2023-2024 Graduate Bulletin

Special Education (SPED)

SPED 4001 Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities DD and Behavioral Disorders (5 Credits)

This course will introduce students to the concepts and principles of behavior on which the discipline of applied behavior analysis was founded. Topics of study will include the history and dimensions of applied behavior analysis, defining and measuring behavior, procedures and factors related to behavior change, and the role of the basic principles of behavior (positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and motivating operations) in establishing new behavior and decreasing problem behavior.

SPED 4002 Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders (4 Credits)

This course focuses on the basic principles of assessment, instruction, and curriculum development; application of formal and informal assessment procedures for goal selection, formulating instructional plans, and adapting instructional materials to accommodate learning needs of students with developmental disabilities and/or behavioral disorders.

SPED 4003 Advanced Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis (5 Credits)

This course focuses on the definitions and characteristics of applied behavior analysis and the concepts, principles, and processes. Concepts related to ethics and behavior change procedures will also be discussed. The purpose of this graduate-level course is to provide students pursuing a BACB® credential with 45 hours of instruction in advanced content areas of philosophical underpinnings and concepts and principles as outlined by the coursework requirements for BACB® credentials. The course covers content from areas A & B from the 5th edition of the BACB®’s Behavior Analyst Task List©.

SPED 4004 Single Case Research Design (5 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide master’s level students with 45 hours of instruction in the content areas of measurement, data display, data analysis, and single-case research experimental design and evaluation. This course describes the rationales for single-case research in applied settings. It will equip students to critique, design, and conduct single-case research for applied behavior analysis applications. The course covers content from areas C and D from the 5th edition of the BACB®’s Behavior Analyst Task List©.

SPED 4005 Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis (5 Credits)

This course focuses on ethical and professional conduct in the field of applied behavior analysis. An overview of the profession of behavior analysis is addressed, including the history, foundations, and ethics of the field, as well as professional skills for ethical practice. During this course, we will specifically review the BACB’s Compliance Code and disciplinary systems.

SPED 4991 Independent Study (1-10 Credits)

Independent study/research.

SPED 5001 Multi-tiered Systems of Support (3 Credits)

This course will provide (a) an overview an overview of the historical, legal, and theoretical foundations of multi-tiered systems of support; (b) review the research and evidence-base of a multi-tiered system of support approach for behavior; and (c) explore the influence of behavior analytic procedures within a multi-tiered system of support.

SPED 5002 FBA's and BIP's in Schools (3 Credits)

This course will enable students to develop the skills needed for completing Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and applying behavior analytic principles to (1) implement the developed BIP, (2) monitor BIP implementation, (3) measure BIP effectiveness, and (4) collaborate with others to improve BIP implementation. Additionally, the course will be focus on applying behavior analytic principles through a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive lens.

SPED 5003 Supervision and Management (3 Credits)

This course focusses on supervision and management practices in the field of applied behavior analysis and related settings (i.e., clinics, schools). An overview of supervision is addressed, including foundations, ethics, and professional skills for both the supervisor and the supervisee. During this course, we will specifically review the BACB’s standards for supervisory practices as they relate to improving and maintain the behavior-analytic, professional, and ethical repertoires of practitioners and facilitate the delivery of high-quality services to his/her clients.

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