Behavior Analysis Concentration
Program Director: Dr. Bernice Marcopulos
Concentration Coordinator: Dr. Trevor Stokes
Website: http://www.psyc.jmu.edu/psycsciences/
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree with a satisfactory grade point average.
- Undergraduate course work in psychology, including at least one statistics and one psychological research methods course.
- Satisfactory scores on the general GRE; subject area GRE desirable (official score reports required).
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with previous academic performance and potential for graduate work.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended.
- Completed application forms, including a statement of research interests, goals for graduate study and beyond, and how the psychological sciences program will help achieve these goals.
Mission
The mission of our program is to provide students advanced empirical research training in the psychological sciences.
Description
The psychological sciences program at James Madison University is a shared program between the Department of Psychology and the Department of Graduate Psychology that fosters the development of students interested in improving their research skills and preparing for doctoral education. The primary function of the program is to develop students’ knowledge, skills and abilities in scientific inquiry, methods and analysis and to equip students to apply their research-based training as researchers, consultants and/or practitioners.
At the core of the program is course work in multiple content areas within psychology; course work in statistics, measurement and research design; a research apprenticeship; and a thesis. The culture of the program is consistent with that of doctoral programs, including expectations that students will develop a portfolio of scholarly accomplishments (e.g., publications and conference presentations) and participate in various extra-curricular activities related to their discipline. Regular attendance at program-wide roundtable discussions and concentration-specific meetings is expected and required.
Students develop expertise in a specialty area through selected course work and closely mentored experiences with a faculty adviser. Faculty advisers provide regular support and consultation regarding progress in the program and professional development.
Program Goals
The primary goal of the program is to prepare students to pursue doctoral work; another goal is to prepare students for master’s level employment in research-informed occupations.
While enrolled in this program students will:
- become familiar with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, methodologies and empirical
- findings in fundamental areas of psychological science.
- develop the skills necessary to independently conduct and critique psychological research.
- acquire communication, information literacy and technology skills at a professional level.
- develop a professional identity that reflects the values of research scientists in psychology.
Master of Arts Degree Requirements
Purpose
The behavior analysis concentration is for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in behavior analysis or related disciplines (e.g., behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, exceptional education); it is also for students interested in pursuing course work and experience requirements to qualify for examination to become a master’s-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®).
Overview
In this concentration, students will complete course work, conduct research and participate in practicums designed to facilitate mastery of major concepts, principles, practices and theories in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis and the philosophy of radical behaviorism. Students in this concentration are required to complete their research apprenticeship and thesis requirements through collaborative research activities with faculty who approach the scientific study of behavior from a behavior-analytic conceptual and theoretical framework.
Other Experiences
In addition to course work and other requirements of the psychological sciences program (e.g., apprenticeship, research roundtable), students participate in concentration meetings where faculty and students discuss published research and professional issues related to behavior analysis. Additionally, students in the behavior analysis concentration may participate in the activities of various local, regional, national and international agencies, groups and professional organizations that advance the scientific study of behavior and its humane application to solve practical problems.
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