New online master’s program in applied behavior analysis for educators, clinicians working with children on the autism spectrum

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — This fall, Purdue will offer a new online master’s program in applied behavior analysis, which is used to increase skills or decrease unwanted behaviors most often in children who are on the autism spectrum.

The program is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the science of behavior analysis, as well as individuals who work in schools, clinics and medical fields. Applications for the inaugural class are being accepted until Sunday (July 15). More information is available online.

The Master of Science in Education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis can be earned completely online in as little as four semesters with instruction from faculty in the Purdue Autism Cluster. Supervised practicum experience will directly align to coursework and there are opportunities for students to interact with interdisciplinary scholars collaborating to understand, assess and treat individuals with autism.

Coursework opportunities will include:

- Working with individuals with autism across various settings.

- Working with individuals with and without disabilities who engage in challenging behavior or who are in need of increasing skills.

- Consulting with teachers and school systems to create positive behavior support systems.

- Training parents and collaborating with medical professionals.

The program also allows for an optional intensive practicum for students to become board certified behavior analysts. For more information about the program, contact Rose Mason, an assistant professor of educational studies in the College of Education and a member of the Purdue Autism Cluster, at rmason3@purdue.edu, or Mandy Rispoli, an associate professor of special education in the College of Education, at mrispoli@purdue.edu. For more information about applying and registering, contact ssreg@purdue.edu.

Also, the Purdue Autism Cluster on Oct. 18 will host the Purdue Autism Research Conference, which will have the theme “Measuring and Predicting Change in Autism.” Researchers, students and community members will learn more about current research in diverse fields related to autism, ranging from basic to applied sciences. Keynote speakers include David Amaral from the MIND Institute and Connie Kasari from UCLA. The event is open to the public and registration is required. More information is available online.

Writer: Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, kschnied@purdue.edu

Media contacts: Brian Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Sources: Rose Mason, rmason3@purdue.edu

Mandy Rispoli, mrispoli@purdue.edu