About the Master's in Behavioral Psychology program
Applications are due every FEBRUARY 15th for Fall consideration
Please see the Financial Assistance page for exciting news about tuition remission and graduate student stipends.
At University of the Pacific, the goal of the Master's program in behavioral psychology is to train students to be researchers and clinicians using a scientist-practitioner model. Through a combination of coursework and practical experiences, we provide training that spans the domains of behavior analysis: the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and service delivery. We have assumed this mission because we believe the solutions to many problems of great social significance require professionals who are engaged with the science and ethics of behavior analysis throughout their careers.
The Psychology department offers a program of graduate study leading to the M.A. degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis. The program has two primary goals:
(1) Applied Behavior Analysis (BACB® Verified course sequence and practica): Students interested in sitting for the BACB® certification exam and practicing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the master's level or applying to a doctoral program in Behavior Analysis.
(2) Doctoral Preparation: Students interested in significantly improving their chances of being accepted into a doctoral program at other institutions in behavior analysis or behavioral clinical/counseling psychology.
Our program includes an ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) and supervised experience.
Graduates from our program have had a high pass rate on the BCBA® exam and high acceptance rates into doctoral programs.
All students can expect:
- Extensive experience with behavioral assessment techniques
- Wide variety of applied experiences in a number of different settings including schools, day treatment centers, clinics, and homes
- Intensive involvement in designing, conducting and evaluating research
- Coursework in theoretical and research foundations of behavior analysis and behavioral psychology
- Commitment to the development of student potential by active, supportive and involved faculty
Our Masters program prepares students for:
- Positions that provide services typically developing children and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and/or developmental disabilities
- Positions that provide services for adults diagnosed with chronic mental health problems or developmental disabilities
- Becoming competitive applicants to other institutions' doctoral programs in behavior analysis or behavioral clinical/counseling psychology
Information about applications, financial aid, and admission requirements can be found here.
Each year, our students present research at regional and national conferences including: the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Western Psychological Association, and California Association for Behavioral Analysis
Behavior analysis is the experimental analysis of behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. ABA involves the direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between environment variables and behavior. ABA is based on sound scientific principles and has a solid research foundation that proves its effectiveness. Learn more about behavior analysis. Students who apply to our program are either interested in becoming eligible to sit for the BACB® certification exam or wish to become competitive applicants for doctoral programs in behavior analysis or behavioral clinical/counseling psychology.
More information about our program
Information about our past Visiting Scholars Program