Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The programme teaches practical, research-based methods to increase desirable behaviours, teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviours at individual and organizational levels. Key student learning outcomes include:

• Basic principles of behavior: operant and respondent conditioning concepts and principles.
• Theory and philosophy: foundations of behaviorism and behavior-analytic theory.
• Research methods: measurement, data display and interpretation, single-case designs, intervention evaluation and research ethics.
• Behavior reduction and acquisition: assessment and intervention techniques for decreasing problematic behaviors and teaching new skills, with attention to cultural, contextual and personal variables.
• Organizational behavior management: performance analysis, staff training, supervision, behavioral systems analysis and leadership.
• Ethics: adherence to BACB ethics codes, enforcement mechanisms and professional standards.

Required courses listed in the catalogue include PPP 741 Basic Principles of Behavior; PPP 744 Organizational Behavior Management; PPP 745 Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis; PPP 747 Behavior Interventions; PPP 771 Experimental Design and Behavioral Research; PPS 772 Issues and Values in Schools and Society; PPP 773 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA; PPP 776 Behavior Assessment; a three-course sequence PPP 780ABA–PPP 782ABA in Single Subject Design (2 credits each); and PPP 793B BCBA Supervised Experiences (1–6 credits). The programme offers the option to register for remote concentrated BCBA supervision.

Entry requirements

Application review considers academic record, work experience and a statement of intent. Applicants must submit an application, official transcripts showing a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution (or current transcript if finishing), two reference forms attesting to academic/professional readiness, and a statement of intent describing interest and goals. If a bachelor’s cumulative GPA is below 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL minimum 550 PBT or 79 iBT, or IELTS 6.5), passport and visa information, and a statement of financial support. A final transcript is required before enrollment.

Career prospects

The curriculum prepares graduates for practice as Board Certified Behavior Analysts by providing the verified coursework and supervised-experience pathway components required for BCBA exam eligibility (additional supervision or requirements may be necessary before exam eligibility is granted). Graduates can work with individuals, families, schools, clinics or organizations to implement behavior-analytic interventions and systems-level behavior change.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Fresno Pacific University lists cost and financial-aid information through its admissions and financial-aid offices; prospective students should consult the university’s graduate admissions pages for tuition details, scholarship opportunities, FAFSA guidance and private funding options.