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Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Chicago School offers an online program that develops mastery of Applied Behavior Analysis principles, in an online format suitable for working adults. Our program meets the academic course work requirements to qualify to sit for the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Designed for working professionals who aspire to become board certified, as well as those who serve special needs populations, this program will give students a better understanding of ways to help clients who face unique challenges and in turn improve their social skills and quality of life.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the discipline devoted to the improvement of human behavior through the methods of science.  Behavior analysis approaches, such as precision teaching, attempt to improve individual and social conditions and have great success when utilized in areas such as special education, occupational therapy, child care, and elder care. The Chicago School lends its expertise in ABA to this concise BCBA program.

BCBA Post-Graduate Respecialization

Program Format

  • Course work and supervision can be completed online.
  • Students will build an e-portfolio to reflect mastery of course learning outcomes and the BACB Third Edition Task List.
  • The Behavior Analyst Certification Board required supervised practicum can be completed by enrolling in online group and individual supervisory courses.  Students planning to pursue the BCBA credential must enroll in both supervisory courses.  Completing supervision while in an approved program can lead to a significant reduction of required hours.
  • Courses must  be taken in sequence.  

Student Outcomes

Participants will develop mastery to: 

  • Identify and analyze the causes of human performance problems by applying behavior analytic theory.
  • Pinpoint human performance problems, collect valid measures of current behavior and results, and evaluate current measures of behavior and results with the objective of identifying problems worth solving.
  • Develop and design interventions that best address the client’s performance problems in a systemic way including training, management, and resource solutions.
  • Participants will receive a post-graduate certificate indicating completion of 15 graduate level credit hours and 12 hours of supervised field work. 

Student Profile

The BCBA Respecialization is appropriate for working professionals such as:

  • Occupational therapists
  • Special education teachers
  • Licensed clinical psychologists
  • Counseling or social work professionals
  • Human service program managers and supervisors with client responsibilities from early childhood through elder care 

Admission Requirements

  • Application ($25 application fee)
  • Master’s degree (official academic transcripts required)
  • Current resume illustrating relevant work experience
  • Letter of reference, preferably from a supervisor or manager
  • Practicum site approval form 

Time Commitment 

  • The Applied Behavioral Analysis BCBA Respecialization can be completed in as little as 10 months.  Completion may run longer for students also doing supervision through the program.
  • Students will select one of two practicum options (6 weeks or 12 weeks).  Both options result in 12 credit hours. 
  • Students can start their supervised practicum while enrolled in the courses or after course completion, but not before beginning their studies. 

Cost 

  • The cost per credit hour is $780.  
  • Students are required to fulfill the technical requirements for distance supervision* to participate in the program. 

Contact Us

To learn more about the Applied Behavior Analysis BCBA Respecialization or to apply, please contact the Office of Admission at 312.329.6666 or via e-mail at admissions@thechicagoschool.edu.

*Technical Requirements for Distance Supervision

Students enrolling in the EBC500, 520, 540, or 560 series must have these technical capabilities to successfully participate:

  • A computer made in the last three years
  • Broadband Internet connection
  • A good quality webcam or digital camera or an average quality digital recorder capable of:
    • Recording 24 frames per second (fps)
    • Recording for 60 consecutive minutes
    • Recording  sound
    • Focusing appropriate to collect student-client interaction
  • A cable that connects the camera to the computer
  • Software that converts the raw footage to a smaller file—Windows MovieMaker (PC) or iMovie (Mac)