Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Behavior Analysis
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Behavior Analysis degree program is designed for behavior analyst professionals seeking to serve as academic, research, or clinical leaders in the field of behavior analysis. Learners integrate basic behavior analytic theory, as well as basic and applied research with the practice of applied behavior analysis. Upon completion, learners are prepared to pursue careers in leadership positions within the practice of applied behavior analysis as well as academic and research positions. In combination with a behavior-analytic dissertation, learners who complete this degree program can apply for the doctoral designation as a board-certified behavior analyst. These degree program requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the counseling or psychology professions.
Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession
Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) related to professional psychology programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators in the Applied Behavior Analysis program have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate manner and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional competence; self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.
| PSY8003 | Foundations of Theory and Practice for Behavior Analysis | 5 |
| PSY7305 | Organizational Behavior Management | 5 |
| PSY7306 | Education and Teaching in Applied Behavior Analysis | 5 |
| PSY8301 | Single-Subject Research Design Methods | 5 |
| PSY8302 | Behaviorism | 5 |
| PSY8303 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 5 |
| PSY8304 | Analysis of Verbal Behavior | 5 |
| PSY8307 | Advanced Single-Subject Research Design for Behavior Analysis | 5 |
| PSY8348 | Motivation and Learning | 5 |
| PSY8352 | Compassionate and Multicultural Applied Behavior Analysis | 5 |
| RSCH7860 | Survey of Research Methods | 4 |
| PSY-V8925 | Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation | 3 |
| PSY-V8926 | Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development | 3 |
| PSY-V8927 | Doctoral Project Development - Framework Development | 3 |
Upon completion of all required coursework
| PSY9919 | Doctoral Comprehensive Examination | 3 |
Learners must register for PSY9960 a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements.
Three Elective Courses
At least 15 quarter credits
Choose three from the following courses:
| PSY6311 | Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Early Intervention | 5 |
| PSY6313 | Lifespan Interventions and Autism Spectrum Disorder | 5 |
| PSY6315 | Leadership and Consultation in Applied Behavior Analysis | 5 |
| PSY6319 | Behavior Analysts as Consultants | 5 |
| PSY8354 | Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy | 5 |
| PSY8358 | Higher Education Teaching Methods | 5 |
Total
At least 93 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.