Applied Behavior Analysis

The Graduate Academic Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas is suitable for students who are currently working on or have completed a master’s degree (please see the BACB degree requirements for those wishing to take the BACB exam before 2022). This certificate program is designed to provide the knowledge base for effective and compassionate practice in behavior analysis. It is flexibly designed to allow students to take from one to three classes per semester to find the best fit with their schedule. All courses are completely online and conveniently offered every semester. This program meets the coursework specifications for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

Our curriculum focuses on these areas:

• Foundational and conceptual knowledge about the science of behavior analysis, behavioral principles, and the behavior change procedures derived from these principles leading to an ability to flexibly and compassionately apply this knowledge to teach meaningful skills
• A comprehensive understanding of meaningful assessment of environmental context, skills, and problems
• Rationales for observable and socially-valid interventions that are based on experimental proofs of effectiveness and single-subject research
• Culturally-responsive decision making and ethical behavior in the context of a rapidly-diversifying practice context
• Behavioral practices for Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Evidence-based staff training within behavioral practice

Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. In particular, supervision hours must be acquired separately and are not offered by BAO.

Disclaimer Regarding Licensure Laws
Many states are passing laws that require licensure to practice Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Licensing is different from certification. It is possible that even after becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) you will not be able to practice in the state where you live without licensure. Some states even have rules regarding which coursework programs will be allowed when applying for licensure in that state. These laws and regulations are changing rapidly and vary from state to state, so please monitor your state by going to the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and by contacting the licensing board in your state. Behavior Analysis Online is not responsible for ensuring that our Master of Arts degree or Graduate Academic Certificate in ABA meet state licensure requirements. Each student is responsible for determining the requirements to practice ABA in the state in which they wish to practice.