraged to apply for the behavior analytic master's specialty. On satisfactorily completing the master's degree here, the faculty helps these graduates either pursue doctoral study in other programs or secure employment as behavior analysts.

Students who have completed undergraduate majors in psychology in other programs are also encouraged to apply for the master's specialty. On satisfactorily completing the master's degree here, the faculty helps these graduates either pursue doctoral study here or in other programs, or secure employment as behavior analysts.
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Program of Studies

The degree requirement is a minimum of 31 graduate credits distributed as follows:

Thirteen credits are in behavior analysis including:

Psy 502--Applied Behavior Analysis,
Psy 714--Conditioning and Learning,
Psy 724--Proseminar in Behavior Analysis,
and either
Psy 914--Seminar in Learning,
Psy 915--Seminar in Operant Behavior or
Psy 919--Seminar in Learning Theory.

Nine credits are in formal research methods coursework including:

Psy 510--Advanced Psychological Statistics,
Psy 610--Experimental Design, and
Psy 620--Single Subject Research Methods.

Six credits are in masters research--Psy 790 Masters Research.
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Model Course Plan

Fall, Year 1		Spring, Year 1
Psy 510 3 credits		Psy 610 3 credits
Psy 502 4 credits		Psy 714 3 credits
Psy 724 3 credits		Psy 620 3 credits

10 credits		9 credits

Fall, Year 2		Spring, Year 2
Psy 915 3 credits		Elective 3 credits
Psy 790 3 credits		Psy 790 3 credits

6 credits		6 credits

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Major Professor and Advisory Committee

The student must have a major professor who advises and supervises all graduate studies. The major professor is selected from the university's behavior analytic faculty (see below). Before the end of the second semester the student must form a three-person advisory committee. Because the specialty is offered by the department of psychology, at least two members of the committee must be from the department. The department's behavior analytic faculty and their interests include:

Alan Baron, conditioning and learning, behavioral gerontology.
Marshall L. Dermer, social behavior, research methods, educational technologies, writing.
Jonathan Kanter, clinical psychology, psychotherapy processes and outcomes, behavior analysis, depression.
John (Jay) C. Moore, learning and motivation, systems of psychology.
Douglas W. Woods, assessment and treatment of habit, disorders, childhood behavior problems, HIV/AIDS prevention, clinical behavior analysis
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Thesis Requirement

The student, under the direction of the advisor, must develop an acceptable thesis based on empirical research.
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Time Limit

Although the model program illustrates how the degree can be completed in two years, part time study is possible so long as all degree requirements, including the thesis, are completed within seven years of initial enrollment.
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Questions about the behavior analysis program may be directed to Marshall Dermer (dermer@uwm.edu).