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Applications Accepted for New Applied Behavior Analysis Program at Southern Miss
The newly created training program in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Southern Mississippi is now accepting applications for the Fall 2015 semester.
Graduates of the ABA Program will earn a Master of Science Degree in Psychology with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, and will meet the educational eligibility requirements to sit for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
Thanks to the recent passage of House Bill 885, individuals who receive a passing score on the BACB Exam, and become Board Certified Behavior Analysts, will be eligible to become a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of Mississippi.
More information on the program can be found at https://www.usm.edu/school-
“Our goal is to produce the most competently trained behavior analysts in the state, though we hope that many of our graduates will also peruse doctoral-level training,” said Dr. Joe Olmi, Chair of the Department of Psychology. “We believe this program will train the highest quality practitioners in Mississippi, but also equip students to seek higher education, if they so desire.”
While the program will admit five students into the full-time program this fall, other students are encouraged to enroll in the two ABA night classes that are being offered this Fall: PSY 531 (Principles of Behavior Analysis) and PSY 516 (Applied Behavioral Research Methods).
“Given the tremendous need for practitioners in our state, we felt it was appropriate to open some of our first-year courses to non-degree students as well as students formally admitted into the program,” said Olmi. “We are offering these courses at night to accommodate students who work full-time jobs, and may not be sure if a full-time graduate program is right for them at this time. These night courses are demanding, but they will give the student a tremendous overview of this field and help them decide if a career in ABA is a good fit for them.”
Olmi said that the Department plans to unveil a complete undergraduate curriculum at some point next academic year, as well as explore possibilities for online offerings across both the graduate program and undergraduate offerings.
“The passage of HB 885 will be a tremendous stimulus for cutting-edge intervention services for children with Autism. As such, we will see an ever-expanding demand for qualified practitioners at all levels,” said Olmi. “By launching the first-of-its-kind ABA training program in Mississippi, USM will once again set the standards of excellence in a vital helping field, as well as providing needed support for our communities.”
For more information regarding this exciting new program, contact James Moore at james.moore@usm.edu or call 601-266-4611.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. As one of only 34 institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi. We are among U.S. News & World Report’s most popular universities and recognized by The Princeton Review for our commitment to sustainability. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu.
