This specialisation is for those interested in the science and practice of applied behaviour analysis in clinic, home, school and work settings, as well as those aiming to become Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs). You will be provided with the knowledge and tools to help people with diverse needs learn new skills, become more independent, and overcome socially important problems, using empirically-supported assessment, teaching, and intervention strategies. You will be orientated to the field of behaviour analysis and the major theoretical and professional debates in science and practice. You will gain knowledge and expertise in the following areas:
- philosophy and science of learning
- concepts and principles of behaviour analysis and their application with diverse populations
- identification and assessment of behaviours
- function-based behavioural treatment
- evidence-based teaching practices for behaviour analysts
- experimental design for research in behaviour analysis
- data collection, analysis, and data-based decision-making
- performance management and supervision
- professional ethics for behaviour analysts
The units in this specialisation have theoretical and practical relevance to professionals in a range of contexts, including early intervention, general education, inclusive and special education, and specialised behaviour support. You will be challenged to make connections between research and practice and will be equipped to pursue education-related careers and/or further study in education.
To be eligible to sit the board certification examination, students must complete three requirements:
- Students must possess a master's degree in education, psychology, or applied behaviour analysis. Completion of Monash University's MEd in ABA specialisation fulfils this requirement.
- Students must complete a course sequence in behaviour analysis that has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). A Verified Course Sequence (VCS) is a sequence of courses that has been verified by the ABAI as meeting specific faculty and coursework standards. Completion of Monash University's MEd in ABA specialisation fulfils this requirement.
- Students must complete a period of supervised independent fieldwork. Monash University does not provide supervised independent fieldwork placements to students, and completion of supervised independent fieldwork is not a requirement for graduation from the MEd in ABA specialisation. To learn more about the BACBs supervised independent fieldwork requirement, please visit bacb.combacb.com (https://www.bacb.com/)
The credential of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level certification in behaviour analysis. Professionals who are certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who design, supervise, and provide behaviour analytic services. BCBAs can also supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, Registered Behavior Technicians, and others who implement behaviour analytic interventions.