The online M.S. in Criminal Justice with the Behavior Analysis concentration serves those who provide a variety of behavior management services, including individuals trained as behavior specialists, mobile therapists, educational consultants, speech-language pathologists, school counselors, social workers, and special education teachers. Students must have a minimum one year of applied behavior analysis work with client base or volunteer experience. This curriculum is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting the 5th Edition Task List's coursework requirement for taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
Application of Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysis has become recognized as the treatment of choice for behavior problems associated with chemical dependency, addiction, mental health, learning disorders, behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders, co-occurring disorders, autism-spectrum disorders, brain injury, co-morbidity, and other disorders. Many people also recognize that applied behavior analysis is capable of producing remarkable results in classroom learning. It has also been applied to programs related to diet, exercise, juvenile delinquency, pre-school behavior, education, organizational structures, and more.
Certified behavior analysts supervise, create and guide intervention using Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP). School systems and mental health organizations often lean on the expertise of certified BAs. While the BA concentration is part of a criminal justice degree, it does not prepare students to profile criminals or investigate crime scenes.
Click here to read “The Benefits of a Well Rounded Behavior Analysis Program Residing Within Criminal Justice Studies.” Learn how to choose a program that fortifies your marketability within this dynamic field – even for those not in the criminal justice industry.
MS in Criminal Justice with the Behavior Analysis Concentration
The Behavior Analysis concentration curriculum of the Saint Joseph's University online master's degree in criminal justice gives a foundation of knowledge in:
- Basic Principles of Behavior Analysis in Criminal Justice
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Analysis Consulting
- Behavioral Development
- Clinical Behavior Analysis
- Basis for Behavior Change
- How to Compile Data for Behavioral Analysis
- Observational Methods
- Working Knowledge of Behavioral Analysis Guidelines
- Behavioral Analysis Ethics
- Behavioral Analysis and Crime Prevention
- The Coursework Requirements to Become a Certified Behavioral Analyst
You will develop the skills to transfer basic principles of behavior analysis into effective and comprehensive functional behavioral assessments, behavioral interventions, and program evaluation. This progressive and important criminal justice degree program focuses on developing new and innovative investigative approaches and techniques to the solution of crime by studying the offender and his/her behavior and motivation.
Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has approved this seven-course sequence as meeting the coursework requirement for taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
Those taking the BCBA examination will need seven (7) courses for 21 credits including courses ABA 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, and 607. Applicants will have to meet additional internship requirements independent of the online program to qualify.
Additional Options for Behavior Analysis at SJU Online
Already have a master’s degree? Learn about the Post-master's Behavior Analysis Certificate.
Already have a bachelor’s degree, but not looking to pursue a master’s at this time? Ask about the Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Autism Studies.
Looking to earn a bachelor’s in behavioral analysis? Learn more about the Autism Studies concentration in the bachelor's in general studies program.
Financial Aid
You may be eligible to receive Federal Financial Assistance in the form of student loans or grants. Saint Joseph's University Online uses the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine award amounts.
For more information about this concentration or financial aid, call us today at (610) 660-3400 or request information below.
