Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate Program

Overview

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate prepares a variety of school and community professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to better understand human behavior and to positively impact a wide spectrum of individuals with specific behavioral needs. The interdisciplinary nature of this certificate program exists in the space where students and instructors from a variety of educational backgrounds, experiences, fields, and/or disciplines come together to learn about the science of behavior analysis and then explore how to apply it ethically across multiple settings.

Admission Requirements

  1. A cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher based on the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework; a 3.000 or higher on all completed graduate coursework;
  2. Three letters of recommendation:
  3. Goal statement indicating reasons for pursuing certificate; and
  4. Resume

Current graduate students of WSU need to complete the online Declaration of Intent to Pursue a Graduate Certificate form.  Formerly admitted students to the Graduate School who have not attended WSU in the last 2 years should first reactivate their student account before declaring their intent to pursue a Graduate Certificate. Because of changes in program requirements, periods of non-enrollment may result in the need to complete an application for readmission to the program. Contact the Graduate School at (316) 978- 3095 to determine if readmission is needed instead of reactivation.

Students who have not been previously admitted to the Graduate School will need to apply for admission.

Complete application found at

Program Requirements

This 21-credit hour certificate program consists of seven classes, which can be completed concurrently while pursuing a graduate degree or as a stand-alone certificate.  The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst庐 or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst庐 examination 5th edition and meets the 315 course hours requirement. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.  BCBA supervision hours, required for certification, are arranged and completed separately from coursework.  WSU offers the required coursework but does not provide the post-certificate supervised hours.

School Psychology EdS Students: Twelve (12) of the 21 credit hours required for the certificate program are courses included in the school psychology degree requirements. The school psychology program includes 9 credit hours of electives. Students who choose to pursue the ABA certificate can choose the three remaining courses as their three electives. 

Special Education MEd Students: Six (6) of the 21 credit hours required for certificate program can count towards your degree requirements. 

Required Courses

 

  • CLES 712 - Underpinnings of ABA
  • CLES 715 - Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
  • CLES 721 - Fundamental Elements in Behavior Change and Specific Behavior Change Procedures
  • CLES 723 - Single Subject Design
  • CESP 914 - Consultation Techniques
  • CESP 853 - Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • CESP 859 - Curriculum Based Academic Assessment and Intervention

Each course is 3 credit-hours, for a total of 21 credit-hours for the completion of the Certificate.

Benefits of an ABA Certificate

Professionals with education and experience in applied behavior analysis are in demand by non-profits, social services, education programs, corporations, and just about anywhere else where understanding and improving human behavior is essential. Current students, parents, teachers, and agency personnel who work with children and adults with autism and other disorders can benefit greatly from this certificate.

Completion Requirements

A cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 for all courses comprising the certificate program is required. No grades below a C (2.000) are allowed in certificate program courses.

Completion process:

  1. Students must notify the program area, in writing, of intent to complete the certificate, if it was not completed as part of admission
  2. In the semester the certificate requirements are met students must:
    1. With graduate advisor, prepare and submit to the Graduate School a plan of study for the certificate.
    2. Submit to the Graduate School an application for the certificate along with a $25 filing fee.

Deadlines are no later than the 20th day of fall or spring semester, or the 10th day of a summer term.

 

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