Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certification

Please note: The content below is subject to change as this program is being revised.

A leader in preparing pre-service and in-service teachers, the College offers a six-course sequence (18 credits) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), verified to meet the eligibility requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify for board certification and should review the BACB website for further information.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) involves the application of the principles of behavior and learning to improve social and academic skills. Board Certified Behavior Analysts work with individuals who range in age from infancy through adulthood with specific learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, developmental delays, ADHD/ADD, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language differences, and intellectual disabilities. These individuals will practice behavior analysis only in exempt settings such as schools, early intervention agencies, or government agencies.

Employment Outlook
As stated by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of all professions in the psychology field, including applied behavior analysis, is projected to rise 19 percent across the country by 2024. This rate is significantly faster than the average for all professions.

Admission Requirements
This sequence of courses is designed for the following types of candidates:

• Individuals who are eligible for admission or who are currently matriculated into the College’s:
  • M.S. in Adolescent Education and Special Education (Dual Certification Grades 7-12)
  • M.S. in Childhood Education and Special Education (Dual Certification Grades 1-6)
• Individuals who hold a master’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or behavior analysis and are seeking the BCBA credential. Prior to beginning coursework at the College, these candidates must provide official transcripts documenting a graduate degree in one of the aforementioned areas.

Curriculum Requirements for the ABA Credential

• EDUC 527 Behavior Management and Social Skills Instruction
• EDUC 570 Special Topics in Education: Ethics and Professionalism in ABA
• EDUC 570 Special Topics Research in Special Education: Single-Case Design
• EDUC 712 Strategies for Inclusion of Special Learners
• EDUC 714 Practicum in Assessment and Instruction of Special Learners
• EDUC 716 Life Span Special Education: Transition from Birth to Adulthood