Applied Behavior Analysis
Best known as a treatment for children with autism, applied behavior analysis is one of the fastest-growing professional areas in psychology. Our applied behavior analysis programs produce professionals who are ready to enter a robust workforce and fill the need for board-certified behavior analysts in a variety of settings.
Our Program
Our course sequence has been verified to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements to qualify.
Our 12-course master’s degree combines the coursework and practicum experience required to sit for the national certification exam with elective courses that fulfill personal and professional objectives. We also offer a seven-course certificate and practicum experience designed for students who have completed a master’s degree in psychology or a related field.
Evening classes are available at our Newport and Warwick campuses. Sites for practicum placements are also coordinated through our program.
Program Spotlight: Jesse Perrin
Jesse Perrin, who earned his master's degree in applied behavior analysis from Salve Regina in 2017, said he was able to truly study, learn and grow into this ever-expanding field through the professors he encountered.
The connections that I made while going to Salve … are connections within the field of behavior analysis that not only taught me a great deal in terms of coursework, but it's a nice complement as well when you can work with them once you become a behavior analyst.
Applied Behavior Analysis (M.A.)
Time to Complete
Two years
Program Format
Evening classes
Application Deadline
July 1 or Nov. 1
Our Faculty
Students in our applied behavior analysis programs take traditional, face-to-face classes with distinguished instructors who have extensive experience as practitioners.
Applied Behavior Analysis (M.A.)
12 courses | 36 credits
Required courses:
- PSY510: Ethics and Professional Conduct
- PSY520: Concepts and Principles
- PSY530: Measurement, Data Analysis and Research Design
- PSY540: Behavior Change Techniques and Procedures
- PSY550: Behavioral Assessment and Selecting Interventions
- PSY560: Systems, Management and Supervision
- PSY590: Advanced Seminar in Behavior Analysis
Students also choose five of the following:
- HLC505: Interpersonal Helping Skills
- PSY511: History of Behaviorism
- PSY513: Educational Psychology
- PSY521: Health Psychology
- PSY523: Autism Spectrum and Other Developmental Disabilities
- PSY525: Abnormal Psychology
- PSY533: Organizational Behavior Management
- PSY551: Critical Thinking and Decision Making in Psychology
- PSY570: Intensive Practicum
- PSY580: Individual Research
- PSY599: Special Topics
- RHB508: Human Growth and Development
- RHB513: Couples and Family Counseling
- RHB520: Practicum and Seminar I: Motivational Interviewing
- RHB540: Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability
Applied Behavior Analysis (CAGS)
7 courses | 21 credits
Required courses:
- PSY510: Ethics and Professional Conduct
- PSY520: Concepts and Principles
- PSY530: Measurement, Data Analysis and Research Design
- PSY540: Behavior Change Techniques and Procedures
- PSY550: Behavioral Assessment and Selecting Interventions
- PSY560: Systems, Management and Supervision
- PSY590: Advanced Seminar in Behavior Analysis
Certificate students are not required to take supervision credits to obtain the CAGS. However, students must complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience in order to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam. Students may meet this requirement by taking six credits of PSY570: Intensive Practicum.
Learn more about costs, financing and success rates for this program.