Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Master's degree
Certificate Type: Post-Master's
Number of Credits to Completion: 31.5
Instructional Delivery: Online, Campus
Calendar Type: Quarter
Expected Time to Completion: 1 to 2 years
Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: 42.2814
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 19-3031
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program will not be accepting applications for the Academic Year 2025-2026. Admissions will reopen in Spring 2026 for the Academic Year 2026-2027.
About the Program
Behavior analysis is a widely accepted and empirically-validated approach to the investigation and improvement of behaviors with environmental determinants. Extensive research has established proven methods and best practices for the field of applied behavior analysis. Together with client-focused clinical approaches, these methods and practices have enabled behavior analysts to make significant contributions to the education and behavioral health fields.
The post-master's certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis will prepare students to gain the knowledge and skills to become clinical and educational leaders in behavior analysis. Successful completers of this program will be highly qualified candidates for employers seeking knowledgeable and skilled clinicians and leaders in behavioral health and educational settings.
The core Applied Behavior Analysis course sequence is currently verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). While the VCS designation will be discontinued by ABAI in December 2025 the program will continue to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) coursework content requirements for eligibility under Pathway 2 using the attestation process. For eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®, applicants will still have to meet the fieldwork and supervision requirements set forth by the BACB.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the program will follow the university standards for admission to graduate study. Prospective students must have earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for admission.
In addition, prospective students are required to submit the following:
- Completed graduate school application form
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
- Two letters of recommendation—professional or academic
- An essay describing why the applicant is interested in pursuing graduate study in this field
- Resume
Program Requirements
| Core Applied Behavior Analysis Courses | ||
| ABA 630 | Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 633 | Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
| ABA 634 | Consultation, Systems Change and Supervision | 4.5 |
| ABA 635 | Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
| ABA 636 | Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 731 | Research Methods and Practice | 4.5 |
| Total Credits | 31.5 | |
Sample Plan of Study
Full-Time Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 731 | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | ||
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 4.5 | ||||
| Total Credits 31.5 | |||||||
Part-Time Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 |
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 731 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | ||
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | |||||
| Total Credits 31.5 | |||||||
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website.