Interdisciplinary Training
Academic Programs & Mentorship
IFCIC trainees come from a variety of graduate programs at USF. Our signature training pathway is the Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support (PBS), which can be completed as a standalone certificate or alongside many degree programs. PBS is a strengths-based, evidence-informed approach that promotes positive outcomes for people with disabilities across school, early childhood, and community settings.
Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support
This online certificate offers a 12-credit course of study for professionals in education, mental health, school psychology, social work, and related fields. You'll learn to:
- Implement school-wide positive behavior support
- Address challenging behavior in young children
- Design intensive individualized interventions
- Provide consultation and guide collaborative systems change
The PBS certificate can be completed independently or integrated into many master's and doctoral programs at USF. The program is fully online and can be completed in as little as three semesters. We offer rolling admissions (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters), and application instructions can be found here.
Learn more about the PBS Graduate Certificate
Degree Programs
Many of our trainees pursue graduate degrees while completing PBS training. Common degree programs include:
Master of Science in Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health- Developmental Disabilities
This degree prepares professionals to serve children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges in public and nonprofit agencies and schools. The Developmental Disabilities focus area provides interdisciplinary training for practitioners who work with children and adolescents with both developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
CABH students often complete the PBS Graduate Certificate as part of their degree. Learn more about the CABH program
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
This interdisciplinary program trains practitioners and researchers in applied behavior analysis—an evidence-based approach for developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to support meaningful behavior change. ABA students work in fields including developmental disabilities, education, autism, child protective services, rehabilitation, and mental health.
ABA students may complete the PBS Graduate Certificate and participate in research and mentorship with FCIC faculty. Learn more about the ABA program
Ph.D. in Behavioral & Community Sciences
This interdisciplinary doctoral program prepares researchers to enhance quality of life for individuals with social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Students can design individualized specializations in developmental disabilities and positive behavior interventions and support.
Doctoral students work with faculty experts in school-wide PBS, early childhood Pyramid Model, employment for people with disabilities, mental health and PBIS, functional behavior assessment, evidence-based practices, and social-emotional learning. PhD students may complete the PBS Graduate Certificate and receive mentoring and research opportunities through FCIC. Learn more about the BCS doctoral program. Learn more about the BCS doctoral program
Mentorship & Research Opportunities
FCIC trainees receive individualized mentorship from faculty with expertise in a variety of disciplines. Mentorship experiences may include:
- Individual studies and directed research
- Internships and practica
- Thesis and dissertation committees
- Research and evaluation projects
Hands-On Learning Through FCIC Programs
Trainees may complete practicum or research experiences with FCIC programs focused on:
- Positive behavior support in schools and early childhood settings
- Services and supports for people with autism and developmental disabilities
- Family engagement and early intervention
- Systems change and implementation science
- Program evaluation and applied research
Available opportunities vary by semester based on program needs and funding.
Interested in mentorship or research placement? Contact Training Director Dr. Laura Rodríguez López at lrodri11@usf.edu to discuss current opportunities that match your interests and training goals.
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