Our goal is to provide students with a broad background in psychology, as well as to prepare students for graduate training or for entry into careers related to psychology. Modern psychology is the scientific study of brain, mind, and behavior, and is an exciting, rapidly expanding, and ever-changing field of scientific inquiry.

As a discipline, psychology is exceedingly rich and diverse, encompassing a variety of theoretical and applied points of view, such as the behavioral, biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, and social perspectives.

The combined BS/MS program allows select students to earn both a bachelor of science (BS) and a master of science (MS) in behavior analysis in as few as five years. The master of science in behavior analysis program prepares students as basic or applied scientists in research and applied settings. At the same time, it provides a strong foundation in theoretical, conceptual, and empirical concepts. Students can acquire the core knowledge and skill set needed to work in the competitive field of behavior analysis and to consider further study beyond the master’s level. Our program includes a course sequence that has been verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to meet the educational coursework requirements to apply to the BACB to take examinations related to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and is designed according to the current requirements for licensure in Massachusetts.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a systematic approach for influencing socially important behavior through the identification of reliably related environmental variables and the production of behavior change techniques that make use of those findings.* The purpose of the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration in psychology is to provide students with the background necessary for working with individuals with behavioral problems in supervised settings. There are a number of agencies which provide such services, and they often must hire students without this background, and then train them onsite. This concentration is at the forefront of a movement toward preparing graduates for entry-level positions in applied behavior analysis. In addition, interested students who meet the criteria for internships may explore opportunities in an area with high demand for those with bachelor’s degrees.