Make A Difference As An Applied Behavior Analyst.
The graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a 21-credit, ABAI-verified course sequence in behavior analysis that fulfills the educational requirement to sit for the BCBA certification examination.
The online program is specifically designed for individuals with a master’s degree or individuals who are currently enrolled in a master’s degree program. A background in education, psychology, social work, or human services may be helpful; however, anyone with an interest in learning about interventions to produce lasting changes in behavior will find this program to be extremely useful.
The curriculum is intended to meet the BACB’s 5th Edition coursework requirements, which go into effect in January 2022, and to prepare students to sit for the 5th Edition BCBA certification examination.
Career and Salary Possibilities
A career in Applied Behavior Analysis provides opportunities in a variety of fields, including working with:
- Students in educational settings
- Employees in large corporations or governmental organizations
- People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
- Patients in healthcare institutions
- People with developmental or intellectual disabilities
Anywhere there are people, there is the opportunity to use behavior analysis to improve their environment and help them reach their full potential.
Starting salaries for Board Certified Behavior Analysts range from $50,000 to $100,000.
Classes
The ABAI-verified course sequence for this certificate includes the seven courses approved by the Board Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and can be completed in 16 months. Students will begin in the fall to complete the seven-course sequence.
Students will access the courses via Canvas and Zoom which are provided by the University. Each of the courses include both synchronous and asynchronous classes. This ensures students that they will get to know their instructors and their peers even in an online format. Courses include:
- PSY 572: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Conduct in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 561: Foundations in Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 562: Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 571: Special Populations and Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 563: Classroom Management and Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSY 580: The Organization Context for Applied Behavior Analysis (OBM)
- PSY 565: Advanced Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
Meet the Faculty
You will learn from nationally and regionally renowned faculty mentors who are as passionate about teaching as they are about helping others. They are dedicated to delivering academically challenging, interactive, high-quality learning opportunities in the field of applied behavior analysis.
Meet Vicky Spencer, Director of Applied Behavior Analysis
Application Information
Students who already hold a Master’s degree may apply for the Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. A prior degree in an education or psychology related field is not required for admission but is helpful.
The seven-course sequence begins in the fall semester.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
For more information on the updates, contact Vicky Spencer at vspencer@su.edu.
Association For Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence (VCS)
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has approved the verified course sequence (VCS) which meets the academic requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
Applicants will need to meet additional supervision requirements before they are eligible to take the exam.
International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO) Certified
Shenandoah’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program is certified by the International Behavior Analyst Organization.
As of January 2022, the National Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is no longer allowing international students to study ABA in the U.S. and sit for the BCBA exam. Through our IBAO certification international students can still earn their ABA degree at Shenandoah and sit for the IBAO exam!
Learn more about international admissions at Shenandoah.