The mission of the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program is to educate and form Franciscan servant leaders who are highly skilled and compassionate behavior analysts, and who are prepared to think critically and deliver empirically supported, behavior-analytic interventions in accordance with the established best practices in applied behavior analysis.
FranU’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate consists of a 15 credit-hour curriculum with an optional 16-credit hour internship sequence designed to educate and shape students for potential vocations in applied behavior analysis through both didactic coursework and supervised experiences.
Students in the ABA program at FranU will learn to describe the philosophical underpinnings, concepts and principles of behavior analysis and to practice ABA within safe, ethical and legal boundaries in compliance with national, state and local standards of practice. ABA students will also understand how to select and implement behavioral assessments, use valid, objective, reliable measurement systems to obtain behavior data and use behavioral interventions to manage and provide supervision.
Not accepting new applicants beginning FA23.
We believe that learning is a lifelong process that is dynamic and diverse. Formal education is a social process of teaching and learning by which the individual develops the knowledge, attitude and skill required for adaptation and contribution to society. Our curriculum reflects the values and views of the applied behavior analysis profession and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and prepares competent entry-level practitioners of applied behavior analysis.
The VCS-approved didactic course sequence includes courses that focus on the field’s philosophical underpinnings, concepts and principles, assessments, interventions, research methodology, ethics, training and professionalism.
The optional internship courses allow students to receive the required supervised experience hours needed to apply for the national certification examination through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). Supervised experience will take place at a local clinic that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Supervision will be provided by both BCBAs and BCBA-Ds who are dedicated to providing students with top-notch training in the application of ABA.
Note: A certificate in ABA is not a credential; students must meet the eligibility criteria specified by the BACB and pass the BCaBA examination body before identifying themselves as a BCaBA.
Applicants to the ABA program should have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
The goals of FranU’s Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program include that:
Currently, ABA courses are only offered in the face-to-face format; however, other courses in the psychology degree plan may be offered online or face-to-face.
Selection for FranU-coordinated internships is based upon clinical site availability, with priority given to students enrolled in the psychology major. To learn more about the internship, view the ABA course listing.
FranU offers a second option for obtaining an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate, which allows students to embed ABA courses and internships into a 120 credit-hour degree plan. Successful completion of the degree plan results in students receiving both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a certificate in ABA.
If you are interested in obtaining a degree in psychology with ABA certificate courses embedded, visit our Psychology program page.
ABA certificate program faculty members are highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds and a comprehensive blend of clinical practice, content expertise and educational experience. Learn more about the ABA Faculty.
Applied behavior analysis the application of a science that uses the principles of behavior and psychology to change behavior in important ways. In contrast to other branches of psychology, applied behavior analysis’ primary focus is on how one individual behaves under different situations rather than looking for statistical differences across groups of people.
Applied behavior analytic services are an integral part of the health care system. Behavior analysts provide service to individuals and families in situations of great stress and personal crisis. A behavior analyst must be prepared to address the needs of individuals and families and to adapt to ever-changing clinical environments.
Applied behavior analysis is most widely known for its application as a treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder. Numerous studies have shown that early intensive behavior intervention (EIBI), which is often referred to as ABA, produces socially significant behavior changes for this population.
Applied behavior analysis has also acquired a vast amount of empirical support showing it to be effective in producing socially significant behavior changes in other areas. Some of these areas include:
Accordingly, the demand for individuals who hold these credentials has increased substantially over the last decade.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students who pursue the ABA certificate program at FranU can look forward to career growth at a rate of 23% in the substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counseling industries between 2020-2030. ABA certificate holders can work in a variety of care settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers or private practices. In addition, certified applied behavior analysts can work in client homes or schools, with in-home work being one of the most common employment types for ABAs.
With the job outlook expected to increase at a rate much faster than the average for all occupations, students will have ample opportunity to establish a career in the ABA field. In terms of earning potential, the median annual salary for careers in substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counseling is $48,520, according to the BLS.
The Behavior Analysis Certification BoardTM (BACB®) offers several credentials in ABA. Each credential has specific criteria related to educational and practical experiences required for an individual to qualify to take a credentialing examination. The specific requirements can be found on the BACB’s website.
Students who complete the ABA certificate program at FranU can pursue credentials at the following levels:
Registered Behavior Technicians
Registered behavior technicians® (RBTs®) can implement behavior-change interventions but must have supervision from a behavior analyst higher in the tier system. General requirements include 40 hours of instructional training in ABA and competency assessment.
FranU now offers a Registered Behavior TechnicianTM (RBT©) course and certificate.
Assistant Behavior Analysts
Board-certified assistant behavior analysts® (BCaBAs®) can implement behavior-change interventions, conduct behavior analytic assessments and develop behavior-change plans; however, BCaBAs must work under the supervision of behavior analysts higher in the tier system. General requirements include a bachelor’s degree that includes specific coursework and supervised experience.
Certified Behavior Analysts
Board-certified behavior analysts® (BCBAs®) can implement behavior-change interventions, conduct behavior analytic assessments and develop behavior-change plans. BCBAs can work independently. General requirements include a master’s degree that includes specific coursework and supervised experience.
FranU now offers a Master’s of Science in ABA.
Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral
If you currently hold a doctoral degree or are interested in continuing your education, the ABA certificate program can be a powerful stepping stone toward doctoral-level certification. Board-certified behavior analyst-doctoral® (BCBA-D®) can implement behavior-change interventions, conduct behavior analytic assessments and develop behavior-change plans. BCBA-Ds can work independently. General requirements include a doctoral degree that includes specific coursework and supervised experience.
At FranU, we strive to demonstrate the highest level of care, ethical behavior and professionalism while assisting students and their families with finding the best options to pay for college. As one of the nation’s most affordable private Catholic universities, we work to provide financial aid to a large portion of our student body.
To learn more about financial aid options and the financial aid process or to see answers to our frequently asked financial services questions, visit the Office of Financial Aid page.
For information on internal and external scholarships, view FranU’s Scholarship page.
To learn more about estimated tuition rates, see the undergraduate Tuition & Fee Schedule.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified FranU’s ABA certificate coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
| Document Title | Type | File Size | |
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| Document Title: ABA Program Handbook | Type: pdf | File Size: 755.837 KB | Download |
The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program at FranU offers a culture of academic excellence that will support you through your education and into your career.
Learn more about the ABA certification program by Requesting Information. Ready to apply? Visit the Application page to get started.
Start your career in ABA at FranU. Submit your application for the Applied Behavior Analysis certification program.
Note: Certificate in ABA is not a credential; students must meet the eligibility criteria specified by the BACB and pass the BCaBA examination body before identifying oneself as a BCaBA.
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