Our online B.S. in Applied Psychology provides an understanding of human behavior within a sociocultural context.
Credit Hours: 120 | Transfer: Up to 90 Credits | Tuition Cost
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior. It is based on the principles of behaviorism, which suggests that behavior is learned and can be modified through various techniques. ABA is commonly used in therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, but it can also be applied in many other settings, including education, healthcare, business, and even everyday life. ABA is a highly individualized approach, with interventions tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each person. It emphasizes evidence-based practices and has a strong focus on improving the overall quality of life for individuals with behavioral challenges.
Why Study Applied Behavior Analysis at UNH College of Professional Studies?
There are several compelling reasons why someone might choose to enroll in the Applied Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis program at UNH College of Professional Studies. Our program allows you to study the foundational concepts within applied psychology that will then support your deeper dive into behavior analysis concepts and practices. Some benefits of enrolling in this program include:
Impactful Career Opportunities: With a background in ABA, you can make a real difference in people's lives by helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. You may work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, mental health issues, or other special needs.
Evidence-Based Practice: ABA is based on scientific research and data, ensuring that interventions are effective and evidence-based. This approach sets ABA apart from many other fields and makes it a highly respected discipline.
Growing Demand: The demand for ABA services continues to grow as more parents, educators, and healthcare professionals recognize its effectiveness. As a result, there is a high need for qualified practitioners who can provide these services.
Personal Fulfillment: Working in ABA can be incredibly rewarding on a personal level. Helping others overcome obstacles and reach their full potential can bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction like few other careers.
Versatility: ABA skills can be applied in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Additionally, ABA principles can be used in various areas such as organizational behavior management and the treatment of addictions.
Professional Development: Pursuing a career in ABA offers opportunities for ongoing professional growth and development. There are numerous continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops available to help you stay up-to-date on best practices and new research findings.
Potential Career Areas
- Behavior Technician
- Special Education Paraprofessional
- Applied Behavior Analysis Research Assistant
- Direct Support Professional
- Applied Behavior Analysis Sales Representative
Course Highlights
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics
- Human Development
- Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
- Principles of Psychopathology
- Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences
- Biopsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- …and more!
Grow a Meaningful Career: Human Services
The online human services program at the College of Professional Studies prepares students to make a meaningful difference in their communities with the skills to address social, emotional, and economic challenges. Designed for working professionals, there are both undergraduate and graduate degree options available to fit the needs of individuals in any stage of their career.
Why UNH CPS?
- Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
- Available fully online with select on-campus courses.
- Affordable tuition.
- Nationally ranked online programs.
- About 89% of our students are transfer students. Making the most of your transfer credits is our specialty.
- Career advising is available to all students and alumni. We also extend this service to those considering their college options.
- Faculty who are subject matter experts and share their real-world expertise, helping you apply what you learn to your personal goals and career.
- We’re experts at assessing credit toward your undergraduate degree – not only from previous college coursework, but also for other college-level knowledge demonstrated outside the traditional classroom.
Students pursuing an associate degree at their local community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway! This resource lists the courses your associate degree should contain at your community college, as well as the remaining courses you’ll need to take at UNH College of Professional Studies to complete your bachelor’s degree!
View Your Transfer Pathway
- Completion of our free, online application for admission
- High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Get started by connecting with an advisor.
An advisor trained in our professional communication program will contact you to learn more about your academic and career goals.
We’ll also share our course schedule so you can read more about the College’s programs, students, and faculty.
Eligible individuals can apply for tuition assistance through the Early Childhood Tuition Assistance (ECTA) and Preschool Development Grant (PDG), funded by the NH Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration! 100% of tuition is covered for up to two classes per term.
Eligible individuals include childcare workers, preschool teachers, and elementary school paraprofessionals.
Curriculum & Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology provides an understanding of human behavior within a socio-cultural context. Students explore the variables affecting human behavior within both individual and group settings. The major positions students for either post-college employment or advanced education. The applied behavior analysis option introduces students to procedures and research in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Courses in this option cover evidence-based practices and concepts in ABA and how they are applied in professional ABA practice.
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| PSY 410 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510 | Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus | 4 |
| PSY 470 or PSY 525 | Child Development or Human Development | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| PSY 530 or SOSC 602 or SOCI 601 | Social Psychology or Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives or Society and the Individual | 4 |
| MTH 504 | Statistics | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| IDIS 560 | Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| PSY 602 or PSY 685 | Theories of Personality or Principles of Psychopathology | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| PSY 550 | Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis | 4 |
| PSY 725 | Cognitive Psychology | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 620 | Behavioral Assessments and Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis I | 4 |
| PSY 660 | Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 4 |
| Major Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| IDIS 601 | Interdisciplinary Seminar | 4 |
| PSY 720 | Behavioral Assessments and Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis II | 4 |
| PSY 740 | Biopsychology | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 797 or PSY 795 | Integrative Capstone: Project in Applied Psychology or Integrative Capstone: Internship in Applied Psychology | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Degree Requirements
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.
All General Education requirements, including CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar, must be taken prior to the capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| IDIS 601 | Interdisciplinary Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Writing Program Requirements
All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ENG 420 | The Writing Process | |
One Writing Intensive course in the Major | ||
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above | ||
One Additional Writing Intensive Course | ||
Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.
Major Requirements
Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses along with CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in Applied Psychology | ||
| Foundation Courses | ||
| PSY 410 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 470 | Child Development | 4 |
| or PSY 525 | Human Development | |
| PSY 530 | Social Psychology | 4 |
| or SOSC 602 | Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives | |
| or SOCI 601 | Society and the Individual | |
| MTH 504 | Statistics | 4 |
| Intermediate Courses | ||
| PSY 602 | Theories of Personality | 4 |
| or PSY 685 | Principles of Psychopathology | |
| IDIS 560 | Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| Major Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
BEHS 695 | Internship in Behavioral Science | |
or CRIM 425 | Juvenile Justice | |
or MGMT 566 | Organizational Behavior | |
or PSY 530 | Social Psychology | |
or PSY 602 | Theories of Personality | |
or PSY 603 | Crisis Intervention | |
or PSY 626 | Educational Psychology | |
or PSY 630 | Psychology of Adulthood | |
or PSY 646 | Psychology of Occupational Stress | |
or PSY 654 | Counseling Theories | |
or PSY 665 | Principles of Assessment | |
or PSY 685 | Principles of Psychopathology | |
or SLA 506 | Language Acquisition | |
or SOCI 675 | Child Abuse and Neglect | |
or SOSC 602 | Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives | |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| PSY 725 | Cognitive Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 740 | Biopsychology | 4 |
| Option in Applied Behavior Analysis | ||
| PSY 550 | Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis | 4 |
| PSY 620 | Behavioral Assessments and Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis I | 4 |
| PSY 660 | Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 4 |
| PSY 720 | Behavioral Assessments and Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis II | 4 |
| Integrative Capstone | ||
| PSY 795 | Integrative Capstone: Internship in Applied Psychology | 4 |
| or PSY 797 | Integrative Capstone: Project in Applied Psychology | |
| Total Credits | 56 | |
Electives
Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.
- Differentiate and critically analyze biological, developmental, cognitive, and sociocultural theories that provide an understanding of behavior and communicate this knowledge effectively.
- Use computer technology, as well as quantitative and scientific reasoning, to function as informed consumers of psychological research.
- Apply ethical principles that guide and inform the conduct of research and clinical practice.
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Develop strategies to implement behavioral methods and assessments with individuals to change behavior and increase socially significant behaviors.
Your Prior and Current Learning Counts
Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.
Career Outcomes
Talk with your advisor to discuss how your program, experience, and goals align.