Educational Psychology

Overview

Program Faculty

Professors: Mark Steege, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Professors: Jamie Pratt, PsyD, BCBA-D; Garry Wickerd, PhD, NCSP, BCBA
Assistant Professor: Sacha Shaw, PhD, BCBA-D
Lecturers: Erin Beardsley, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D; Melissa Bubier, PsyD, BCBA-D; Jennifer Doucette, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D; Derek Guptill, PsyD, BCBA-D; Gretchen Jefferson, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D; Lianne Lussier, MEd, BCBA; William Roy, PsyD, BCBA-D; Clelia Sigaud, PsyD, BCBA-D; Rebecca Watson, MS, BCBA; Danielle Williams, PsyD, BCBA

Program Mission

The Educational Psychology programs at the University of Southern Maine prepare professionals to apply and promote the scientifically supported practice of applied behavior analysis to improve academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes for diverse learners of all ages. The program imparts the knowledge and skills required to (a) conduct behavioral assessments; (b) design interventions that facilitate the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of socially significant skills and the sustained reduction of behaviors that interfere with learning; (c) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions; and (d) provide inclusive and collaborative behavior analytic assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision services at the individual and organizational level. Graduates of the program pursue careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) in school, clinic, and home settings.

Programs of Study

The Educational and School Psychology Department offers two programs in applied behavior analysis:

Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis (24 credits)
Master of Science in Educational Psychology: Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (36 credits)

Both programs of study are offered fully online. All behavior analytic courses meet in real time using Zoom video conferencing.

Both programs of study also include a course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® (BCBA^®) examination. To qualify for BCBA certification, individuals must possess an acceptable graduate degree, complete acceptable behavior analytic coursework and supervised fieldwork, and pass the BCBA examination.

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis program includes the behavior analytic coursework required for BCBA certification and is designed for students who already have an earned graduate degree.
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology program includes the behavior analytic coursework required for BCBA certification and leads to a graduate degree in educational psychology.
Completion of the BCBA examination and supervised fieldwork must be arranged by students independent of the University or Educational Psychology program. Supervised fieldwork may occur concurrent with or upon completion of the coursework.

Additional information about the Behavior Analyst Certification Board^® (BACB^®) standards and certification requirements may be obtained here: http://www.bacb.com

Many states also have passed legislation to regulate licensure and practice in behavior analysis. Additional information about state laws and regulations may be obtained here: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/