UMass Boston

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Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations

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Get certified to serve as an effective practitioner who can assess, design, implement, and evaluate applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs.

UMass Boston’s Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations Certificate focuses on providing students with the preparation to serve as effective practitioners who can assess, design, implement, and evaluate applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs. It’s for education professionals who want to hone their skills and add a certification to their résumé. Explore cutting-edge knowledge, concepts, and skills of basic ABA principles, ethical considerations, generalization strategies, and application to special populations and settings. Apply these skills to many areas — from neighborhoods and specialized schools to residential programs to serving children and adults with disabilities.

Courses are offered at our Boston campus and through live interactive video at selected locations within Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. You may apply ABA certificate credits towards a Master’s in Education without licensure, or combine initial licensure in Moderate Disabilities with the ABA certificate for a master’s degree plus 12 post-masters credits. The MEd degree may be completed entirely with 15 credits of advanced post-certificate ABA courses.

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Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements: 

  • Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, psychology, or a related field that is approved by the program coordinator.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation

 

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: July 1 for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or November 1 (final deadline) for spring.

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum

Required Courses (21 Credits)

  • ABA 650 - Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behavior Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • ABA 651 - Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • ABA 652 - Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior 3 Credit(s)
  • ABA 653 - Skill Acquisition 3 Credit(s)
  • ABA 654 - Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
  • ABA 655 - Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) 3 Credit(s)
  • ABA 656 - Ethical & Professional Conduct 3 Credit(s)

Graduation Criteria

Program Requirements

Complete 21 credits from seven required courses.

Statute of limitations: Three years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Andre Maharaj
Andre.Maharaj [at] umb.edu
617.287.7609

Program Administrator Jill Tilton
jill.tilton [at] umb.edu
617.287.7235

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Next Steps

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