Behavioral psychology teaches that effects, results, or consequences develop behavior. For example, food, attention, acceptance, approval, praise, and affection all lend to developing behavior. The behavioral psychology doctrine states that in order to produce changes in behavior, practitioners must reward any slight movement in the desired direction. Behaviorally-focused psychologists see all behavior as being composed of antecedent stimuli, behavioral response, and consequences.
Masters programs in behavioral psychology study the prediction and analysis of both human and non-human behavior. The curriculum examines the understanding of behavioral processes for the improvement of individual and social conditions. Students have the option of taking a variety of exciting courses in these programs, including Behavioral Principles, Applied Behavior Analysis, Methods for Studying Individual Behavior, Behavioral Pharmacology, Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, Behaviorism, Ethical & Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis, and Practicum in Applied Psychology. Some programs feature a capstone project that allows for students to use the skills they have learned to perform original research or provide community service. Graduates of these programs are capable of competing for jobs in private practice, in secondary and university counselors, mental health centers, community centers, and hospitals. Perquisites vary from program to program and might include a minimum GPA, essay, interview, and letters of recommendation.