Conceptualization and Development of the Behavior Analysis Programs at the Florida Institute of Technology

Abstract

We describe the conceptualization and development of the Behavior Analysis programs at the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech). From its beginnings as a small master's program in applied behavior analysis (ABA), the Behavior Analysis programs at Florida Tech have now grown to include three Master of Science programs across two campuses, a Ph.D. program in Behavior Analysis, an undergraduate degree (B.A.) in ABA, an online certificate program that has attracted students internationally, and a hybrid (live and online) Master of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis program at several sites around the USA. These programs are now housed in the first ever School of Behavior Analysis at a Tier 1, nationally ranked private university.

The Virginia Applied Behavior Analysis Consortium: Preparing Behavior Analysts Using a Collaborative Model

“…To address the shortage of certified behavior analysts in the field of behavior analysis, numerous Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB ® ) training programs have been created across the USA. These programs utilize various approaches to train behavior analysts, including short courses supplemented by videotaped lectures and readings, computerbased courses and on-site learning situations, or graduate program courses offered in a cohort model via video conferencing or in a face-to-face format (Johnston, 2016;Martinez-Diaz & Wilder, 2016;Shook et al, 2002;Warkomski, 1999). However, there is no empirical data to demonstrate that one method is better than another (Shook et al, 2002).…”