Applied Behavior Analysis, Certificate of Graduate Study

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The post-master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares students for careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts^® (BCBAs^® ) in school and behavioral health settings. BCBAs provide systematic, evidence-based services to promote socially significant skill acquisition and address behaviors that interfere with successful functioning. BCBAs typically conduct behavioral assessments; design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions; and provide behavior analytic training, consultation, and supervision.

The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program of study includes eight courses (24 graduate credits). These courses have been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® (BCBA^®) examination. The program is offered fully online and all classes meet synchronously using Zoom video conferencing. This format allows students to benefit from regular opportunities to interact directly with program faculty and participate in real-time learning activities with their peers.

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board^® (BACB^®) credentials professionals as Board Certified Behavior Analysts^® (BCBAs^®). To qualify for BCBA certification (Behavior-Analytic Coursework Pathway), individuals must possess an acceptable graduate degree, complete acceptable behavior-analytic coursework, complete an acceptable supervised fieldwork experience, and pass the BCBA examination. The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed for students with earned graduate degrees and offers behavior-analytic coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet training standards established by the Fifth Edition Task List. Completion of supervised fieldwork experiences and the BCBA examination must be arranged by students independent of the program. Supervised experiences may occur concurrent with or upon completion of the coursework.

Additional information about BCBA certification requirements may be obtained here: http://www.bacb.com.

Additional information about state legislation regulating the licensure and practice of behavior analysts may be obtained here: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/

Program Requirements

The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is awarded upon completion of the following eight courses (24 graduate credits):

Recommended Course Sequence

The following course sequences are recommended for students pursuing full-time study. Part-time options are also available.

Fall 2024 Matriculation

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Fall 2025

Spring 2025 Matriculation

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Fall 2025

Spring 2026

Transfer Credit Policy

A maximum of two courses (6 graduate credits) required for the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program of study may be completed prior to matriculation.

Admitted students may request permission to transfer up to 6 graduate credits toward the certificate. In order for credits to be eligible for transfer, the following criteria must be met:

The credits must have been earned as part of a graduate course (e.g., 500 level or higher) offered at a United States institution of higher learning accredited by a regional and/or national accrediting body.
The credits must have been earned for a course that is equivalent, in terms of content knowledge and skill requirements, to one required within the program.
The earned grade for the course must be a B or higher (GPA equivalent of 3.0).
The credits must have been earned within 6 years from the date when transfer credit is requested.
- The program may, at its discretion, consider coursework completed more than 6 years prior to a request for transfer credit when students: (a) developed initial competence in the professional practice area through coursework and (b) continued to update their competency through professional experiences, which may include relevant professional employment, supervision, and continuing education.
The credits for behavior analytic courses must have been earned for a course that was part of an ABAI Verified Course Sequence aligned with current task list standards.