Our dedication to Racial Equality and Social Justice (RESJ) spans decades. Learn more about our RESJ Initiative
Behavior Analyst Certificate
-
Credits:
24
-
Degree:
Post-Masters Certificate
-
Program Approved:
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Program Description
The Behavior Analyst certificate at Cambridge College fulfills the coursework requirement to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) exam. The course sequence is delivered via a hybrid learning model that includes in-person and online courses, as well as supervised field experiences. Students who complete the behavior analysis course sequence and successfully pass the BCBA examination may apply for national certification and also as a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in Massachusetts. The program is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a method of therapy that focuses on improving or modifying specific behaviors. ABA is known for being one of the only scientifically valid therapies available for the treatment of autism. However, it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders.
Who Is the Behavior Analyst Certificate Designed For?
The Behavior Analyst certificate program is designed specifically for students who are currently practicing in ABA-based treatment settings and wish to pursue national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Behavioral Analyst Program Requirements
Formal access to Board Certified Behavior Analyst supervision is essential to the academic requirements and is a prerequisite for program entry. It is essential that all candidates have a current job in a setting that will enable them to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s supervised field work requirements. This includes having a BCBA who has agreed to provide supervision for the fieldwork.
For successful completion of the program, students must be both familiar with and able to effectively use technology-based instructional formats and be highly disciplined in meeting deadlines for required work assignments. Effective and timely communication skills are also essential to student success.
Cambridge College Behavior Analyst Program Highlights
Take the next step in your education and career. The Behavior Analyst certificate program at Cambridge College offers a flexible, affordable option designed for working professionals.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst preparation. Behavior analyst coursework, including supervision and fieldwork, are specifically aligned with current Behavior Analyst Certification Board standards and its corresponding edition of the BCBA exam.
- Applied learning. As part of the coursework, you’ll complete a functional assessment project and a written behavior support plan under the guidance of faculty and your BCBA field work supervisor. You’ll also complete a range of behavior analytic projects specific to the topics covered during each course and the current Behavior Analyst Certification Board task list.
- Flexible class schedules. This program is offered through a hybrid of live (Zoom meetings) and asynchronous online content, with day, evening, and weekend-intensive options designed to fit the needs of adult learners.
- Experienced faculty. At Cambridge College, you’ll learn from and work with top faculty who bring extensive research and professional experience in applied behavior analysis to the program.
- Diverse experiences. Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from 50+ countries and was recently ranked as one of the Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in America by Best College Reviews.
A recent report by Burning Glass Technologies found that the demand for credentialed behavior analysts is quickly increasing, with by far the highest demand in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California. The report also found that the BCBA credential has the largest increase in demand.
Behavior Analyst Learning Outcomes
This program builds knowledge of applied behavior analysis and associated scientific principles that govern human behavior, covering topics such as:
- Applied behavior analysis as it relates to the design and implementation of behavioral interventions in educational and human service environments.
- Research design and the study of human behavior.
- Clinical applications of applied behavior analysis.
Graduates of the program will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the current Behavior Analyst Certification Board ethics standards and task list content specified in the course syllabus.
Behavior Analyst Jobs
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you can enter a wide range of clinical and treatment settings that serve individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other behavior and learning challenges. There is currently significant demand for the BCBA credential, across the state, the country, and internationally.
Behavior Analyst Salary
According to recent statistics from Payscale, the average salary for Board Certified Behavior Analysts is $55,839, with top earners making an average of $95,521.
Example Behavior Analyst Courses
The Behavior Analyst certificate program at Cambridge College features courses such as:
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis Fluency Seminar
- Implementing Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings
Download the Behavior Analyst program sheet.
Behavior Analyst Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your behavior analyst certification. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
24
Credits
Course sequence varies by term of entry; the sequence below applies to students who enter in the spring term. Courses must be taken in the sequence below unless otherwise approved by the Program Chair.
Timely completion of ABA course sequence: ABA coursework, including supervision and fieldwork, are specifically aligned with current BACB standards and its corresponding edition of the BCBA exam. Standards and exam are subject to change, therefore timely completion is essential.
Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis
ABA 714A • 3 credit(s)
The course introduces students to the philosophy underlying behavior analysis (e.g., radical behaviorism). Basic assumptions about the nature of behavior will be reviewed and described from a behavior analytic viewpoint. Likewise, basic principles of behavior will be used to interpret novel, complex, or behavior that is seemingly beyond the scope of behavior analysis. Issues related to equity, inclusion, and diversity will be addressed throughout the course
Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
ABA 726 • 3 credit(s)
This course prepares students for the ethical and professional practice of Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will learn the importance of ethical conduct as it relates to the professional practice of tasks identified in the Fifth Edition Task List. Students will learn about the foundations of ethical and professional behavior to endure a high quality of practice in both behavior analysis and education in general. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Professional and Ethical Code for Behavior Analysts will be reviewed and discussed in detail. This course provides credit hours towards eligibility for the behavior analysis certification examination.
Basic Principles of Behavior
ABA 714B • 4 credit(s)
Prerequisite: ABA 714A. The course introduces the science of behavior analysis and the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis. The major principles (e.g., reinforcement, punishment, extinction) are reviewed in detail, and procedures derived from those principles are covered in detail. Students will learn procedures for increasing behaviors and establishing behavioral repertoires, as well as procedures for reducing problematic behavior with an emphasis placed on nonpunitive procedures. Procedures for selecting, defining, and measuring behavior will be covered.
Behavior Assessment
ABA 716 • 3 credit(s)
This course reviews basic concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), building upon knowledge learned in Basic ABA I. An emphasis will be placed on the application of concepts and principles to real world situations.
Research Methods in Applied Behavioral Analysis
ABA 718 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on research design and study of human behavior. Students will learn about the characteristics of science and the rationale for having behavior as a focus. Students will be exposed to issues related to measurement, specific research designs, and important issues (such as variability) associated with the designs. How to accurately interpret research data from a variety of research experiments will also be discussed. The course will explore related issues relevant to identifying functional relations among environmental and behavioral variables in behavior analysis. This course provides credit hours toward educational qualifications required to sit for the behavior analysis certification exam.
Organizational Behavior Management
ABA 724 • 3 credit(s)
This course helps prepare students for management and supervisory positions within the field of applied behavior analysis. The course provides students with behavior analytic strategies for managing, supervising, and training personnel. The use of a functional assessment approach and function-based strategies, along with performance monitoring and feedback, will be reviewed.
Behavior Interventions
ABA 717 • 4 credit(s)
Contemporary developments and issues in ABA including behavior change strategies, recent developments in ABA, generalization and ethical use of treatment methodologies are addressed. This course if part of the educational qualifications required to sit for the behavior analysis certification examination.
ABA Fluency Seminar
ABA 721 • 1 credit(s)
This one-credit course is designed to strengthen students’ ability to demonstrate key core knowledge competencies in the field of applied behavior analysis. During the course of the term, students will engage in a number of fluency-based instructional activities that will enable them to demonstrate knowledge in all of the BCBA task list content areas. Students will be required to practice these skills both during class sessions and via software specifically designed to support fluency training and competence demonstration. Students must demonstrate proficiency in each of the task list content areas in order to successfully pass this course, and pass a comprehensive final exam.
ABA Faculty
ABA faculty are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Other faculty listed on this page teach other programs/courses in the School of Education.
Pages
Admissions
-
Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs
-
Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Program Requirements
Master’s degree or higher in education, special education, or psychology in an area that meets the current BACB™ standards at time of enrollment. Please consult the BCBA program chair prior to enrollment.
- Active employment in a relevant, related field with at least one year of experience in a ABA-based treatment setting.
- Be working with or supervised by certified BCBA personnel. (Supervisor name and contact information must be submitted and verified upon program entry.)
Applicants must be prepared to pursue timely completion of the ABA course sequence, given that the sequence aligns with a particular edition of the exam approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certifying Board.
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.
Tuition
-
Credits:
24
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
-
Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
-
Internship/Practicum Fee:
$400
Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Behavior Analyst Certification
Take the Next Step Toward Your Behavior Analyst Certification
