Accelerated Dual Degree Program (B.S./M.S.)- Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis

The Accelerated Dual Degree Graduate Program between Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, completing both degrees in 5 years total. Undergraduate students may apply for admission to the program after completing at least 60 undergraduate credits. For students who are accepted, nine credit hours of graduate-level course for the Applied Behavior Analysis program can be completed during the fourth year and will count toward combined PS undergraduate major/graduate requirements. Upon completion of 120 credit hours, students will earn their B.S. in Psychology and upon completion of the integrated program, students will earn their Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will be eligible to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. They will also be eligible to become Certified Ohio Behavior Analysts through the Ohio Department of Psychology.

Psychology

Program Description

Psychology majors receive a firm grounding in the scientific aspects of the discipline and are required to complete coursework in statistics and psychological research. This training is essential for students to receive adequate preparation for either graduate study or a professional career in psychology or an allied discipline. PS 1900 is required for completion of the psychology major. Psychology majors or those who are considering the major should take PS 1900 as soon as possible.

PS 1010 (or PS 1000) is the prerequisite for most upper-level courses in Psychology. PS 1000 meets the Issues in Social Justice requirement and PS 1010 meets the Natural Science distribution requirement of the Integrative Core Curriculum. PS 1000 or 1010 may be applied to the Integrative Core Curriculum or general elective credit-hour requirements. Check the listings in the schedule of classes each semester to see which additional courses may be applied to the requirements of the Integrative Core.

Psychology majors may elect to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in Neuroscience or one of four concentrations in applied psychology: Child & Family Studies, Forensic Psychology, Business, Industrial & Organizational Psychology, and Clinical & Counseling Psychology.

Program Learning Goals, Courses, and Faculty

Please see the program page for a full description of the major’s learning goals, concentrations, required and elective courses, and faculty.

Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.

Program Description

The Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program is a 39 semester-hour graduate degree program. This program prepares candidates to engage in professional practice as it relates to the science of behavior change. It prepares students to be eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam and to be eligible to take the Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst exam.

Admission Criteria for Degree Programs

• An undergraduate major in Psychology at John Carroll University.

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work, professional work, vocational commitment, and suitability for the role of a behavior analyst are required. Ideally, these letters will come from former professors and/or employers who can comment on the suitability of the applicant for graduate study.

• A letter of intent from the applicant outlining career objectives and goals. The letter should be 400-600 words in length. It will be evaluated for content and grammatical and mechanical correctness.

• Resume which includes both work and volunteer experience.

• Applicants may need to participate in an individual interview

No application will be evaluated until all of the materials listed above, along with a Graduate Application form and appropriate official transcripts, are submitted.

The Department of Psychology accepts applications on a rolling basis. For best consideration, applications should be received by April 15th for fall semester. Applicants applying for graduate assistant positions should submit all materials for admission by the February 1 deadline.

The application material will be evaluated by the admissions committee. Possessing the minimum admission requirements, e.g., a 3.0 GPA, does not guarantee admission.

Required Courses

Undergraduate Psychology Requirements

Group A. Biological Basis of Behavior

Group B. Developmental & Social Psychology

One course chosen from:

Group C. Individual Differences

One course chosen from:

Group D. Learning & Memory

One course chosen from:

Required Support Courses

Required support courses should be taken by the end of sophomore year.

Combined Psychology and ABA Requirements

The combined requirements should be completed during the fourth year.  PS 5111, 5112, and 5113 will count as psychology major elective courses toward undergraduate degree requirements.

The remaining 6 hours for the major are undergraduate PS electives. A total of 15 PS credits must be at the 3000-level or above.

No more than 6 hours of credit for practicum and/or independent study/research courses above PS 4010 can be counted toward the major.

At least 18 credit hours in the major must be taken at John Carroll University.

A comprehensive examination, given during the final semester prior to graduation, must be passed by all majors in Psychology.

Graduate Applied Behavior Analysis Requirements

ABA Core Sequence

Field Experience Sequence

Students may complete a concentration in Additional Fieldwork as they complete the M.S. in ABA program.  To that end, they will enroll in PS 5297 a second time and then PS 5397: SUPERVISED FIELDWORK III two times, for a total of 9 additional credit hours.