An applied behavior analysis certificate can help you work toward professional certification and either begin or advance a career in this sector.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a specialized branch of psychology that involves helping individuals increase positive behaviors while reducing harmful behaviors.
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Read on to get a better understanding of applied behavior analysis programs, possible course offerings, and potential career paths.
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Programs
Applied behavior analysis graduate certificate programs allow you to take behavioral science courses that specifically apply to ABA practices and careers.
Some common subjects that may be studied as part of ABA certificate programs include:
- Psychology
- Data assessment
- ABA procedures and practices
Most professionals in the ABA field pursue industry certification. Those with a masters degree may qualify to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Bachelor degree holders may qualify to pursue certification as a board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA).
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In order to qualify for either certification examination, it’s necessary to complete acceptable coursework in behavior analysis. Most ABA graduate certificate programs are designed to help you meet the coursework requirements for this type of professional certification. Some graduate programs help you work toward the supervised fieldwork requirement as well.
An ABA graduate certificate could be a benefit for several different career fields that involve assessing behavior. Common career paths in the ABA sector include:
- Behavior analyst
- Special education teacher
- Human resources specialist
- Behavioral therapist or counselor
Many of these career paths require industry certification. Individuals with ABA training often help others by providing behavioral support and finding solutions specific to clients’ needs.
Applied Behavior Analysis Careers & Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some potential career paths that are related to applied behavior analysis.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $79,060 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
| Special Education Teachers | $61,820 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $60,250 |
| Social Workers | $50,390 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Preschool and Childcare Center Directors | $47,310 |
A number of these roles require professional certification or licensure. Salaries for positions in the ABA sector widely vary depending on the career path you choose, where you are located, and how much experience you have in the field.
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Obtaining a higher level of education, such as a graduate or doctoral degree, may increase your job opportunities in the ABA field.
ABA Graduate Certificate Curriculum & Courses
ABA graduate certificate coursework can help you build a foundation in understanding applied behavior analysis concepts and practices. Some courses may be optional and focus on more field-specific practices and procedures.
Here are some examples of the courses you may come across in an ABA graduate certificate program:
- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis: This is a foundational prerequisite course that can introduce you to the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis.
- Philosophical Underpinning: The purpose of this course is to give you background knowledge on applied behavior analysis philosophies.
- Measurement and Experimental Design: This course can help you learn the measurement methods and experimental design practices that are commonly used for research in the ABA field.
- Behavioral Assessment: Understanding how to assess specific behaviors is an important part of becoming a behavior analyst. This course can help you learn about the different types of assessments used in ABA practices.
- Behavior Change Procedures: This course can help you understand and implement different behavior change procedures that are commonly used in ABA.
- Professional and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis: This course can help you understand the professional and ethical guidelines within the ABA community when dealing with legal issues.
- Implementation and Supervision Practices in Behavior Analysis: This course can teach you about supervising and managing other workers in the ABA sector.
- Behavioral Consultation: This course is designed to help you understand how to consult with individuals needing behavioral support and how to implement solutions in various settings.
- Behaviorism: This course can help you get a better understanding of various types of behaviors that are acquired in different environments and conditions.
- Preparation for Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis: This course can help prepare you for the fieldwork component of your graduate certificate program.
The courses you’ll be required to take will depend on your specific certification program. Some courses may be supplementary, depending on your focused career path in ABA.
Admission Requirements
If you’re pursuing an applied behavior analysis graduate certificate, you may be asked to submit the following materials:
- Official undergraduate or graduate transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Minimum GPA (generally 3.0 or higher)
- GRE test scores (if required)
- Letters of recommendation
Admission requirements vary depending on the university or program you may be applying to. If you have your eye on a certain program, it’s helpful to check their specific admission requirements.
ABA Certificate Programs Accreditation
Regional accreditation is important in the ABA sector to establish credibility. When a school or program is accredited, it means that it has been monitored by a third-party organization to ensure it is meeting or exceeding established standards.
In order to receive a valid certificate in applied behavior analysis, the certificate program you choose may need to be accredited or recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Courses and programs that are accredited or recognized by the ABAI may help establish your credibility in the ABA field.
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If you intend on pursuing board certification, an accredited ABA program can also help you work toward meeting the qualifications to become a BCBA.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Some universities offer special scholarships for ABA certificate programs. You can also search for scholarships offered by private or public organizations.
You can see if you’re eligible for federal student aid as well. To find out if you are able to receive need-based aid, you can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form through the US Department of Education. Certain states also offer financial aid and grants to students who qualify.
Some employers even offer employment-sponsored scholarships or tuition assistance to employees who are furthering their education.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Behavior Analyst?
A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is required to hold a masters degree. You may start off your ABA journey by getting a bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, or a behavioral science-related field.
You could then pursue a masters degree in behavioral science. If you choose to get a graduate degree in another related field, an ABA graduate certificate program could help you meet the coursework requirements for a BCBA credential.
Professionals with a bachelors-level education may choose to pursue certification as a board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA).
What Can I Do with a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis?
Professionals with an ABA certificate can work in a variety of fields that pertain to collecting and assessing data and helping others through behavioral management strategies.
For instance, some graduates pursue work in education, counseling, or marketing. Others may work in organizational management in business and healthcare. After completing a certificate in ABA, many graduates go on to pursue industry certification as a board certified behavior analyst. Those with a bachelors-level education may start out as assistant behavior analysts.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ABA Certificate Online?
It often takes as little as 1 year to complete a graduate ABA certificate online with full-time study. The amount of time it takes to receive an ABA certificate online ultimately depends on your enrollment status and the ABA program you intend to pursue. Part-time enrollment will often extend your time to completion.
Graduate certificate programs also vary in the number of credits they require. Some ABA programs offer more courses and additional semesters in order to help students qualify to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
What’s the Difference Between Graduate Certificates in ABA vs. BCBA Certification Programs Online?
Here are some key differences between an ABA graduate certificate program and a BCBA certification.
| ABA Graduate Certificate | BCBA Certification |
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An applied behavior analysis (ABA) graduate certificate can be earned at a school or university. On the other hand, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional credential issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Is an Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis Worth It?
Yes, an online graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis is worth it for many students. Multiple ABA career fields are experiencing faster than average job growth.
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For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23% job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors over the next ten years. An ABA graduate certificate can help you enter the behavioral analysis sector, and it can also be supplemental to positions in the education and human resources field.
Universities Offering Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an applied behavior analysis graduate certificate. The curriculum covers how to assess behavior and apply systematic, empathetic strategies to adjust the behavior of children, adults, families, and communities. The program is offered in a fully online format and consists of seven classes that are each 7.5 weeks long, for a total of 21 credit hours.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ball State University offers a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respond to behavioral issues in a variety of settings. This 15 credit, fully online program can be incorporated into many master’s programs or earned as a standalone certificate.
Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate is designed for students holding or working toward a master’s degree in education. The program prepares students to work with adults and children with behavioral disorders and to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysts Exam. The curriculum is comprised of seven fully online courses, for a total of 21 credit hours.
Fitchburg State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
George Mason University offers a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. It is designed for those who work with individuals with intellectual and behavioral disorders in numerous industries, including business, education, medicine, and human services. Students can complete this certificate on its own or alongside a master’s in education or a related field.
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pennsylvania State University offers a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to work with adults and children experiencing intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral or emotional disorders. While the program’s 6 main courses are offered entirely online, students are required to attend one weeklong seminar held on campus.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Truman State University offers an online program for an applied behavior analysis graduate certificate. It is intended to be added as a specialty to a student’s master’s degree in a related profession, such as nursing, education, or counseling. This 24 credit program consists of an eight course sequence and an immersive, in-person practicum or internship that provides students with hands-on experience.
Truman State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Arizona offers an applied behavior analysis program. It aims to give students insight into assessing and addressing behavioral issues and prepare them to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam. Students may set their own learning pace, and many are able to complete the curriculum in just 16 months.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Cincinnati offers a behavior analysis certificate program that is designed to help students gain the expertise needed to advance in existing careers or shift to a new field. This 21 credit, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst preparatory program is housed entirely online. It can potentially be completed in 1 year of full-time study, though part-time options are available.
UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The graduate certificate program in applied behavior analysis at the University of Kansas is open to both degree seeking and non-degree seeking students. The curriculum covers fundamental topics, such as conceptual foundations of behavior analysis, ethical and legal issues, and the treatment of developmental disabilities.
The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Massachusetts—Lowell offers an online program for a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. It is designed for professionals in psychology, education, and human services pursuing their board certification in behavior analysis. The program’s 7 required courses cover concepts such as experimental design, behavioral change, supervision practices, and professional and ethical issues.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Online
A graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis can help you develop in-demand knowledge and skill sets that can be applied in several industries.
If you have a passion for helping others improve and meet their goals, you might find an ABA career rewarding. A graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis can also help you work toward professional certification. There are a number of accredited schools and universities that even offer graduate certificate programs in applied behavior analysis online.
If you’re ready to begin or advance your journey in the ABA field, you can start exploring available graduate certificate programs today to find the one that best aligns with your goals.
