Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Applied Behavior Analysis, Certificate of Graduate Study


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The post-master’s Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Southern Maine prepares professionals to apply and promote the scientifically supported practice of applied behavior analysis to improve academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes for diverse learners of all ages. The program imparts the knowledge and skills required to (a) conduct behavioral assessments; (b) design interventions that facilitate the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of socially significant skills and the sustained reduction of behaviors that interfere with learning; (c) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions; and (d)  provide inclusive and collaborative behavior analytic assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision services at the individual and organizational level. Graduates of the program pursue careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) in school, clinic, and home settings.

The 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 of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed for students with earned graduate degrees. The program offers behavior-analytic coursework verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet training standards established by the Fifth Edition Task List, and has been designed to meet the BCBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements. 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/

Recommended Course Sequence


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

Summer 2026 Matriculation


Transfer Credit Policy


A maximum of two courses (6 graduate credits) required for the Certificate of Graduate Study 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.

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