Students in the graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis will complete a verified course sequence (VCS) for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Certification Exam, allowing them to meet the educational requirements for board certification. However, the graduate certificate does not require or include practicum hours for field experience. In addition to coursework requirements, students must complete 2,000 hours of supervised field experience to be eligible to take the BACB exam. To earn licensure as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, students will complete all the required supervised field experience hours on their own outside of the program after earning the certificate. It is important for prospective students to understand that they will not be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam until they have completed all requirements, including 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork. Because the supervised fieldwork hours are not completed during the program, the graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at University of Louisville is not designed to prepare students for licensure immediately upon program completion in any US state or other jurisdiction.
for all learners
Online Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
The online Graduate Certificate in 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 (UofL), the 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).
How Much Will I Pay?
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.
Complete this program on your own time through fully online classes.
Learn MoreEarn this specialized certificate in just 7 courses (21 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.
Outcomes
Earning your applied behavior analysis certificate can better prepare you to meet the 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
- Special education teacher
| 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 2 recommendation forms from faculty or supervisors familiar with your work
- Professional Goals Statement
- Resume
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited institution*
- Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
- Experience in a field related to autism / disabilities (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.
*See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
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 a 21 credit hour program, offered 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously in standard term length.
Core Courses
| Course List | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDSP 650 Behavior Assessment | 3 |
| EDSP 654 Radical Behaviorism | 3 |
| EDSP 669 Single Case Research Methods and Designs | 3 |
| Midpoint Assessment: Completion of EDSP 650 Hallmark assessment task with a rating of Satisfactory. Grades of “B-” or better in all certificate courses prior to Midpoint: EDSP 644, EDSP 654, EDSP 669 , EDSP 650. | |
| EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication | 3 |
| EDSP 651 Professional and Ethical Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDSP 671 Behavior Intervention | 3 |
| Exit Requirement : Completion of intervention project and presentation with a rating of Satisfactory and grades of B- or higher in all certificate courses. | |
| Total | 21 |
Course Descriptions
Featured Faculty
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Will this program qualify me for BCBA certification?
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Will this certificate add credentials to my teaching certification?
This certificate is not intended to add credential hours toward your teaching certification. The graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis prepares students to meet the educational requirements to sit for the BCBA certification exam, but students will need to complete the required 2,000 hours of supervised field experience on their own outside of the program after earning the certificate.
As a note, you can learn more about professional licensure or certification on our Disclosures tab.
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Do I need to have a bachelor's degree in a specific content area?
Applicants for this program are required to have a master's degree in special education, psychology, or behavior analysis from an accredited institution.
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Are classes synchronous?
No, the online applied behavior analysis graduate certificate program is designed to be fully asynchronous. This means that you can access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments at a time that suits your schedule. Asynchronous learning offers greater flexibility for students who may have work, family, or other commitments.
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Is financial aid available for this program?
Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.