Applied Behavior Analysis (CERT)
Make a Difference
The ABA certificate prepares skilled practitioners who are ethical, effective and dedicated to improving the lives of students with disabilities. This program focuses on using behavioral science principles to assess and treat individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You'll gain advanced knowledge in autism research and behavioral strategies for skill development and behavior management. Learn from experienced faculty who are experts in the field of behavior analysis.
Online MEd in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis Application Deadlines
Course Catalog
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Unit: College of Education and Human Development (GE)
Department: Special Education, Early Childhood, and Prevention Science
Academic Plan Code(s): AABACAA, AABACAAO
Program Information
This program is completed 100% online.
The University of Louisville's Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis provides practitioners with advanced knowledge in behavior analytic research and approaches to skill development and the treatment of challenging behavior.
Students receive rigorous academic work within the program's carefully designed course sequence that is taught by faculty with practical and research experience in special education and applied behavior analysis.
Students in the graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis complete a course sequence that meets the the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) coursework requirements for the BCBA Certification Exam. However, the certificate does not require or include practicum hours for field experience.
To be eligible for the BCBA exam, students must complete 2,000 hours of supervised field experience in addition to the required coursework. These hours must be arranged and completed independently, outside of the program, after earning the certificate. Candidates are strongly encouraged to review and follow the BCBA Fieldwork Standards.
Prospective students should understand that they will not be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam until all requirements are met, including the 2,000 supervised fieldwork hours. Because the program does not provide or require these hours, 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.
Application Requirements
Applicants to the Applied Behavior Analysis certificate program must submit the following:
- Completed UofL graduate application submitted at https://apply.graduate.louisville.edu/apply/
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution to the UofL Graduate School. Transcripts issued to the candidate, and/or uploaded by the candidate, are considered unofficial.
- International transcripts must be evaluated per UofL Graduate School requirements: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/international/evaluation
- Personal statement – Candidates should upload a personal statement describing their professional goals, interest in the program, and whether they plan to pursue as a part-time or full-time student
- Current resume
- Recommendations – Two recommendations are required. Requests are automatically sent to the recommenders’ emails once the graduate application is submitted. Adequate time should be given for recommenders to respond to the request by the application deadline. Candidates may log into their admission portal to check the status of the recommendations.
International Applicants:
- International applicants must submit additional application items, and meet additional admission requirements. Information on the international application and admission requirements can be found here: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/international
Admission Requirements
- Complete application (including all checklist items above and payment submitted).
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75. This is a competitive admission program and preference will be given to candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Admission is competitive. Meeting the GPA minimum and all other admission requirements does not guarantee that prospective students will be accepted into the program. Preference will be given to candidates who have course work and experience in education, counseling and/or behavioral health services.
Program admission dates: Fall semester only
Application Deadline: August 1 for Fall
Please note that the program director will begin reviewing applications in early Spring for admission. Capacity for this program is limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early for consideration.
Program Requirements
Program Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDSP 603 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| EDSP 605 | Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDSP 650 | Behavior Assessment | 3 |
| EDSP 651 | Professional and Ethical Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDSP 654 | Radical Behaviorism | 3 |
| EDSP 669 | Single Case Research Methods and Designs | 3 |
| EDSP 671 | Behavior Intervention | 3 |
| EDSP 680 | Behavior Analytic Supervision and Consultation | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 24 | |
- 1
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 exam. To earn licensure as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), students will complete all the required supervised field experience hours on their own outside of the program after earning the certificate. Candidates are strongly recommended to review and follow the BCBA Fieldwork Standards. 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.
Exit Requirement: Grades of B- or higher in all certificate courses.
...designed to produce good behavior analysts - practitioners who are technically skilled and committed to improving the lives of those in our care
Online MEd in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis FAQ
The MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis currently accepts applications for the Fall semester, with an August start.
No, the MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis does not lead to teacher certification. This program is designed for professionals who want to develop expertise in applied behavior analysis without obtaining a teaching license.
The online Master of Education in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for professionals who want to develop expertise in applied behavior analysis without obtaining a teaching license.
If you’re an educator seeking a Rank II and are interested in autism spectrum disorder and applied behavior analysis, please check out the concentration within the MEd in Teaching and Learning—also available 100% online!
Students in the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis program’s traditional option 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. Only one practicum course is included in this sequence of coursework, making this a good option for working students. However, it is important to note that hours completed during the required practicum are separate from the fieldwork supervision hours required for the BACB exam.
In addition to coursework requirements, students must complete 2,000 hours of supervised field experience to be eligible to take the BACB exam. Hours completed during the field-based practicum experience may be used toward both the course and the BACB fieldwork hours, as long as the requirements for both are met. In this option, students will complete most of the required supervised field experience hours on their own outside of the program after earning the degree. 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 traditional (non-concentration) option within the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis at University of Louisville is not designed to prepare students for licensure immediately upon graduation in any US state or other jurisdiction.
For more information about professional licensure, you can view our Professional Licensure Notifications and Disclosures resource.
Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting the UofL Online Learning Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.