Psychology Program And Profession Unit 7 Assignment Back
Ps115 Psychology Program And Professionunit 7 Assignment Bachelor O
Replace each “Open Elective” slot with the course number and course name of the elective you have chosen. Be sure you have verified that the course you have selected also meets the credits indicated and that the selected course is not already present on your degree plan.
Degree Plan:
- PS115 Psychology Program and Profession - 5 credits
- CM107 College Composition - 5 credits
- PS124 Introduction to Psychology - 5 credits
- MM150 Survey of Mathematics or MM212 College Algebra - 5 credits
- CM220 College Composition II-Communication - 5 credits
- HN144 Human Behavior and the Environment - 5 credits
- [Elective Course] - 5 credits
- PS210 History of Psychology - 5 credits
- CM206 Interpersonal Communication - 5 credits
- PS220 Child and Adolescent Psychology - 5 credits
- HN200 Survey of Social Problems - 5 credits
- [Elective Course] - 5 credits
- [Elective Course] - 5 credits
- CS204 Professional Presence - 3 credits
- [Elective Course] - 5 credits
- MM207 Statistics - 5 credits
- PS300 Research Methods I - 6 credits
- PS215 Neuroscience - 5 credits
- [Elective Course] - 5 credits
- HU200 Critical Evaluation in the Humanities, HU245 Ethics, or HU250 Humanities and Culture - 5 credits
- PS330 Personality Development - 6 credits
- SS211 The 1960's-Reshaping the American Dream; SS236 People, Power, & Politics-An Introduction to American Government; or SS250 The Technological Revolution - 5 credits
- [Elective Course] - 5 credits
- SC235 Changing World, SC250 Science for Everyday Life, or SC246 Fundamentals of Microbiology - 5 credits
- PS340 Exceptional Needs Children - 6 credits
- PS380 Clinical Psychology - 6 credits
- PS360 Applied Behavior Analysis I - 6 credits
- PS440 Abnormal Psychology - 6 credits
- PS365 Applied Behavior Analysis II - 6 credits
- PS385 Targeted Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis - 6 credits
- PS430 Program Design and Evaluation - 6 credits
- CE340 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children - 6 credits
- PS410 Screening and Assessment - 6 credits
- PS498 Bachelor's Capstone in Psychology - 6 credits
Paper For Above instruction
The field of psychology is vast and multifaceted, with programs and professions continually evolving to meet societal needs. In preparing for a career in applied behavior analysis (ABA), understanding the academic pathway and the requisite skills is fundamental. This paper explores the integration of a comprehensive psychology program, specifically focusing on applied behavior analysis, and how these academic elements cultivate essential professional skills.
Introduction
Psychology serves as the foundation for many behavioral and mental health professions. It provides essential knowledge regarding human behavior, development, cognition, and social interaction. The bachelor’s degree in psychology, augmented with specialized courses in applied behavior analysis (ABA), equips students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to impact lives positively. The curriculum outlined in the degree plan emphasizes a blend of foundational courses, research methodology, specialized training, and ethical considerations—each crucial for professional competence and ethical practice.
Academic Foundations in Psychology and Behavior Analysis
Fundamental coursework such as Introduction to Psychology (PS124) lays the groundwork by introducing core concepts of human behavior, cognition, and emotional processes. Courses like History of Psychology (PS210) offer context about the development of psychological theories and practices. The inclusion of neuroscience (PS215) and research methods (PS300) reinforces understanding of biological bases and empirical approaches, critical for evidence-based interventions in ABA. Moreover, courses in child and adolescent psychology (PS220) and exceptional needs children (PS340) provide insight into developmental and individual differences, equipping future practitioners with the necessary knowledge to tailor interventions for diverse populations.
Specialized Courses in Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis, a prominent evidence-based approach for behavior intervention, is emphasized through courses such as PS360 Applied Behavior Analysis I, PS365 Applied Behavior Analysis II, and targeted topics in ABA (PS385). These courses focus on core principles such as reinforcement, punishment, behavior modification techniques, and the ethical considerations involved in implementing ABA. Program design and evaluation (PS430) further develops skills in developing, executing, and assessing behavior intervention plans, a critical competency for ABA practitioners.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Courses like CM220 College Composition II and CM206 Interpersonal Communication are vital for cultivating professional communication skills. Effective communication is essential for collaborating with clients, families, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, professional presence, reinforced through courses like CS204, prepares students to demonstrate confidence and professionalism in clinical and community settings, thus enhancing the effectiveness and credibility of their interventions.
Research and Ethical Training
Research methodology coursework (PS300) and statistics (MM207) provide students with quantitative skills to interpret data, evaluate intervention outcomes, and contribute to the scientific literature in ABA. Ethical training, integrated into courses such as HU245 Ethics, encapsulates the moral responsibilities inherent in psychological practice, especially when working with vulnerable populations like children with developmental delays or behavioral challenges.
Career Readiness and Professional Development
Beyond academic coursework, developing professional competencies such as critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and cultural competence prepares students for real-world challenges. Courses like Professional Presence (CS204) foster self-confidence, while capstone projects like PS498 synthesize learning into practical, real-world applications. These skills are indispensable for accreditation, certification, and successful entry into the behavioral health workforce.
Conclusion
The comprehensive psychology curriculum outlined above fosters an integrated skill set necessary for excellence in applied behavior analysis. Through foundational knowledge, specialized ABA training, research skills, and professional development components, students are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the field. As the demand for ABA-trained professionals grows, this academic preparation ensures that graduates are equipped to implement effective, ethical, and individualized interventions that significantly improve clients’ quality of life.
References
- Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1(1), 91–97.
- Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
- Gottlieb, G. (2007). Defining developmental science: Deriving temperament. Child Development, 78(1), 255–258.
- Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9.
- McEachin, J. J., Smith, T., & Lovaas, O. I. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism receiving applied behavior analysis: II. Implementing structured teaching programs. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 23(4), 415–426.
- Miltenberger, R. G. (2016). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Najdowski, A. C., Tarbox, J., & Raab, M. (2012). Functional communication training: A review of implementation and outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45(2), 371–385.
- Reichow, B., & Volkmar, F. (2010). Customized schooling for children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(3), 283–290.
- Sundberg, M. (2008). Function-based interventions. In Applied behavior analysis (pp. 245–262). Springer.
- Vollmer, T. R., & Borrero, J. C. (2013). Behavioral assessment and treatment: A comprehensive guide. Routledge.