Learn how to implement applied behavior analysis in clinical work and everyday life.
This certificate prepares you to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®). This undergraduate-level certification qualifies behavior analysts to supervise the work of Registered Behavior Technicians and others who implement behavior-analytic interventions.
You must demonstrate an understanding of the major theories, empirical findings, and historical and current trends within the field of psychology. Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues that frame the practice of psychology, as well as critically and creatively evaluate psychological concepts and research.
*The Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program is not available to residents of North Carolina.*
Shannon Ormandy, Ph.D.
Admissions Requirements
- Application
- Application fee ($50)
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Undergraduate GPA 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned.
- It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications.
- Resume (showing successful work history after completion of the bachelor's degree)
- One letter of recommendation
- Admission essay
Each applicant is reviewed holistically, taking factors such as personal and professional experience and accomplishments into consideration. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their unique qualifications.
Send materials to:
Admissions Operations
c/o The Chicago School
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601
For electronic delivery, send to [email protected].
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
To learn more about The Chicago School's institutional and programmatic accreditations, visit our Accreditation page.
Licensure
For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Sample Courses
Below are a few examples of courses offered to students enrolled in the in-person and online ABA certificate program.
Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysis is a natural science approach to the prediction, control, and understanding of behavior. Students will first be introduced to the philosophical assumptions of determinism, empiricism, parsimony, and pragmatism. Students will then learn to identify and describe the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis. These will include operant conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement, basic schedules of reinforcement, extinction, positive and negative punishment, using primary and establishing secondary reinforcers and punishers, establishing stimulus and motivational control, and establishing discrimination and generalization training procedures. In addition, students will learn to identify, describe, and apply common behavior change procedures including shaping, chaining, and differential reinforcement.
Measurement and Design in Behavior Analysis
This course addresses the measurement of behavior, data display, interpretation of data, and experimental design. Aspects of measurement including behavior definition, measurable dimensions of behavior, measurement systems and their selection, and data collection, graphing, and interpretation will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures including interobserver agreement, social validity, and treatment integrity. This course also covers the uses and defining features of single-subject experimental designs as well as their advantages and limitations.
Professional Ethics and Issues in Behavior Analysis
In this course, professional, ethical, and legal issues related to the practice of psychology and behavior analysis, based on the ethical standards of these fields are critically examined. Issues considered include privacy, privilege, confidentiality and its limitations, informed consent, clients’ rights, malpractice, client-therapist relationships, and regulation influencing the practice of therapy.
Career Pathways
This program prepares you to become Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® (BCaBAs®), which is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals who are certified at the BCaBA® must be supervised by someone certified at the BCBA/BCBA-D level, but BCaBA® s can supervise the work of Registered Behavior Technicians, and others who implement behavior-analytic interventions.
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis FAQs
What is a BCaBA®?
A BCaBA® is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst®, which is a certification that allows you to supervise Registered Behavior Technicians as well as provide behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a BCBA®.
Can you become a BCaBA® with a bachelor’s degree?
Can you become a BCBA® after being a BCaBA®?
Yes, you can become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. You would still need to follow all requirements to become a BCBA®, including pursuing a master’s degree and passing the BCBA® certification exam. Your experience as a BCaBA® will be highly beneficial on your path to licensure.
How many supervised hours are required for the BCaBA® exam?
There are two different paths for fieldwork experience to prepare for the BCaBA® examination. You can either complete 1,300 supervised fieldwork hours or 1,000 concentration fieldwork hours. Learn more about the various paths offered b the BACB® here.
