Pathway 2 Behavior Analytic Coursework

Our program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility route. Applicants must also meet all additional BACB requirements, such as supervised fieldwork and application procedures to qualify for certification.

Additionally, be aware that new coursework requirements for Pathway 2 will take effect on January 1, 2027. Effective Fall 2024, our course sequence has been aligned with the 6th Edition BCBA® Test Content Outline. Students enrolled in our program on or after that date are eligible to sit for the 6th Edition BCBA examination through December 31, 2031 provided all BACB requirements are met. BACB requirements are subject to change at any time.

For updated eligibility criteria and upcoming changes, please consult the BACB website.

Certification

Ball State’s Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis provides the coursework required for students pursuing BCBA® eligibility under Pathway 2, provided they meet all additional BACB requirements. Completing our coursework meets the BACB’s current Pathway 2 eligibility criteria.

To apply for BCBA certification as a Ball State student, you must:

  • Have completed acceptable graduate coursework in behavior analysis
  • Complete the required supervised field experience hours (Note: supervision hours are managed independently by students, separate from their program at Ball State)
  • Meet all Pathway 2 coursework requirements through an attestation

Prospective students seeking a Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB) credential are strongly encouraged to consult the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website for information about education and other requirements that apply to them.

Degrees earned in less than one calendar year, which is defined as three consecutive primary semesters (e.g., Fall, Spring, Summer), four consecutive primary quarters (e.g., Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer), or 12 consecutive months under another model, do not meet this requirement. For more information, see the February 2026 BACB newsletter (PDF).

6th Edition Certification Exam

  • Education requirements are not changing until Jan 1, 2027.
    • As of Fall 2024, our course sequence meets 2027 BACB® requirements.
  • Our syllabi and coursework have been modified to include updated content for the most recent edition of the Test Content Outline (TCO).
  • Students who require acoursework attestation form to be eligible for the BACB certification examinations may submit a written request to abaexam@bsu.edu

State Licensure


Success rate of first time test takers

In 2024, Ball State’s first-time BCBA exam candidates had a pass rate of 53%.

Below is the pass rate for first-time BCBA and BCaBA candidates for the past five years. For more information about the BCBA and BCaBA credential, visit their website.

pass rate for first-time BCBA & BCaBA candidates

Year

BCBA Pass Rate (%)
First-Time Test Taker

BCaBA Pass Rate (%)
First-Time Test Taker

2024

53%

40%

2023

55%

32%

2022

56%

67%

2021

63%

81%

2020

66%

50%

2019

61%

 53%
Credentials

All ABA programs are required to become accredited through an approved accrediting body by 2032.

Ball State students are currently eligible to sit for the BCBA exam under Pathway 2 (Behavior Analytic Coursework).

In order to complete their degree from Ball State University, students must complete a supervised field experience course and Demonstration of Clinical Skills by taking SPCE 638 or SPCE 683. Students must identify their own supervisor; our program does not assist in placing students with supervisors or in supervision sites.

To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, students must:

  • Earn a master's degree in behavior-analytic coursework
  • Complete 1500-2000 supervised hours (BACB Handbook)
  • Apply for the Exam via Pathway 2

Some states require licensure of behavior analysts. Click below for more information on Fieldwork and Licensure for the ABA program.

More information

Ball State requires graduate students enrolled in the Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism program to complete a Capstone Project. The purpose of the Capstone Project is to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of behavior analytic concepts learned throughout the master’s degree program.

Capstone Project Objectives:

  • State and define behavior analytic terminology.
  • Demonstrate fluency with behavior analytic concepts, principles, and terminology.
  • Design study materials in preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® Exam, including study guides, practice questions, and infographics.
  • Demonstrate mastery (83% accuracy) on a Mock Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® Exam.
  • Demonstrate competency in Clinical Skills Assessment 

Students will submit a Capstone Portfolio in each of the following courses listed here. The Capstone Portfolio will consist of the following elements:

  • Part 1: Personal Portfolio
  • Part 2: Mock Exam
  • Part 3: Demonstration of Clinical Skills

Note: Any violations of academic integrity (e.g., posting information on Course Hero, sharing content with peers, plagiarism, unauthorized distribution of content, falsifying documentation of clinical skills, use of Artificial Intelligence) will result in failing the Capstone project. A passing grade is required for graduation.