Psychology, Ph.D (Behavior Analysis)

I. Contact Information

Ramona Houmanfar, Associate Professor/Director, Behavior Analysis
ramonah@unr.edu
(775) 682-8693

Psychology Department:
438 Mack Social Science
(775) 784-6828
Psychology Department website:
http://www.unr.edu/cla/psych/graduate.html

II. Brief Introduction

The Department of Psychology offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology. The Psychology program provides education and research training in three areas of specialization: Behavior Analysis, Clinical, and Cognitive Brain Sciences. Students in all three areas of specialization must meet all requirements for admission to the graduate school. Prospective graduate students may access the Graduate School’s website for the current information and for on-line admissions applications.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The aim of the BA Program is to provide comprehensive training in behavior analysis out of which more specialized basic, applied and theoretical interests in behavior analysis may be developed on the parts of students.  A balance of empirical, conceptual, and applied training is sought.  More specifically, the objectives of the Behavior Analysis Program are:

1. To preserve the accumulated knowledge of behavior science by imparting it to others.
2. To develop the science of behavior through the production of new knowledge.
3. To contribute to the betterment of society by the application of this knowledge.
4. To assure the viability of the profession through participation in its governance.

IV. Admission Requirements

Applications for acceptance to the Ph.D. programs are made to the Graduate School and must include: (a) a graduate admission application, including fees; (b) an official copy of the GRE scores; and (c) official college transcripts. Additionally, application materials should be submitted to the area of specialization in the Department of Psychology. Those packets must include (a) Program preference form (available on the department website); (b) statement of purpose and goals; (c) three letters of recommendation; and (d) a curriculum vitae (optional). Candidates for the Ph.D. or M.A. must complete graduate school and specialization area requirements. Students must be admitted to one specialization area. The department website provides current degree requirements. Admission materials are due January 1st.

V. Program Requirements

In short, by way of the two comprehensive exams and dissertation requirements combined, students must demonstrate competence in at least two topical areas (e.g., response variability and substitute stimulation), and within at least two sub-divisions of the field (e.g., the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis).

The didactic curriculum includes 30 credits in behavior analysis, (including 3 summer seminars) 9 credits in methods, 4 credits in psychology, and 3 elective credits (In addition to summer seminars), as shown below.

VI. Total Units (72 units)

VII. Notes

For more an overview of the BA Program, please visit our web-page at http://www.unr.edu/psych/behavior/index.html.

Accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis, training in Behavior Analysis at the University of Nevada, Reno is conducted via a mentorship model and includes supervised experience and instruction leading to the M.A. and/or Ph.D. degrees. The program focuses on the philosophies of behaviorism, the theory and methodology of behavior analysis, basic and applied research in human behavior, basic research in animal behavior, application of behavioral principles to organizational administration and consultation, instructional design and technology, parent and teacher training, and clinical populations, participatory governance and fiscal management.