Ethics & Professional Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis

Catalog description

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of behavior analysts in diverse practice settings. Grounded in the current Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, the course emphasizes the core ethical principles of beneficence, respect, integrity, and professional accountability. Students will learn to identify and mitigate the risks associated with unethical conduct and explore strategies for maintaining professional competence through lifelong learning and mentorship. Key topics include confidentiality and data protection, ethical communication in professional and public contexts (including social media), cultural humility and responsiveness, managing multiple relationships, responsibility in research and navigating transitions in services and supervision. The course also addresses the legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to licensure, certification, and funding in behavior analytic practice. Students will develop essential interpersonal and reflective skills that promote ethical decision-making and support collaborative, inclusive, and culturally responsive service delivery.