January 2026 University Catalog

BS in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Applied Behavior Analysis undergraduate specialization provides students with a foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the applied behavior analysis field. The curriculum focuses on foundational behavior analysis theories, concepts, and techniques; applied research methods in the field; and ethical standards to which professionals in the applied behavior analysis field must adhere. Upon successful completion of this undergraduate specialization, students are prepared to interpret research studies in applied behavior analysis; identify behavioral problems through assessment; select targeted behaviors for change; conduct consultations; and design, implement, and evaluate ethical behavioral interventions under the supervision of a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) in order to bring about positive behavioral change for individuals.

General Education Requirements

Choose 45 quarter credits with a minimum of 4 quarter credits from each category; see General Education Courses.

Required courses

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
MAT2150Data and Statistics for Everyday Life

6

PSYC1010Introductory Psychology

3

PSYC2520Social Psychology in Action

3

PSYC2600Development Across the Lifespan

3

Additionally, choose a minimum of 4 quarter credits from English (ENG) courses.

Additional Program Requirements†

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
ACS1003Building Skills for Academic Success

6

Core courses

At least 30 quarter credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PSYC2002The Skillful Psychology Student

6

Or

PSYC2003The Skillful Psychology Student

6

 

PSYC1540The Psychology of Human Differences and Society

3

PSYC3310Brain, Body, and Behavior

6

PSYC3700Statistics for Psychology

6

PSYC4600Research Methods in Psychology

6

In addition, choose one of the following three courses.

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PSYC2700Child Development

3

PSYC2720Adolescent Psychology

3

PSYC2740Adult Development and Aging

3

Specialization courses

At least 36 quarter credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PSYC2001Applied Behavior Analysis Foundations

6

PSYC4003Applied Behavior Analysis Research and Measurements

6

PSYC4004Applied Behavior Analysis Assessment

6

PSYC4005Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions

6

PSYC4011Applied Behavior Analysis Ethics and Supervision

6

PSYC4016Introduction to Organizational Behavior Management: Supervision and Performance Management

6

Elective courses

At least 57 quarter credits
Choose 57 quarter credits of additional undergraduate courses.§

Capstone courses

At least 12 quarter credits

Taken during the student’s final two quarters:

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PSYC4006Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone 1

6

PSYC4007Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone 2

6

Total

At least 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 54 quarter credits from the 3000-level and above

Honors Pathway

Students enrolled in the honors pathway complete the following general education courses.

Honors courses

At least 15 quarter credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PHI-H2005Honors Seminar: Critical Thinking for the Professional World

3

COM-H4005Communicating and Integrating Solutions in the Professional World

6

SOC-H3005Honors Professional Seminar

6

These courses are applied toward the general education requirement and taken in addition to the remaining required courses.

Total

At least 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 54 quarter credits from the 3000-level and above

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Students 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.

† Students who are determined to need additional support developing academic and professional writing and reading skills based on academic assessment must take ACS1003 during their first quarter.

‡ Students who have completed ACS1003 are required to take PSYC2003. Students who are not required to take ACS1003 are placed in PSYC2002.

§ Students who have completed ACS1003 choose 57 quarter credits of additional undergraduate elective courses. 

This specialization is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; students are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website.