WNEC introduces first doctoral degree program in behavior analysis

Date: 3/16/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SRPINGFIELD -- Western New England College (WNEC) has entered a new era in its academic offerings. The college has announced the establishment of its first doctoral degree program.

Dr. Greg Hanley is the director of the program that prepares students to receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis, which is the result of a collaboration with the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Southboro.

WNEC had sent students to NECC for academic internships and the two institutions recognized a need for more behavior analysts. The program grew out of the existing relationship and "the increasing need," Hanley explained.

Hanley explained the school specializes in the care and treatment of children with autism and the doctoral students are employees there who have a need to advance their education.

The program has been operating for a year and a half, although WNEC just formally announced the program with a ceremony at its Springfield campus on March 3, Hanley said. The program has two cohorts with 14 students with a third class to begin in the fall. The program is designed to take three years to complete.

WNEC has established classrooms at the Southboro school, although the students do have some classes in Springfield.

Hanley said that while there are no other doctoral programs "on the horizon," he wouldn't rule out other programs from being developed to meet specific educational needs.