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Master of Applied Behavior Analysis

 

​Program Overview

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Dar Al-Hekma University Program at Dar Al-Hekma University is the first of its kind in the region. The program trains graduate students to become specialists in providing behavior analysis services to individuals with challenging behavior and/or skill deficits. The curriculum focuses on the clinical and educational applications of ABA, while also providing an intensive practicum experience to enhance and strengthen students' application of the principles of ABA in both settings. Our graduates will be able to cater to the needs of all individuals affected by the autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental disabilities, educational and behavioral challenges, and mental health issues. Having holders of a master's degree in ABA in such a type of practice will lead to the development and the advancement of the professional practice of applied behavior analysis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Along the same lines, students at Dar Al-Hekma can also earn a master’s degree in educational leadership. Graduate scholarships are available to all students wishing to enroll in any of the graduate programs.​

Program Mission

To graduate professionals and scholars committed to enhancing the quality of life of individuals, providing them with state-of-the-art behavior analytic services, and leading radical advancement in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in Saudi Arabia. 

Program Goals

  • Lead radical and positive change in the field through enhancing the proficiency and standards of practice in applied behavior analysis in Saudi Arabia.
  • Develop new knowledge and skills to consistently bring about positive behavior change.
  • Increase the number of competent individuals and clinicians available to train direct service personnel, including educators and  their assistants.
  • Disseminate knowledge and research related to applied behavior analysis to members of the community of Saudi Arabia,  especially to educators, family members, and policy makers.

Why choose this Masters Program Program ​at Dar Al-Hekma University?

  • It is the first program in ABA in the Middle East and the only program in KSA​.
  • The courses in the program are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). 
  • The program is directed by the first and only Saudi with a Ph.D. in ABA and certified as a BCBA-D.
  • The program focuses on the clinical and educational applications of ABA.
  • It provides an intensive practicum experience to enhance and strengthen students' application of the principles of ABA in clinical and educational settings.
  • The program provides opportunities for state-of-the-art research in the field of behavior analysis.​

​Admission Requirements​​​​​​​​​​​​​


​​​​​ Programs​
​​Limguaskill Score​​​
Required ​Bachelor
Degree
Pre-Requisite Program
​Other Admission Requirement
Master of Science in
Applied Behavior Analysis
176
A Bachelor Degree in one of the
following degrees or any related field: 
  • ​Applied Behavior Analysis.
  • Psychology. 
  • Special Education. ​​
None
Pass Interview​

For further details about admissions, click here ​​

Learning Outcomes

On Successful completion of this program. graduates will be able to:

Knowledge​

  • Explain major philosophical underpinnings, concepts, and principles of applied behavior analysis.
  • Identify interventions, methods, techniques, and practices relevant to applied behavior analysis.
  • Describe a range of established and specialized research and inquiry techniques in applied behavior analysis.                         

Skills​

  • Assess target behaviors using different behavioral assessments.
  • Implement behavior change procedures within individualized treatment plans.
  • Evaluate the effects of treatment based on appropriate data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Conduct research or professional projects using specialized research and enquiry methodologies in applied behavior analysis. 
  • Effectively communicate, orally and in writing, behavior analytic content using information technology and the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
  • Develop function-based treatment plans for socially significant target behaviors.​

Values​

  • ​Demonstrate professional practice in compliance with the relevant codes of ethics in the field of applied behavior analysis. 
  • Demonstrate leadership and collaborative consultation skills with high integrity and display responsibility in work teams, with families, and community members.
  • Initiate professional development activities that promote life-long learning.

​Plan of Study



​​​Year One
Semester – Fall Semester – Spring

Course Code                                                    

Course Title

Credit
Hours
                                                    

Course Code                                                    

Course Title

Credit
Hours
                                                    

MABA 6301
Concepts and Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis 3MABA 6304
Research I: Measurement and Experimental Design3
MABA 6302
Ethical and Professional Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis 3MABA 6305
Behavioral Assessment 3
MABA 6303
Behavior Change
Procedures I
3MABA 6305
Behavior Change
Procedures II
3
MABA 6309
Analysis of Verbal Behavior
3MABA 6310
Applied Behavior Analysis in Education
3


Total Credit Hours 12 Total Credit Hours 12
Year Two 
Semester – Fall Semester – Spring

Course Code                                                    

Course Title

Credit
Hours
                                                    

Course Code                                                    

Course Title

Credit
Hours
                                                    

MABA 6307
Research II:Conducting Applied Research 3MABA 6308
Leadership, Management, Supervision and Training
3
MABA 6601
Practicum I6
MABA 6602
Practicum I6
MABA 6311
Clinical Problem-Solving and Decision Making in ABA
3



Total Credit Hours
12
Total Credit Hours
9


                          
Total Credit Hours for Graduation                                                           45
  
 
 


Career Prospects ​


​​​​The program equips students with the necessary skills that qualify them for a variety of career paths/jobs in the market including, but not limited to:

  • Behavior therapist

  • Service and program developer

  • Policy initiator

  • Program director/supervisor

  • Independent consultant

Dr. Lamis Baowaidan

Chair- Assistant Professor

Hekma School of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Shahad Sharaf Alsharif

Visiting Assistant Professor

Hekma School of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences

Key Facts

Program Name

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis


Academic Degree

Master


Credit Hours

45


Program Length

2 Years


Mode of study

Full time / Part Time

Dr. Lamis Mamdouh Baowaidan

Chair, Educational Department; Director, Master of Applied Behavior Analysis


PhD, Applied Behavior Analysis, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, 2016

MPhil, Applied Behavior Analysis, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, 2015

MA, Applied Behavior Analysis, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, 2011

BSc, Special Education/ Learning Disabilities, Dar Al-Hekma College, Jeddah, KSA, 2007

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