York College of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

This programme focuses on the scientific study and application of behaviour-analytic principles. Core topics include principles of learning and behaviour, functional assessment, behaviour-change procedures, single-case experimental design and data analysis, ethical and professional issues, and research methods.

• Principles and Philosophy of Behavior Analysis — foundational concepts, terminology and theoretical underpinnings.
• Assessment and Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) — direct and indirect assessment methods, developing operational definitions and hypothesis-driven assessment.
• Intervention and Behaviour Change Procedures — antecedent and consequence-based strategies, skill acquisition, behaviour reduction plans and generalisation/maintenance procedures.
• Single-Case Research Design and Data Analysis — visual analysis, basic statistics for single-subject research and designing evaluative studies.
• Ethics and Professional Practice — professional standards, service delivery models, cultural competence and legal considerations.
• Applied Settings and Populations — application of behaviour-analytic methods in schools, autism and developmental disability services, mental health, and organisational contexts.
• Practicum / Supervised Field Experience — supervised applied experience in community and educational settings to apply coursework knowledge under practicum supervision.

The curriculum balances classroom instruction with applied practicum, culminating in projects or research that emphasise measurable outcomes and ethical service delivery. The programme is designed to align with the educational coursework requirements for professional certification in behaviour analysis, while also preparing students for diverse applied roles.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a recognised bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, special education, behavioural science or a closely related field. Admissions commonly consider academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining professional goals in behaviour analysis, and relevant experience working with individuals with behavioural needs.

• Academic background: Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Coursework in behaviour-related subjects (such as psychology, learning theory or special education) is advantageous.
• Experience: Practical experience with children or adults in educational, clinical or community settings is valued; some positions prefer prior paid or volunteer experience.
• Other materials: Professional references and a statement of purpose. Where required, an interview may form part of the selection process.

Specific prerequisites and GPA expectations are set by the admissions office; applicants lacking foundational coursework may be asked to complete preparatory modules prior to full programme entry.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles delivering applied behaviour-analytic services in a variety of settings. Many pursue credentials such as Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) where they meet supervised practicum and coursework requirements, then continue on to certification exams and clinical supervision roles.

• Behaviour analyst in clinics serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities
• School-based behaviour specialist or consultant supporting inclusive education and positive behaviour support
• Clinical supervisor, programme coordinator or case manager in community agencies
• Behavioural consultant in mental health, juvenile services or residential programmes
• Applied researcher or practitioner in organisational behaviour management and staff training

Skills developed in the programme — functional assessment, data-based decision making, treatment design and ethical practice — are also transferable to allied professions such as special education, speech and language services and occupational therapy teams.

Why study at York College of Pennsylvania

York College offers a small-college environment with close faculty supervision and opportunities for hands-on practicum placements in the regional community. The programme emphasises applied learning, connecting coursework to supervised field experiences in schools, clinics and community agencies, which helps students build practical skills and professional networks.

• Faculty mentorship: Instruction by faculty with applied experience in behaviour analysis and special education, providing direct supervision for practicum work.
• Local practicum partnerships: Access to placement sites in the surrounding region that expose students to diverse populations and service-delivery models.
• Professional preparation: Curriculum structured to support graduates seeking professional certification and to develop competencies in assessment, intervention and ethical practice.

Overall, the programme is a practical choice for students who want an applied, supervision-rich pathway into behaviour analysis and allied educational or clinical careers.