Applied Behavior Analysis
Offered BLENDED at King of Prussia Campus and FULLY ONLINE.
Programs | Admission | Requirements | Learning Outcomes | Brochure
Graduate Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Arcadia’s ABA Advantage
The ABA courses are designed for professionals or students who have a background in education, psychology, communication disorders or another related discipline.
Arcadia’s ABA graduate programs help students and working professionals in ABA-related fields to develop professional expertise in behavior analysis and the consultative skills necessary to foster beneficial change in schools and homes, and in clinical and community settings. All instructors are board certified and have extensive experience working as certified behavior analysts in the field, as well as teaching at the university level.
The programs offer training in a breadth of assessment and intervention techniques with a positive behavior support and behavior treatment focus. Additionally, Arcadia’s programs stress the consultative skills that graduates will need to work effectively with educators, parents and colleagues.
Coordinators: Dr. Adriana Gonzalez-Lopez and Dr. Christina Ager
The Programs
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an 18-credit program that includes courses in behavior principles, data analysis, applications with children and youth with behavior problems, ethics and the consultation skills necessary to work with other professionals and important adults in schools, homes and communities.
The M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a 36-credit program which requires students and professionals to have met the graduate admission requirements for degree seeking status. The program is designed for those who wish to increase their knowledge in ABA and to develop the skills necessary for implementing best practices as a professional. It provides students with specialized knowledge of behavioral principles to develop and enhance the comprehension and use of effective evidence-based practices. Such knowledge and practice supports professionals in the understanding and modification of behavior in a variety of settings.
All courses are offered online and most courses are offered in a blended format at the King of Prussia Campus.
BACB Certification
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) has approved the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BACB Examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify. Six courses prepare students for the role of behavior specialist or to take the national BACB exam (www.bacb.com).
Admission Requirements
Requirements for graduate students include the following:
- A completed graduate admission application submitted online at www.arcadia.edu/SCS-application
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Official bachelor’s and master’s degree transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation of a professional nature.
- A background in education, psychology, communication disorders or another related discipline is recommended
- A personal interview with the program coordinator
Required Courses
The following are the core ABA courses (18 credits) required in both the certificate and master’s programs:
- ED661 ABA I: Behavior Principles and Teaching Strategies
- ED681 ABA II: Procedures for Behavior Change
- ED682 ABA III: Strategies for Youth with EBD
- ED683 ABA IV: Behavior Analysis and Child Development
- ED684 ABA V: Behavior Consultation in Homes, Schools and Communities
- ED685 Ethics and Professionalism
The M.Ed. in ABA also includes two foundation courses, three elective courses and one culminating activity, to be selected with the student’s adviser.
The 18 credits earned in the ABA certificate program may be applied to a Master of Education degree program with departmental approval and advising. The credits also may apply to the ABA concentration in the Counseling Psychology master’s program, with adviser approval. Students can take the first course (ED 661) before formal application and matriculation into the program, but should apply for admission into the certificate program before taking a second course. Taking the first course does not guarantee admission into the program.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis, the participant will:
- Expand previous knowledge of the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior.
- Understand historic and current literature in the scientific foundation for applied behavior analysis (ABA), which as an applied science develops methods of changing behavior and as a profession provides services to meet diverse behavioral needs.
- Understand the interaction of behavioral treatments and other educational, clinical or therapeutic interventions.
- Develop competence in assessing, intervening and monitoring behavioral interventions for children and youth, as well as working as consultants for other adults who may impact the effectiveness of the interventions in a variety of locations and circumstances.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and professional commitments required as a practitioner in Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Identify other resources and supports available to people with behavioral needs and their families.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.arcadia.edu/gainful.
