University of South Florida Degree Program(s) Available
The University of South Florida also featured in our ranking of the Top 25 Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs.
The University of South Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis for those who wish to work with individuals suffering from mental illness, substance abuse or other disorders that cause behavioral issues. The program exposes enrollees to treatment approaches, issues within an organization, financing, delivery, and outcomes in the behavioral health system. The program emphasizes scientifically validated practices as well as the delivery of services within the context of current policies, funding, and standards. Courses required include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis in Autism and Developmental Disabilities
- Behavior Assessment and Intervention Planning
- Behavioral Health Systems Delivery
- Behavioral Healthcare Issues for Children
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Exemplary Practices in Behavioral Healthcare Treatment
- Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis or Behavior Modification
- Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues in BHC
- Multidisciplinary Behavioral Healthcare Services
- Research Methods and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis
- Research Methods in Psychology
Students must also complete a practicum for this degree program.
Featured Programs
The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis requires 28 hours of non-elective coursework and six hours of electives. Students must also complete 10 hours in thesis research plus 1,000 hours of practicum experience at an approved site. Students are prepared to work in myriad fields with individuals suffering from a variety of behavior issues. This may include autism, education, developmental disability, child protective services, mental health, and rehabilitation. Courses for the program include:
- ABA Basic Principles
- ABA in Complex Community Environments
- Behavior Analysis and Developmental Disabilities
- Behavior Theory
- Ethics in ABA
- Observational Methods and Functional Assessment
- Single-Subject Design
A comprehensive examination, directed research and practicum are also required to complete the degree.
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for those who wish to work with individuals who are dealing with behavior issues related to developmental disabilities which include autism, abuse or are in need of rehabilitation. The program provides students with an understanding of how to objectively measure the behavior of individuals while also understanding how environmental influences may impact an individual’s behavior. Courses required include:
- ABA Basic Principles
- ABA in Complex Community Environments
- Behavior Analysis and Developmental Disabilities
- Behavior Theory
- Ethics in ABA
- Experiential Analysis of Behavior
- Observational Methods and Functional Assessments
- Single-Subject Design
Students must also complete a thesis and practicum.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Behavior Analysis designed for those who wish to work with individuals on the autism spectrum. The program offers the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the diverse needs of individuals while also creating practitioners with a basis in science and research. Courses required include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Therapy
- College Teaching Seminar
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior I & II
- Rational Frame Theory
- Research Methods II
- Seminar on Skinner’s Writings
- Verbal Behavior
A qualifying examination is required. Students must also complete and defend a dissertation.
About the University of South Florida
In 1955, Governor LeRoy Collins created a new state university when he signed House Bill 1007. The bill created a new institute of higher learning in Hillsborough County. The new school opened on land where Henderson Air Field once stood, serving the country during World War II. As the southernmost of the universities in Florida, the school was named the University of South Florida. The doors opened in 1956.
Since that time, the University of South Florida has grown to a public, four-year university and includes the St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and original campus. It is a major metropolitan research facility with more than 50,000 enrolled.
University of South Florida Accreditation Details
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This indicates that the school has the resources to meet its goals and objectives. It also indicates that programs offered are high-quality and prepare graduates for leadership roles in their chosen profession. The University undergoes periodic review to confirm that continue to meet the criteria set forth by the accrediting agency. In addition, the following organizations accredit various programs throughout the school:
Featured Programs
- Association to Accredit Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Education in Public Health
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Society for Simulation in Healthcare
University of South Florida Admissions Requirements
Incoming freshmen must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts. They must also provide official SAT or ACT scores. The University of South Florida seeks students with a GPA of 3.9 and higher as well as SAT scores above 1220 or ACT scores above 27.
Transfer students who have earned between 12 and 59 credits at other colleges or universities must complete an application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They may also need to provide official high school transcripts along with SAT or ACT scores. Applicants with 60 or more transfer credits do not need to submit high school transcripts or test scores. However, they must have completed a minimum of 67 percent of hours attempted and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.3.
In order to enter graduate programs, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and must have a minimum GPA of at least 3.0. They must also have a GPA of 3.0 in any graduate work they have attempted prior to applying. In order to apply for a graduate-level Applied Behavior Analysis degree, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and provide official GRE scores. Those applying for master’s level programs must hold a bachelor’s degree and those applying for doctorate level programs must hold a master’s degree. Applicants should have research experience as well. They must provide three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a current resume. All graduate students are required to make a campus visit and interview with an ABA faculty member.
University of South Florida Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at the University of South Florida for Florida residents at all campuses is $105.07 per credit hour. Non-Florida residents pay between $185.92 per credit hour to $211.10 per credit hour depending on the campus they attend. Graduate tuition for Florida residents is $347.91 per credit hour. Non-residents pay between $417.90 to $431.43 depending on the campus.
In order to qualify for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which must be renewed each year. Packets may contain grants, loans, scholarships or work-study. The University of South Florida also accepts benefits from employers, the military and for veterans.
The University of South Florida is a nationally-recognized for its research and its rigorous academics. The University of South Florida offers flexible schedules with weekend and weeknight classes so that students who may have family, work or social obligations can achieve their higher education goals.
