Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master's Certificate
抖阴pro's applied behavior analysis (ABA) certificate program involves the application of behavioral principles to produce socially significant changes in behavior.听The curriculum includes seven 3-credit-hour courses, with the option to complete 铿乿e 2- or 3-credit-hour practicum courses.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) explores how and why human behavior occurs. ABA practitioners work in a variety of fields and use direct assessments, research, and foundational principles and concepts of behavior to design and evaluate interventions. SLU鈥檚 ABA programs focus on providing students with a diverse set of experiences in the many applications of ABA while ensuring a focus on providing a safe and culturally humble space for students to develop their cultural humility so they can effectively work with a diverse client population.
Two things set SLU鈥檚 Post-Master's Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program apart from other programs. First, we are dedicated to creating a culturally humble environment where students will explore their own biases and develop the skills necessary to serve clients across all settings. Second, students complete their required fieldwork as part of the program, providing additional guidance and oversight as they practice their skills and ensuring they do not have to seek out fieldwork experiences on their own.
SLU鈥檚 ABA program provides state-of-the-art in-person and online learning that prepares students for a successful career. The program has a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure students are prepared to provide the best services possible to a variety of clients across settings. Graduates of SLU鈥檚 ABA program are well-positioned to apply to Ph.D. programs around the country in behavior analysis and other fields. Students who complete a thesis often gain opportunities to present their research at local and national conferences and gain publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Curriculum Overview
SLU鈥檚 post-master鈥檚 certificate program includes seven 3-credit-hour courses, an optional 3-credit-hour course, and five optional practica. Courses are offered either online or in person and students can select which format they would like to complete the certificate program.
The program requires 21 credits, as follows:
- Principles and Concepts in Behavior Analysis
- Measurement and Experimental Design
- Behavioral Assessment
- Behavior Change and Process
- Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management
- Philosophy of Behavioral Science
- Behavior Change and Ethics
- **Basic Behavior Analysis (optional course)
Applied Behavior Analysis Field and Research Opportunities
SLU鈥檚 applied behavior analysis program offers students a practice-integrated education. Students who elect to complete the five practica courses as part of their coursework will complete 1,500 fieldwork hours, which meets the requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board庐 to sit for the BCBA庐 exam.
Careers in Applied Behavior Analysis
Alumni from this program have worked in a wide range of fields, including serving those diagnosed with autism and their families, adults with challenging behavior and developmental disabilities, job training sites, schools, health care agencies and more. They have also led state education initiatives and advocacy projects.
Those in ABA also practice in a variety of other fields, including:
- Sports, health and fitness
- Organizational behavior management
- Diversity, equity, inclusion and access
- Gerontology
- Criminal justice
- Mental health
Admission Requirements
- Application form
- Official transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional)
- One academic letter of recommendation from a professor who has evaluated your academic performance in the classroom
- One professional letter of recommendation from a supervisor who has evaluated your work in the field or related volunteer experience
- If you have been out of school for five or more years, you may submit two professional letters
- If you are entering the program directly from an undergraduate program, you may submit two academic letters
- If you have been out of school and the workforce for five or more years, please contact us to determine the best individuals to provide your letters of recommendation
- Resume or academic vita
- Professional statement
- Interviews may be requested
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:
- 顿别尘辞苍蝉迟谤补迟别听. ABA requires a TOEFL score of 92 or higher.听
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
- Courses taken and/or lectures attended
- Practical laboratory work
- The maximum and minimum grades attainable
- The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
- Any honors or degrees received.
- Credential Evaluation Reports (such as the WES, ECE, Spantran, or Scholaro) are required.听
If admitted to the School of Social Work, the International Office will require additional documentation to issue an I-20. Questions about these requirements can be directed to听internationalservices@slu.edu.听
Application Deadlines
August 1 is the application deadline for students each year.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The admissions committee considers several factors to determine a candidate's eligibility:
- Strength of the undergraduate program
- Application information
- Professional statement
- Work experience
- Any graduate degrees earned
- Motivation, leadership and service
- Undergraduate GPA
- Clinical experience in behavior analysis
Tuition
| Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| School of Social Work Graduate Certificates | $1,170 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid
We recognize that cost can be a concern when choosing to continue your education and have identified the following financial aid resources to assist you.
FAFSA and Other Resources
All incoming students should complete the application for the . A step-by-step guide to submitting your FAFSA is听available online.
抖阴pro Student Financial Services provides a听听that outlines the process of financing your graduate education. The following links to resources in 抖阴pro Student Financial Services may also be helpful:
Other Funding
Certificate students are not eligible for scholarships or graduate assistantships.
Accreditation
抖阴pro鈥檚 ABA program is currently a Verified Course Sequence (VCS). Students who graduate from the M.S. ABA program will have completed all requirements necessary to sit for the BCBA庐 exam.
- Graduates will be able to assess relevant behavior analysis literature/scholarly contributions.
- Graduates will be able to听apply behavioral theories, practices, policies or research methodologies.
- Graduates will be able to听apply knowledge from applied behavior analysis to address problems in broader contexts.
- Graduates will be able to articulate applied behavior analysis explanations/arguments to a disciplinary/professional audience in both written and oral formats.
- Graduates will be able to听evidence scholarly/professional integrity (ethics) in behavior analysis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 础叠础听5746 | Principles & Concepts in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| 础叠础听5774 | Measurement & Experimental Design | 3 |
| 础叠础听5747 | Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| 础叠础听5748 | Behavior Change and Process | 3 |
| 础叠础听5749 | Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| 础叠础听5001 | Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management | 3 |
| 础叠础听5002 | Philosophy of Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Optional course: | ||
础叠础听5775 | Basic Behavior Analysis | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Any course with a letter grade B- or below will have to be retaken.
Non-Course Requirements
Students seeking BACB certification must complete 1,500-2,000 clock hours of ABA field practicum under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).听Students may choose to complete their practice experience independently or take up to 14 credits of practicum through SLU's ABA program.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment听unless otherwise noted. 听
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| 础叠础听5746 | Principles & Concepts in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| 础叠础听5774 | Measurement & Experimental Design | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 6 |
| Spring | ||
| 础叠础听5747 | Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| 础叠础听5748 | Behavior Change and Process | 3 |
| 础叠础听5749 | Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 9 |
| Summer | ||
| 础叠础听5001 | Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management | 3 |
| 础叠础听5775 | Basic Behavior Analysis (optional) | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 3-6 |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| 础叠础听5002 | Philosophy of Behavioral Science | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 3 |
| 听 | Total Credits | 21-24 |
For admission questions contact:
Social Work School Graduate Admissions Office
socialwork@slu.edu
314-977-2752
For program questions contact:
Natalie Parks, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, IBA
Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program
Assistant Clinical Professor
natalie.parks@slu.edu
314-977-2733