The demand for qualified Autism professionals is very strong , as diagnoses of ASD have increased significantly in recent years and there is still a lack of trained ASD-specific professionals. More than 500,000 individuals under the age of 21 are currently diagnosed with autism. According to the U.S. Department of Education, autism is expected to have a continued growth rate of 10 percent to 17 percent annually. The Centers for Disease Control estimates an increase from 1 in 150 to 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder. Such dramatic numbers and a shortage of qualified autism specialists create a strong demand for trained professionals. In fact, according to the Florida Association of Behavior Analysts, there are 4 job openings for every BCBA.

Autism and Behavior Analysts
Certified Behavior Analysts who are trained specifically in Autism have many career options. They can work in many settings (homes, schools, hospitals, residential facilities, rehabilitation centers, and more). They can work with both children and adults. Despite the age of client, setting, and/or scope, the typical work of a Certified Behavior Analyst 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.

Autism and Teachers
Autism or ABA focused training and education has become increasingly important for teachers. With rising ASD diagnoses, it is highly likely that a teacher will encounter an autistic student in the classroom. To prepare for ASD students, teachers can pursue degree and certificate programs that specialize in Autism or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Even if the coursework is in ABA without a focus on Autism, the teacher will have many of the tools needed to effectively assess and work with an Autistic student. In fact, applied behavior analysis has been the treatment of choice for autistic behavior for the past 30 years.

Behavioral Intervention in Autism - Online Graduate Certificate Program
Developed in collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, this award-winning 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 online Autism Certificate program offers two track options.

The BIA Certificate track is the 4-course Graduate Certificate Program in Behavioral Intervention in Autism, designed to provide professionals working in education, child care, speech and language disorders, and mental health and human services with an understanding of autism and related development disorders, as well as an introduction to behavioral methods and how and where such methods can be used. This track has also attracted a large number of parents of autistic children. Applicants for this track must have a bachelor's degree.

The BCBA Certification Preparation track is the 5-course Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) preparation program, which involves a sequence of online autism courses approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board to meet coursework requirements towards national certification as a Behavior Analyst. 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.

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 BACB approved 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.

Note: 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.

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.