BCBA Certification Preparation Programs
Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a certified behavior analyst, who is concerned with improving and understanding behavior. A BCBA uses direct observation and experimentation to find causes for desired and undesired behaviors. BCBAs design strategies to alter socially significant behavior by changing existing behaviors, teaching new behaviors, teaching what behaviors are appropriate to use in different situations, and consistently evaluating the effectiveness of their behavioral interventions.

BCBA Certification
The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) awards the BCBA certification . Requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certification include holding a Master's degree applied behavior analysis or in a relevant field such as psychology, human services, education, etc.; completing specific coursework approved by BACB; completing supervised fieldwork; and passing the BCBA certification examination.

BCBA Career Options
Aside from a Behavior Analyst, many different professionals benefit from earning a BCBA certification.

BCBA Career Outlook
Jobs are abundant at this time and demand far outstrips the supply of trained and certified practitioners due to the broad range of applications. The demand for BCBAs specializing in Autism is particularly high and continues to grow, as diagnoses of ASD have increased significantly in recent years and there is still a lack of trained ASD-specific professionals. In fact, according to the Florida Association of Behavior Analysts, there are 4 job openings for every BCBA. BCBA's who specialize in ASD can work in many settings (homes, schools, hospitals, residential facilities, rehabilitation centers, and more). They can work with both children and adults. The typical work of a BCBA includes: 1) Interview and learn more about target behaviors of client(s); 2) Conduct direct and indirect assessments of behavior(s); 3) Propose strategies for behavior change based on assessment results and knowledge of effective treatment plans for similar issues; 4) Implement the intervention; 5) Collect data before and during the intervention; 6) Evaluate effectiveness of behavioral intervention; 7) Make modifications if necessary and plan for maintenance and generalization.

BCBA Salary
The salary for most master's level graduates who possess a BCBA certification ranges from $40,000 to $60,000. However, salaries can differ greatly based on numerous factors.

Applied Behavior Analysis - Certificate (includes Field Experience)
This BACB approved post graduate certificate program is designed to assist behavior analysts and those working in related fields with updating their licensure and further expanding their expertise related to developmental disabilities, geriatric conditions, behavioral and learning difficulties, and mental illness. This certificate prepares students to sit for the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Applicants must have a master's degree in a related field and five years' experience. The program can be completed in under a year, depending on field supervision availability.

• Behavior Analytic Theory
• Measurement, Evaluation, and Ethics
• Human Performance Engineering I & II
• Intervention Design
• Intervention Evaluation
• BCBA Supervised Practicum*

*Completing supervised practical work experience required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board while enrolled in an approved program, such as this one, can lead to a significant reduction of required field experience hours (1,000 versus 1,500).

Psychology / Applied Behavioral Analysis - BS
The Applied Behavioral Analysis specialization will explore behavioral development from birth to adolescence. Students will extensively examine design, analysis, and application of learning theories and behavioral principles to understand what motivates human behavior. They will learn the skills required for a myriad of jobs, including working with autistic children and adults with special needs and assisting certified behavioral analysts who conduct research or create behavior modification programs.

Psychology / Applied Behavioral Analysis - MS
Pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology from Kaplan University offers students a unique opportunity to blend the rich, academic tradition of psychology with exciting, contemporary applications of the science. The program will focus on the processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior, as well as core knowledge, theories, and research in the field. Students of the Applied Behavioral Analysis specialization will focus on the developmentally disabled, the autistic, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Students will utilize behavioral concepts and theories, and develop assessment and intervention skills.

Behavioral Intervention in Autism - Online Graduate Certificate Program
BCBA Certification Preparation Track
Developed in collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, this BACB approved program is one of the very few in the country available entirely online for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of behavioral intervention for autism. With a critical shortage of skilled early intervention professionals in the United States, UMass Lowell's autism program is meeting the growing demand for specialists is this field.

This program offers the BCBA Certification Preparation track, which is the 5-course Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) preparation program. This involves a sequence of online autism courses approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) to meet coursework requirements towards national certification as a BCBA. Applicants for this track must have a master's degree in ABA or a related field.

Curriculum and Instruction / Autism Studies - MEd
The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Studies Option is a 30-credit (10-course) master's degree program which can be completed entirely online. Offered through UMass Lowell's Graduate School of Education in cooperation with the Psychology Department, this interdisciplinary program combines UMass Lowell's award-winning Behavioral Intervention in Autism online graduate certificate program with one of the University's most popular online Master's degree programs in Curriculum and Instruction.

Behavior Analysis - Certificate
The BACB approved post-graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis online program is designed for professionals pursuing careers as a behavior analyst, behavior manager or consultant in the justice system, school system, or community services. This program focuses on developing new and innovative investigative approaches and techniques to the study of behavior and motivation. Graduates of this program will be trained to effectively work with behavioral problems and disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. This program provides the BACB approved sequence of coursework toward BCBA certification eligibility.

• Criminal Justice / Behavior Analysis - MS
• Business Intelligence / Behavior Analysis - MS

Special Education / Autism - MS
The Master of Science in Special Education program at Drexel University seeks to produce professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies they will need to meet the needs of students at risk for and with disabilities in multiple settings. The Autism concentration is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical need area. It will provide knowledge and skills for working with both students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome as well as effective teaching methods, interventions, and supports.

Special Education - MAEd
The Master of Arts in Education (MAED) with a specialization in Cross-Categorical Special Education is a graduate degree program preparing candidates for teacher licensure in the field of special education. Candidates for this program have already earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain the pedagogical skills and knowledge that will assist them in becoming effective special education educators. The program’s curriculum includes orientation to the exceptional child, foundations and methodologies of mild disabilities, diagnosis and assessment of disabilities, structured English immersion, reading and language arts instruction, inclusion strategies, and collaboration and resource management for the special educator.

Throughout the program, students are required to complete verified field experiences with the focus of each observation relating to specific course content. Documentation will be maintained in the student’s electronic portfolio.