Admission Requirements

Admission to the advanced certificate program in applied behavior analysis is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

1. A master’s degree.*
2. A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
3. A minimum GPA of 3.0.
4. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in settings using applied behavior analysis.
5. A written personal statement of professional intent.
6. An interview with a faculty member in special education.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program.  Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

*If pursuing certification from the BACB, the applicant’s master’s degree must be in one of the following areas:  education, special education, psychology or behavior analysis.

Program Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 18

• SPED 247 - Creating Effective Learning Communities: New Directions in Classroom Management Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 259 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Educators Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 274 - Research Seminar I: Review of Research and Methodology Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 275 - Research Seminar II: Individual Research Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 232 - Ethical Considerations in Applied Behavior Analysis Semester Hours: 3