ABAI Accredited Programs
Western Michigan University
Doctoral
Program: Ph.D. Program in Behavior Analysis from the Department of Psychology (1998–2019)
Accreditation Status: Accredited (application for renewal is under review; all site visits have been suspended due to COVID-19)
Summary of Accreditation Board's Decision: The doctoral program was re-accredited in 2014, for five years, based on the professional judgement of the ABAI Executive Council upon recommendation from the Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board that all accreditation standards were met with no serious deficiencies. The program has applied for re-accreditation under the ABAI Accreditation Board in 2019 and is under review. The site visit has been suspended due to COVID-19 and is expected to occur within the next academic year.
Aggregate Report: 2015 - 2018
Program Mission: The Ph.D. Program in Behavior Analysis incorporates all of the requirements of the MA program plus additional advanced behavior analytic coursework, research, and practical training, and prepares students for three roles: teaching/research in a college or university setting, systems-oriented applied positions in the human services, and professional positions in industrial/organizational settings. Students spend much of their time engaged in research with faculty members. Although the doctoral program is not APA accredited, students may improve their chances of obtaining future state licensure as doctoral psychologists by taking APA-recommended coursework as part of their program of study and completing an APA-approved predoctoral internship for course credit (Psy 6950). Students wishing to pursue this option should consult with their major professor about coursework and internship options. To apply for an internship, students must pass their comprehensive exam and successfully defend their dissertation prospectus by November 1 of the application year.
Masters
Program: MA Program in Behavior Analysis from the Department of Psychology (1998–2019)
Accreditation Status: Accredited (application for renewal is under review; all site visits have been suspended due to COVID-19)
Summary of Accreditation Board's Decision: The master's program was re-accredited in 2014, for five years, based on the professional judgement of the ABAI Executive Council upon recommendation from the Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board that all accreditation standards were met with no serious deficiencies. The program has applied for re-accreditation under the ABAI Accreditation Board in 2019 and isunder review. The site visit has been suspended due to COVID-19 and is expected to occur within the next academic year.
Aggregate Report: 2015 - 2018
Program Mission: The MA Program in Behavior Analysis is a "terminal" master's degree program that combines behavior analytic coursework, practica, and research experience. It prepares students for doctoral programs and employment at the MA level in areas such as developmental disabilities, business and industry, mental health, substance abuse, education, and government.
These programs include an ABAI Verified Course Sequence for BACB examination applications.
Program Contact: Dr. Jessica Frieder