Courses PhD in Behavior Analysis

In this course, learners improve their ability to navigate the virtual campus and become familiar with library, career center, and writing center resources. Learners identify the educational steps and requirements necessary for successfully completing their doctoral degree program; review their program’s requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on doctoral-level behavior analysis training. For PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners describe the field of organizational behavior management and its relationship to the science of behavior analysis. Learners synthesize research in the field of organizational behavior management. Throughout the course, learners apply basic assessment techniques and develop interventions commonly used in the field of organizational behavior management. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners evaluate the theories of behavior analysis and how they influence teaching and educational programs. Learners synthesize research related to teaching skills in the field of behavior analysis and explore how they will use principles from theory and research to inform their teaching. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860.

In this course, learners expand their foundational knowledge about the basic methods of research used in single-subject research. Learners describe the different methodologies within, as well as the strengths and limitations of, single-subject research. Learners expand on their skills in visual analysis to determine research findings. For PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course examine the basic theories and misconceptions of behaviorism and principles of behavior analysis. Throughout the course, learners evaluate the conceptual foundations of the science of behavior and how those concepts relate to clinical applications. For PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners investigate the history of, and synthesize the research in, the experimental analysis of behavior. Learners describe the importance of the link between experimental analysis of behavior and the application of the science. For PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course expand their knowledge of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior and examine the verbal operants involved. Learners investigate the importance of the analysis of verbal behavior and the implications in the practice of behavior analysis. For PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners develop advanced skills in the design and analysis of single-subject research. Learners evaluate the use of single-subject design in existing research according to criteria related to design logic; internal, external, and social validity; and evidence-based practice. Learners develop well-controlled single-subject analyses for a variety of potential research questions, exploring each specific single-subject design in depth and in combination to develop advanced research proposals in preparation for their dissertations. For PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Prerequisite(s): PSY7305, PSY7306, PSY8304, PSY-V8925.

In this course, learners advance their knowledge of all aspects of respondent and operant conditioning, including schedules of reinforcement, types of reinforcers, and motivating factors.  Learners investigate basic and applied research across these areas and synthesize this knowledge in the context of new research development.

In this course, learners deepen their understanding of ethical principles related to compassion, equity, inclusion, and trauma. Learners investigate research and practice recommendations for implementing behavior analysis practices with clients and families, organizations, colleagues, students, trainees, supervisees, and others.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7115. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY7860, PSY8301, PSY8302, PSY8303, PSY8352. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PSY-V8925. PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7868, PSY8625. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8307. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. Learners must complete Track 3 prior to beginning the comprehensive examination phase of the program. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PSY8307 or PSY8658; PSY-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes and learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to register for the first dissertation course. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Completion of practicum courses, if applicable. Fulfillment of all residency requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): PSY9909 or PSY9919. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners identify diagnostic criteria related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Learners explore research, treatments, and assessments targeted for children diagnosed with ASD. Learners develop an individualized ASD intervention plan, which incorporates collaboration, compassionate practices, and the specific diagnostic and environmental circumstances of the child. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners assess a variety of strengths and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder at different ages and stages of life. Learners evaluate varied interventions associated with different times of life, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and geriatric. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners advance their knowledge in the field of organizational behavior management. Learners use systems analysis to evaluate organizational processes, investigate best-practice leadership and consultative approaches, and identify how to motivate others to use the science of behavior in organizational settings. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration PSY7305. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners assess best practices for consulting in schools. Learners evaluate school-based consultative approaches and the laws and regulations related to the implementation of applied behavior analysis in schools. Learners investigate how to approach this consultation while maintaining compassionate and inclusive practices. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners distinguish the basic concepts and explore research in the areas of verbal behavior, rule-governed behavior, language development, emergent responding, arbitrarily applicable derived relational responding, and relational frame theory (RFT). Learners also evaluate and apply techniques used in third-wave behavior therapies, specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for a wide range of human behaviors. Learners analyze the conceptual and empirical contributions of behavior analytic principles, including RFT, to the development and practice of ACT.

In this course, learners advance their knowledge of behavior-analytic teaching systems used in teaching behavior analytic concepts. Learners develop and use a system to teach others an advanced concept in the field.