The online graduate certificate in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for bachelor’s degree holders with professional experience in a field related to autism, who want to better prepare to serve the learning community.
Offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville, the Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate aims to produce behavioral practitioners who are knowledgeable in their science, effective in their practice, ethical in their interactions and committed to bettering the lives of students with disabilities. In this program, you will learn to apply strategies and tactics grounded in the principles of behavioral science to a variety of contexts, with specific focus placed on the assessment and treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Complete this program on your own time through fully online classes.
Learn MoreEarn this specialized certificate in just 6 courses (18 credit hours).
Learn MoreComplete this certificate in just over a year.
Autism is a complex disorder that creates a wide spectrum of communication and social-interaction impediments. The reported increase in the number of children with autism (1.47% nationwide) suggests a growing demand for qualified professionals who specialize in autism. The job outlook for the next decade indicates a substantial growth in the availability of positions for behavior analysts.
Earning your Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate better prepares you to meet this growing need and pursue job advancements in teaching, psychology, social work, speech pathology or healthcare. Careers may include:
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® has approved UofL’s course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination. See more details on BCBA training options.
Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
---|---|---|
August 1 | Fall | August |
December 1 | Spring | January |
April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Although applications are processed as they are received and admission is granted on a rolling basis throughout the year, we encourage you to start and submit your application as soon as possible, as gathering admission materials may take more time. Available spots for the online classes fill quickly, and applications received at least six weeks prior to the beginning of a term will be given priority consideration.
Send all materials to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Louisville
2211 S. Brook Street
Louisville, KY 40292
gradadm@louisville.edu
If you live outside of the United States, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
The online graduate certificate in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis is an 18 credit hour program broken down into 2 sets of 4 courses, a midpoint point assessment and an exit assessment.
Course List | Hours |
---|---|
EDSP 671 Autism: Methods and Teaching Strategies | 3 |
EDSP 669 Single Subject Research Methods and Designs | 3 |
EDSP 546 AAC and a Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication | 3 |
Midpoint Assessment | |
EDSP 650 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
EDSP 651 Professional and Ethical Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
EDSP 673 – Research Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 |
Exit Assessment | |
Total | 18 |
EDSP 671 Autism: Strategies and Techniques
Prerequisite: EDSP 570. Course participants will examine instructional approaches used with students with autism. Emphasis is placed on research based strategies that have utility in facilitating increases in communication, social, and academic skills.
EDSP 669 Single Subject Research Methods and Designs
Prerequisite: EDSP 644. Students will learn principles and methods of designing single subject research in educational settings and are required to design and defend a research proposal.
EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication
Prerequisite: EDSP 260 for undergrads or EDSP 644 for graduates. This course prepares practitioners to use principles of ABA to assess and teach communication skills to individuals with disabilities and develop knowledge of current AAC technology and assessment procedures.
EDSP 650 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
Prerequisite: EDSP 644 and EDSP 671. The content in this course addresses advanced principles of applied behavior analysis and their application within various applied contexts. Students will conduct behavior change projects and analyze their effectiveness.
EDSP 651 Professional and Ethical Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis
Prerequisite: EDSP 650 and EDSP 671. This course is designed to address behavioral consultation across settings. Particular emphasis will be placed on professional ethics as well as the skills necessary for successful consultation.
EDSP 673 Research Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Prerequisite: EDSP 670 and EDSP 671. In this research seminar, course participants examine a variety of current issues related to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Particular emphasis will be placed on early intervention, comprehensive treatment models and meeting the support needs of adolescents and adults.
Justin Cooper, Assistant Professor
Ginevra Courtade, Associate Professor
Monica Delano, Associate Professor
Erick Dubuque, Assistant Professor
Terry Scott, Professor
View the full list of Special Education faculty here.
The Special Education Department at UofL offers several online program options to students interested in pursuing their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. Below is a comparison table that shows how the different program options help students fulfill these three requirements for BCBA certification.
Degree / Certificate | Degree | Coursework | Experience | Contact Person |
---|---|---|---|---|
M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dr. Erick Dubuque |
M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder | Yes | Yes | No | Dr. Monica Delano |
Online Graduate Certificate in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis | No | Yes | No | Dr. Monica Delano |
Students interested in using this coursework for their BCBA certification examinations should be aware that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is updating their coursework and experience standards for BCBA certification exam eligibility in 2022.
Applicants interested in BCBA certification should only apply if they believe they will meet ALL of the eligibility requirements (degree, coursework and experience hours) and apply to take their BCBA examinations BEFORE January 1, 2022.
More information about these requirements can be found on the BACB website.