Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior. Based on the findings of descriptive and functional analyses, ABA uses antecedents and consequences to produce practical change. ABA is based on sound scientific principles and has a solid research foundation that proves its effectiveness. ABA focuses on explaining behavior in terms of external events (that can be manipulated) rather than internal constructs (that are beyond our control). The masters at Florida Institute of Technology provides training for individuals interested in careers in ABA, including (but not limited to) working with people with autism and related intellectual disabilities. Earning a masters in applied behavior analysis opens the door to a variety of challenging jobs. With a masters in applied behavior analysis, graduates may specialize in clinical applications (e.g., working with people with intellectual disabilities), educational applications (e.g., designing and evaluating instructional technology), health and fitness, and other areas. Applied behavior analysis careers usually involve spending time in the problem environment. That is, behavior plans are implemented in the settings where behavior problems occur, rather than the client attending sessions at an office. On-Campus ABA program are offered at both the main campus in Melbourne and in Orlando.

ABA and OBM, M.S.

The intensive program of study for the masters in ABA and OBM provides graduates with the skills and credentials to work in clinical or human service settings, and in business and industry. It also prepares graduates to work as consultants or in managerial or administrative positions. This masters in ABA and OBM degree program is only offered on the main campus in Melbourne.

Organizational Behavior Management, M.S.

Florida Tech offers a masters in organizational behavior management (OBM). OBM is the application of behavioral principles to solve problems in organizational settings. OBM is applied like traditional industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology, but is behavioral rather than cognitive or eclectic. It is analytic in that it relies on the systematic manipulation of environmental events and on directly measuring and graphing behavior (rather than reliance on written tests and interviews for assessment and evaluation). It is technological in that it precisely describes procedures in such a way that others can replicate them. Graduates may apply and enroll in the Ph.D. program in behavior analysis, I/O psychology, or combine the OBM degree with an MBA. The masters in organizational behavior management provides coursework and experience for those who plan to work as performance management or OBM consultants in business, industry, government and human service organizations. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of organizations helping management with training and staff development, improving staff performance, staff productivity and behavioral safety, reducing absenteeism and direct-line supervision of employees. With a masters in organizational behavior management from the Florida Institute of Technology, the opportunities are endless!

Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis

Florida Tech offers a family of applied behavior analysis graduate programs. The applied behavior analysis graduate programs at Florida Tech would not be complete without the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in behavior analysis. The mission of the Ph.D. in behavior analysis program is to produce competent behavior-analytic researchers, instructors and practitioners who are solidly grounded in basic principles derived from the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), who approach the world from a radical behaviorist perspective, who will continue to contribute to behavioral research and inform their practice with current research findings, and who are prepared to obtain academic and professional positions. Graduates of the behavior analysis graduate program at the doctoral level are well-prepared to pursue academic positions, to continue active research programs and to effectively manage behavior analysts under their supervision, both in research and practice. Applicants to the behavior analysis Ph.D. program must have completed, or be close to completing, a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a master’s degree in a related field with an emphasis in behavior analysis, and/or be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst^®. The behavior analysis program at Florida Tech requires completion of a minimum of 92 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students must demonstrate competency in research, teaching, supervision and consultation. Candidates must present a completed dissertation and successfully defend the results to the dissertation committee. Behavior analysis graduate programs at the doctoral level are few; the Florida Tech program provides some of the best training available.

Behavior Analysis Practice, M.A.

Florida Tech also offers an online M.A. in Behavior Analysis Practice degree. Because the ABAI requires programs to exist for a minimum of 5 years before they are accredited, this program is not yet accredited by the ABAI, but will go up for accreditation when it is eligible. All Florida Tech ABA programs are designed to meet instructional requirements for Behavior Analyst Certification Board^® (BACB^®) credentials, and many states require or accept these credentials toward educational requirements for licensure. However, states with licensing laws may have additional or different requirements. 

For more information about our online 5th Edition master's degree program, please contact the ABA Online office.