Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (PBAD)

Director: Al Poling
3756 Wood Hall

The Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis is designed to provide intensive training in Behavior Analysis. The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree for persons intending to assume leadership roles in teaching, research, and service in a variety of professional and academic institutions.

In addition to meeting the entrance requirements of the Graduate College, applicants are expected to show evidence of interest in and aptitude for conducting research.

Graduate students receive a personal appointment of a doctoral committee chairperson and two faculty sponsors to facilitate the full development of the student’s academic interests within the research programs of the department and the University. The program is arranged to encourage active participation in the daily conduct of the department’s academic program and research activities.

The credit hour requirements of the Behavior Analysis Ph.D. program are arranged to prepare students for teaching and research.

Program Requirements (79 hours)

4. Applied Behavior Analysis (10 - 13 hours)

The courses PSY 6260, PSY 6650, and PSY 6090 are required. Students seeking BCBA certification must also take PSY 6270.

PSY 6260 - Behavioral Assessment Credits: 3 hours
PSY 6650 - Behavioral Approaches to Treatment Credits: 4 hours
PSY 6090 - Advanced Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis Research Credits: 3 hours
PSY 6270 - Supervision and Applied Behavior Analysis Credits: 3 hours

5. Research Methods and Statistics (6 hours)

PSY 6080 - Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis Credits: 3 hours
PSY 6340 - Experimental Design and Analysis I Credits: 3 hours

6. Experimental Analysis of Behavior (6 hours)

PSY 6110 - Current Research in Experimental Analysis Credits: 3 hours
And one of the following:
PSY 6150 - Special Topics in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior Credits: 3 hours
PSY 6130 - Behavioral Pharmacology Credits: 3 hours

7. Master’s Thesis or Master’s Project (6 hours)

PSY 7000 - Master’s Thesis Credits: 1 to 6 hours
PSY 7050 - Master’s Project Credits: 1 to 6 hours

8. Professional Experience (6 - 12 hours)

PSY 5980 - Special Projects in Psychology Credits: 1 to 5 hours
PSY 5990 - Practicum in Psychology Credits: 1 to 4 hours
PSY 6910 - College Teaching Practicum Credits: 3 hours
PSY 6950 - Doctoral Internship in Behavior Analysis Credits: 1 to 3 hours
PSY 7100 - Independent Research Credits: 1 to 6 hours

9. Electives (15 - 21 hours)

Any other 5000 or greater graduate level course offered in the WMU Psychology Department, or other department, after discussion with the student’s advisor.

10. Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

PSY 7300 - Doctoral Dissertation Credits: 1 to 15 hours

Note:

Courses count toward the Ph.D. program in Behavior Analysis only after the student has completed all courses in an M.A. program, including the M.A. thesis or M.A. project requirement.

Note:

The Department of Psychology offers financial assistance through Department assistantships and program fellowships. Additional information concerning financial awards and program requirements may be obtained from the department office.

Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (PBAD)

Program Requirements (79 hours)

1. Principles of Learning and Motivation (3 hours)

2. Theoretical Issues in Behavior Analysis (6 hours)

3. Professional Issues (3 hours)

4. Applied Behavior Analysis (10 - 13 hours)

5. Research Methods and Statistics (6 hours)

6. Experimental Analysis of Behavior (6 hours)

7. Master’s Thesis or Master’s Project (6 hours)

8. Professional Experience (6 - 12 hours)

9. Electives (15 - 21 hours)

10. Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

Note:

Note: