Applied Behavior Analysis

Fieldwork is an essential part of training to become an applied behavior analyst because it allows students to develop the competencies needed to accurately assess behavior and develop successful interventions for their clients. Fieldwork experience is gained by working or volunteering in natural environment settings in which the student can use ABA when working with people. One benefit of Assumption’s ABA program is that it includes required practicum classes that allow students to obtain supervision of all their BCBA fieldwork hours prior to graduation. Students in the MA in ABA program are required to take three semesters of practicum. They may begin after completing ABA 500 with a passing grade.

There are certain fieldwork requirements that need to be met to apply for licensure and to sit for the BCBA exam. These include working with more than one client over the course of the experience; working a minimum of 20 hours per month related to behavior analysis; being supervised by a BCBA who has completed supervisor training, meets the current BACB supervision requirements, and is licensed as an LABA in Massachusetts; and receiving the minimum percentage of supervised hours and the minimum number of observations and supervisor contacts per supervisory period. Current BACB Experience Standards state that students need to accumulate 2,000 fieldwork work hours with 5% supervised hours under the Supervised Fieldwork standard or 1,500 fieldwork hours with 7.5% supervised hours under the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork standard (for students applying for the exam in 2027). Assumption’s practicum classes are designed to accommodate either of these standards, depending on the student’s placement. In some cases, students may need to take additional practicum credits to meet fieldwork requirements.

To participate in practicum, students must work or volunteer at a clinical setting where a BCBA who has met the current BACB supervision requirements and is licensed as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts can provide 3–4 hours of individual supervision per month. In addition, students must be able to work with multiple clients over the course of the experience. Students will be asked to identify a practicum placement during their first semester and secure site/supervisor approval from the Program Director. The Program Director is available to assist students in identifying an appropriate placement.

Assumption’s practicum courses are aligned with the behavior-analytic coursework. This allows students to gain skill in applying assessments and interventions in a coordinated manner and is a significant advantage of our program. Supervision is provided by Assumption practicum instructors and on-site supervisors.

The BACB limits the number of hours that can be accumulated each supervision period. Therefore, it will take a minimum of 12 months to complete the fieldwork requirements, which translates to three semesters. To be able to complete the fieldwork required by BACB standards within three semesters of practicum, students should expect to work fulltime at their site. Students may enroll in practicum if they work parttime, but they must understand that they will not be able to complete the BACB-required fieldwork hours in three semesters in that case (i.e., they will need to take additional semesters of practicum). The practicum site needs to be able to provide the type of experiences needed (i.e., unrestricted activities) and a site-supervisor who meets BACB supervisor qualifications. Students are required to attend a multiple-session orientation and pass a practicum competency assessment the semester prior to beginning practicum.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International recognized the MA in ABA program as a Tier 2A program and students can apply for the BCBA exam under Pathway 1. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.