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What should I know about the program at Simmons College?

  1. We only offer degree programs (M.S.Ed., Ed.S., & Ph.D).
  2. You will study the philosophy and science of behavior analysis.
  3. Our philosophy is consistent with  interbehavioral  psychology.
  4. We emphasize the co-requisite study of behavior analysis and a
    2nd discipline (e.g., education, Speech and Language  
    Pathology).
  5. We emphasize the application of behavior analysis in the
    community (e.g., our public schools).
  6. We emphasize the education of professionals with diverse
    backgrounds (Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational
    Therapists, General Educators, Animal Trainers).
  7. We emphasize international education.
  8. You can expect ongoing attention and support from our staff
    and faculty.
  9. You can expect to become part of a community.
  10. We value and foster innovation in thinking, practice, and
    research.

What will I learn?
We will build your knowledge as you progress through the program.







































































Who should I contact about the Programs in Behavior Analysis?
Contact Dr. Cameron at 617.521.2569 or Michael.Cameron@Simmons.
edu

What is the tuition?
Tuition is $900 per credit.  Please check the Simmons College web site
to confirm since tuition rates change on an annual basis.

How do I get an application?
Contact Graduate Studies Admission at 617.521.2915, or, visit our web
site
Simmons College

How long does it take to complete the program?
The program can be completed in 2 years. This is a 52 credit program
(11 courses). We maintain a 3-semester schedule (no traditional
summer break). Moreover, you can start your studies in September,
January, or May.

When can I apply?
We have a rolling admission, you can apply at any time (Fall, Spring,
or Summer).

Do I need to take the GREs or the Miller Analogy Test?
Only for the Ph.D.program, however, you need a GPA of at least 3.0.

Do you offer a 5 course sequence to prepare students to take the
international exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
No. Students at Simmons College advance toward a degree and
prepare for a career in applied behavior analysis, we do not offer an
accelerated program.

Do you have an undergraduate degree requirement?
No, our students have degrees in law, business, physics, psychology,
special education, and sociology. You do not have to be a certified
teacher to enter the program.

Can I take courses before applying?
Yes, you can take 2 courses as a Special Student (i.e., a non-
matriculating student); a student who has not applied to the program
and is not enrolled. Special students can take up to 2 classes before
applying to the program.

Will credits earned as a special student apply to the 52 credit program?
Yes.

Will you allow transfer credits?
We will allow up to 8 transfer credits. You must apply for the transfer
and submit the relevant syllabi to support the transfer of credits. We
will not allow the transfer of credits without a syllabus.

Can I attend part-time?
Yes.

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Providing you take 2 classes. Aid is available to cover tuition
expenses; however, we also have aid packages that cover tuition and
living expenses.

Where are classes held?
The program is offered on campus in Boston. We also operate a
program out of Stonehill College in Easton, MA

When are classes held?
Primarily on weekends; however, select courses are held on weekday
nights. Weekend classes begin on Friday at 5:00 PM and end at 9:30
PM. The class will also meet on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. All
classes held during the week begin at 5:30 PM and end at 8:30 PM.

Is this an approved course of study?
Yes. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. has approved our
course sequence as meeting the course work requirements for eligibility
to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination.

Is the program approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis?
Yes. The M.S program in Behavior Analysis at Simmons College is 1 of
14 programs worldwide approved by the Association for Behavior
Analysis.

What degree will I earn?
You will earn a master's degree (Master's of Science) or an Ed.S.
(educational specialist degree).

Can I acquire licensure to become a special educator?
Yes. If you take an additional four courses beyond your requirements
for the program you will be eligible for licensure (Note, you must also
do a practicum).

What courses do I have to take to for the special education licensure
program?

SPND 443: Special Education Laws, Regulations, and Process for        
Teachers (4 credits)

SPND 446: Learners with Special Needs (4 credits)

SPND 447: Assessment and Curriculum Modification and Development
for Learners With Severe Disabilities (4 credits)

RDG 410: Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading (4
credits)

SPND 468: Practicum: Severe Disabilities (4 credits)

SPND 488: Seminar & Fieldwork in Education (4 credits)

Do I have to do an internship?
No. We provide mentoring and supervision within your current
employment situation.

Will you assign a supervisor?
Yes. We will match you with a person whose experience will support
your education.

Can I receive supervision from someone not associated with Simmons
College?
No. If you enroll in the program we take full responsibility for your
education and you will be supervised by program faculty.

Can I work with my own child to fulfill my supervision experience?
No. This is prohibited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Do I have to work full-time during mentoring?
You need to work at least 30 hours per week.

Is this a program that will teach me about autism?
This is a program that will teach you about applied behavior analysis.
Many of our students work with children with autism and focus on that
particular disability group. However, many of our students are general
education teachers who work with typically developing children. Our goal
is to ensure that you understand how the principles apply to all
populations.

How will I be evaluated in this program?
You will be evaluated continuously via competency-based exams
(multiple choice, short answer, essay), in-class Socratic questioning,
class related projects (e.g., you will be required to conduct literature
reviews and behavioral assessments), and you will be required to
demonstrate, to your professor, your ability to design and implement
educational and clinical programs. Once you enroll in the mentoring
and supervision program you will be required to take oral exams at the
end of each semester.

Is there a research (thesis)  requirement?
Yes. In your first year of the program you will join one of the Behavioral
Education Research Groups. Each group is comprised of 3 to 5 graduate
students.

How large are the classes?
Most classes do not exceed 20 students.

What is the typical student profile?
The program has a full range of students: some come into the
program directly after receiving a bachelor's degree, we have seasoned
professionals (e.g., in previous classes, a Special Education Director, a
lawyer, and students with an MBA), parents who want to learn about
behavior analysis to support their own children, and experienced
teachers.

What is an Ed.S.?
This is a degree (not a certificate such as the CAGS). The Educational
Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is for students who already have a master's
degree. The degree precedes a doctorate.

What are my career options after I receive a degree?
The areas you will be prepared to work in include: education,
developmental disabilities, business and industry, animal and pet
training, behavioral safety, parenting and child management,
classroom management, behavioral medicine, behavioral gerontology,
forensics, sports psychology, and behavioral community psychology.
For an overview of positions available use the following website to
access the "job find" website called START:

Association for Behavior Analysis

M.S and Ed.S Programs
Courses
Learning Outcomes

BEHV 424 and 415

In your introductory course you
will learn the elementary
principles of behavior analysis
and the lexicon of the discipline.
In your first research course you
will learn: the philosophy of
interbehavioral psychology, how
to read research, frame research
questions, and conduct research
studies.

BEHV 426 and 437

You will learn how to assess the
academic abilities of learners as
well as the factors that give rise to
problem behavior. You will also
learn how to measure behavior
and quantify and display data in
your course in data collection,
display and interpretation.

BEHV 416 and 445

These companion courses focus
on stimulus equivalence and
advanced research in behavioral
education.

BEHV 465A and 465B

Emphasis will be placed on the
linkage between theory and
practice in your two seminar
courses. You will study B.F.
Skinner's: Science and Human
Behavior and Verbal Behavior.

BEHV 430

Your course in ethics and legal
issues will provide guidance for
professional conduct and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
 

BEHV 427 and 434

In these companion courses you
will learn about evidence-based
educational practices and
instructional design in behavior
analysis.