for all learners.
Online Certificate in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
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.
Highlights
- Gain advanced knowledge in autism research and behavioral analysis approaches as they relate to skill development and the treatment of challenging behavior in children with ASD.
- Learn from faculty comprised of instructors, researchers, and practitioners with a wealth of experience in the science and practice of behavior analysis.
- Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes.
- Go even further with confidence—our certificate courses are approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® as meeting the coursework requirements necessary to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination® (additional requirements must be met).
Outcomes
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:
- Autism intervention specialist
- Autism research coordinator
- Behavioral intervention specialist
- Behavior health clinician
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Special education teacher
Board Certification in Behavior Analysis
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.
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to Apply
- Complete application for admission
- $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- Submit GRE scores
- Submit 2 recommendation forms from faculty or supervisors familiar with your work
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
- Minimum GRE scores of 147 Verbal and 142 Quantitative are required for unconditional admission
- If GRE was completed before August 1, 2011, a minimum combined (verbal and quantitative) score of 800 is required for unconditional admission
- Professional certification/license/other qualified experience in a field related to autism (e.g., special education, psychology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, or social work). Waiver of this requirement is approved by the program director on a case-by-case basis.
- Course prerequisites (students may be admitted conditionally before completing):
Taken within three years with a grade of “B” or better- EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis
- EDSP 570 Autism: Introduction and Understanding
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.
Core Courses
| 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 |
Course Descriptions
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.
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.