Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Develop mastery of the principles of behavior analysis and their application in clinical work and acquire the skills necessary to pursue BCBA® certification.

Train to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®)

1-1.5 years full time

23% increase in demand for BCBA®’s from 2021 to 2022, according to www.bacb.com

Program available at the following campus(es):

Learn how to supervise behavior interventions.

This certificate prepares you to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®). This graduate-level certification qualifies behavior analysts to supervise the work of Assistant Behavior Analysts, 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 behavior analysis. Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues that frame the practice of behavior analysis behavior-analytic concepts and research.

 

shannon ormandy

Shannon Ormandy, Ph.D.

Alumna and Associate Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis
Although it wasn’t always easy, I enjoyed my time as a student. The support and encouragement I received and the truly terrific mentors at every step of the way helped me achieve things I never thought possible."

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Application
  • Application fee ($50)
  • Resume
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Application essay
  • Master's degree from an accredited university

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.

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.

Articulation Agreements

The Chicago School has also established agreements between the Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program and the programs listed below to allow qualified students to enroll in doctoral level courses while completing their master’s degree that will count toward the doctoral degree. Click on the link of the program that interests you for details.

Fieldwork Experience

While not a required part of the ABA Post-master’s Certificate program, students have the opportunity to complete their BACB®-compliant practicum through The Chicago School.

Sample Courses

Below are a few examples of courses offered to students enrolled in the in-person and online Post-master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program.

Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis

This course instructs students in the basic principles of operant and respondent conditioning, selection by consequences, and the research literature from which the principles were derived. The course also addresses the philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis (i.e., radical behaviorism).

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 students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®), which is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals who are certified at the BCBA® level can supervise the work of BCaBAs®, 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.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Request Information