Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis has been demonstrated as an effective intervention approach for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and a variety of related developmental, medical and behavioral disorders such as intellectual disabilities, dementia, addiction, and traumatic brain injury. The Applied Behavior Analysis certificate program is designed to provide working professionals—including current behavior therapists or professionals in psychology, education, childcare, speech and language pathology, and social services with the knowledge and skills to provide effective behavioral interventions and to meet the academic requirements required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. 

Graduate Certificate: Applied Behavior Analysis 

This seven-course, fully online program is designed for individuals seeking a career as a BCBA or the ability to incorporate applied behavior analysis into their professional or personal practices. While many students will enter the field in order to provide services to people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), other fields benefit from the skills acquired through this program: namely, the fields of psychology (from which ABA is originally derived) and education. The level of expertise acquired by completing the coursework has significant value, not just as a preparation for passing the exam, but as a general knowledge base gained to supplement other credentials.

These courses incorporate the 2027 Behavioral Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements through the Pathway 2 option. Students who successfully complete the sequence of courses will have met the Behavior-Analytic coursework requirements required by the BACB to sit for the board examination.

Students wishing to apply to the Master’s program with the ABA emphasis in Special Education (MASE) or Educational Psychology while taking the classes for the certificate may apply their courses to the Master’s, if accepted. Admission requirements for the degree programs can be found in the catalog. Meet with an advisor if you are considering applying for a Master's degree program.

Restrictions

Courses are taken in sequential order at a maximum of one course per session, beginning with EDSP 620 Foundations of Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis.

The seven-course sequence requires a student to be employed at least part-time in a position which uses applied behavior analysis. Assignments in each course require access to practitioners and clients to complete. Applied projects give students the opportunity to practice skills related to the BCBA task list that are learned in courses.

The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all coursework taken with a minimum course grade of B- and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. No transfer credit may be used.