College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
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Graduate
Certificate (Post M.A. or Track within M.A. in Special Education)

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares candidates to work with individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, and other disabilities in various settings including public and private special education settings, clinics, hospitals, and residential treatment facilities. It provides a balance between rigorous academics, scholarship, and clinical experience, preparing candidates to be practitioners and researchers in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Program
The Certificate is fully aligned with the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and prepares candidates for eligibility to sit for the board exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). Candidates for the program must have

  • a minimum of a master's degree in education, psychology or applied behavior analysis or
  • complete the certificate as a concentration in an existing graduate program in education or psychology such as the MA in Special Education.

BACB® Examination Pass-Rate Data

BACB® examination pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.

Resources:

Facts About Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs):

  • 118% Job Demand Increase for BCBAs Since 2012
  • 1/3 NJ is 1 of 3 States with the Highest Job Need
  • 60-100K Salary Range of a BCBA
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admissions Requirements

  • Online Application
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended, including an earned Master’s-level degree from an accredited institution in applied behavior analysis, education, or psychology or looking to add the certificate as a concentration in an existing graduate program in education or psychology 
  • Current professional vitae/resume 
  • Writing sample: a research-based paper in psychology or education of at least ten pages that was previously submitted as part of a graduate course. Other subject matter may be considered if the candidate has had limited prior psychology or education work. If applicable, the applicant's master's thesis is preferable. 
  • Personal statement outlining your interests and rationale for applying 
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation 
  • Personal interview with Admissions Committee 

Admissions Criteria and Prerequisites 

  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (or equivalent) in Master’s coursework 

Program Options

The ABA program offers a wide variety of program options embedded within graduate degree programs in special education, psychological studies as well as a standalone graduate certificate program. Visit the links to the right for more information on each program.

Research Lab

ABA Research Labs

Students are encouraged to conduct research under the mentorship of program faculty leading to presentations at state, national, and international conferences. Students are then guided in publishing research with faculty in top journals in Applied Behavior Analysis and related fields.

Faculty Listing

The faculty in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media are expert researchers and practitioners in teacher and leader preparation as well as professional psychology and family therapy. Many are actively engaged with schools and community agencies, modeling best practices to their students in the university classroom and in the field. Collaboration within departments and across is encouraged with the recognition that supporting and improving the lives of children, families and communities is a complex process.

View all Human Development, Culture, and Media faculty »

Photo of Frank Cicero posing
Frank Cicero
Assistant Professor
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Take the Next Step

The College of Human Development, Culture, and Media is dedicated to ensuring that its professional preparation programs are based on essential knowledge, evolving technology, research findings, and reflective practice. Each program is committed to developing collaborative relationships and cooperative efforts with schools, agencies, and institutions so that its efforts remain linked to the world of practice and research, and meet the needs of communities. The College is nationally accredited by three professional associations: APA, COAMFTE, and CAEP.

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VCS - Behavior Analyst Certification Board Badge

Contact Us

Diana Minakakis
Director of Graduate Admissions, College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
[email protected]
(973) 275-2824