What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
If you’re headed into Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as part of your grad school journey, buckle up! This course takes everything you learned in your foundational ABA courses and pushes you to think more deeply, critically, and creatively. It’s the kind of class that challenges you to integrate your knowledge, understand complex behavior, and really elevate your skill set.
Before I dove in, I had some expectations, but I was totally surprised by how much more complex it was than I anticipated. So, if you’re about to take this class, here’s what I wish I knew—and some advice to help you make the most of it.
It’s Not Just More of the Same
When you first hear "advanced" applied behavior analysis, you might think, "Okay, just more of what I’ve already learned." But let me tell you—this class is much more than that. It’s about applying ABA principles to more complex and nuanced scenarios. You’ll dive deeper into areas like verbal behavior, organizational behavior management, and even ethical dilemmas that come up in the real world.
This is the part where you start to feel like a real professional. But don’t be fooled—it’s a much higher level of critical thinking and problem-solving than in foundational ABA courses. It challenges you to apply the principles of ABA in new, sometimes unexpected ways.
Expect to Challenge Your Thinking
One of the most difficult but rewarding aspects of this course is that you’ll often be asked to think outside the box. You’re not just applying interventions to simple behavior problems; you’ll be looking at complex behavioral issues that require innovative and tailored approaches. This could mean looking at behavior within the context of an entire organization, group, or community.
You may find yourself reevaluating your previous methods and questioning assumptions. This is part of the growth process, and it’s something I wish I had embraced sooner. It’s okay to be uncomfortable with uncertainty—it means you’re expanding your understanding.
You’ll Be Doing A Lot of Research
One thing I didn’t realize before taking Advanced ABA is just how much research would be involved. This course isn’t just about applying interventions—it’s about understanding the why behind everything you do. You’ll need to dive deep into the research literature, understand empirical studies, and integrate that knowledge into your practice.
For me, this was one of the hardest adjustments. At first, I found myself frustrated by the sheer volume of research articles, but eventually, I realized that this is how you solidify your understanding and contribute to the evidence base of ABA.
Time Management is Crucial
Between research assignments, case studies, and practical applications, you’ll need to have your time management skills down to a science. Advanced ABA often includes longer assignments, group projects, and individual case analyses, which can easily pile up if you’re not staying organized.
I remember thinking I could leave everything to the last minute, but trust me, that does not work in this course. Set aside consistent time each week to go through readings, write assignments, and review materials. Procrastination will only make things harder in the long run.
Real-World Application is the Goal
The best part of Advanced ABA is that it’s highly practical. You won’t just be learning theories and concepts in a vacuum. You’ll be applying them to real-life situations, which is great preparation for when you enter the field. Whether it’s in educational settings, organizations, or in one-on-one client work, this course teaches you how to navigate real-world challenges using advanced ABA techniques.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of the course is seeing how these interventions work in actual scenarios. It’s the moment where the theory and practice come together, and it becomes clear how much of an impact behavior analysis can have in the world.
You’ll Be Pushed to Grow Professionally
This course is a huge step in your development as a behavior analyst. You’ll be asked to reflect on your own professional practices and identify areas for growth. Expect to hear feedback—not just from professors but from your peers as well. Everyone in the class will have different perspectives, and engaging with them will be invaluable in broadening your own.
There were moments when I felt insecure or unsure of myself, but those were the moments that pushed me to grow professionally. Embrace feedback and use it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and refine your practice.
Take Away Key Principles
Here’s the thing about Advanced ABA: it’s not about memorizing facts and figures—it’s about understanding concepts at a deeper level. You’ll walk away from the class with a more profound appreciation for the science of behavior analysis and a better understanding of how to implement it in more complex settings.
Remember to focus on critical thinking, research integration, and ethical considerations. Those are the pieces that will make you a well-rounded behavior analyst.
Key Takeaways for Advanced ABA
Challenge your thinking: Don’t be afraid to question assumptions and think critically about ABA principles.
Research is key: Dive into the literature and make research a part of your practice.
Manage your time well: This class requires consistent work—don’t leave things to the last minute.
Real-world application matters: You’ll be applying what you learn to real-life scenarios, which makes this course incredibly practical.
Professional growth: Embrace feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve your practice.
So, if you’re about to embark on this journey, get ready for a challenging and rewarding ride. Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis will push you in ways that will make you a stronger, more knowledgeable behavior analyst, and I promise you, it’ll be worth it.
Until next time, keep growing and pushing your boundaries! 💙
