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Applied Behavioral Psychology, B.A./M.A.

Program overview:

The Applied Behavioral Psychology, B.A./M.A. combined program offers students an accelerated pathway to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees while developing advanced knowledge in psychological theory, research, and applied practice. Designed for students interested in understanding human behavior and applying that knowledge in real-world settings, the program integrates foundational coursework with graduate-level training in assessment, intervention, and behavioral analysis.

Students build strong competencies in research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based practice, while also developing practical skills in areas such as counseling, behavioral assessment, and program design. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, cultural awareness, and the application of psychological principles across diverse populations and professional contexts.

Through a combination of coursework, applied experiences, and supervised training, students are prepared for careers in mental health, education, social services, and related fields, or for continued graduate study. The combined structure allows students to progress efficiently while gaining the depth and professional readiness required for advanced roles in applied behavioral psychology.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

PLO 1: Discuss psychological processes, assessment, counseling, and diagnostic and cultural diversity with an advanced understanding. 
PLO 2: Apply responsible and ethical conduct in the context of clinical and applied research settings. 
PLO 3: Integrate their conceptual and applied training through research or practicum experience in their chosen area of interest.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Code

Title

Credits

 

General Education Program

 

 

Understanding College (FS)

1

 

Writing and Presentation (WRI1 and OC1)

6

 

Mathematics (QR1)

3-4

 

Information Literacy, Media, and Research (ITML)

3

PSY-1000

Foundation in Information Literacy & Research

 

 

Recommended but any ITLM course will satisfy the requirement

 

 

Creative Voices across Cultures (HCE)

6

 

Science at Work (NPW)

7-8

 

Select ONE Biology Course and PSY course

 

BIO-1101

Introduction to Human Biology OR BIO-1140 Anatomy and Physiology 1

 

PSY-2100

Introduction to Psychological Research

 

 

Ethics, Reality and Logic (PEM)

6

 

Individual and Societies (SEH)

6

PSY-1100

General Psychology

 

SOC-1000

Principles of Sociology

 

 

Our World, Past and Present (WHG)

6

 

Personal Wellness (FH)

3

 

Religion and Culture (RS)

3

 

Psychology Major

 

 

Select two foreign language courses in sequence

6

PSY-1200

Professional Development in Psychology

1

 

Research Sequence (must be completed in sequence)

12

PSY-3300

Statistical Methods in Psychology

 

PSY-4998

Experimental Psychology I

 

PSY-4999

Experimental Psychology II

 

 

Lower Core Course

3

PSY-3411

History and Systems of Psychology

 

 

Upper Core Courses

6

PSY-4000

Seminar in Psychology

 

PSY-4420

Applied Psychology

 

 

Elective: Development

3

PSY-2201

Developmental Psychology I

 

PSY-2202

Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging

 

 

Elective: Basic Processes

3

PSY-3320

Cognitive Psychology

 

 

Elective: Personality/Social/Abnormal

3

PSY-3307

Theories of Personality

 

PSY-3312

Social Psychology

 

PSY-3409

Abnormal Psychology

 

 

Elective: Biological

3

PSY-4360

Psychobiology

 

 

General electives

24

 

Required Graduate Courses

 

PSY-6205

Behavioral Perspectives in Learning and Motivation

3

PSY-6207

Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis

3

PSY-6213

Group Theory and Counseling

3

PSY-6233

Psychological Aspects of Disabilities

3

PSY-6360

Cognitive Neuroscience

3

PSY-6380

Psychology of Diversity Motivation

3

PSY-6401

Foundations of Counseling Theory and Clinical Assessment

3

PSY-7012

Behavioral Assessment and Intervention

3

PSY-7101

Professional Issues and Ethics

1

PSY-7330

Advanced Experimental Methods & Statistics

3

PSY-7400

Graduate Seminar

2

 

Select One Course

3

PSY-7990

Supervised Practicum I

 

PSY-7998

Supervised Thesis I

 

 

Select One Course

3

PSY-7991

Supervised Practicum II

 

PSY-7999

Supervised Thesis II

 

 

Total Credits

150-152

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

The Psychology program curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, psychological theory, and research methods. The program begins with foundational courses such as General Psychology and Introduction to Psychological Research, where students learn the core concepts of psychological science and develop skills in research design, data analysis, and critical thinking.

Students then build expertise through a structured research sequence, including Statistical Methods in Psychology and Experimental Psychology, where they gain hands-on experience in conducting psychological research and interpreting scientific findings. Additional coursework explores key areas of psychology, including developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, personality theory, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and psychobiology, providing students with a broad understanding of psychological processes across the lifespan and in diverse social contexts.

Advanced courses such as Seminar in Psychology and Applied Psychology emphasize the application of psychological knowledge to real-world settings, professional development, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum also incorporates interdisciplinary learning through general education courses and electives, helping students develop strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for graduate study and careers in psychology and related fields.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

🧠 Mental Health or Behavioral Health Assistant – You will support mental health professionals in providing services and programs that promote emotional well-being.

🤝 Human Resources Specialist – You will assist organizations in recruitment, employee development, and workplace relations.

📊 Research Assistant – You will support research projects in psychology, healthcare, social sciences, or market research.

🏫 School or Youth Program Coordinator – You will work with educational or community organizations that support student development and well-being.

🌍 Community Outreach or Social Services Coordinator – You will help design and implement programs that address community needs and support diverse populations.

📈 Market Research Analyst Assistant – You will analyze consumer behavior and trends to support marketing and business strategies.

💼 Case Management or Social Services Assistant – You will support individuals and families by connecting them with resources and services.

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