You may be working in a field that’s unrelated to ABA but seriously considering a career change. Even if your bachelor's degree is in a different field, you can still pursue this certificate to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam. In addition to the certificate coursework with a grade of C or better, you will also need to fulfill required fieldwork and hold a bachelor's degree prior to the exam.
A career in applied behavior analysis (ABA) provides you with the personal and financial rewards of assisting children, adolescents, or adults who struggle with autism spectrum disorder or other learning disabilities. As a professional in this field, you will have the opportunity to teach your clients positive behaviors in settings such as schools, treatment centers, and businesses.
Academic Advisor
If this certificate sounds like the career direction you’d like to take, contact us to learn more.
What It's Like to Pursue an Undergraduate Certificate in Behavioral Studies
The Behavioral Studies Certificate will provide you with:
- the ability to develop, implement, and monitor behavioral programs to treat various kinds of behavior issues (e.g., excessive interfering behavior, skill deficits) within a variety of settings;
- the ability to conduct effective functional behavioral assessments and analyses in a variety of applied settings, and then use that information to develop appropriate behavioral intervention plans; and
- a firm foundation in ABA if you wish to pursue graduate work to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Ball State is the recipient of online education awards for innovation and excellence from the Online Learning Consortium, UPCEA, an association of leaders in online education, and other organizations.
Ball State is just one of a few schools in the United States to offer an online undergraduate course sequence in ABA. The program is housed within Ball State’s Teachers College, which holds numerous
national rankings and recognitions, including being ranked 38th by
U.S. News & World Report for online graduate education programs.
Ball State offers a
bachelor's degree in ABA, offered entirely online. This program also includes the course content necessary for the BCaBA exam and will help you gain even more specialized skills and knowledge.
Course Requirements
Courses for the undergraduate Behavioral Studies Certificate begin each fall, spring, and summer term. The certificate can be finished in three semesters.
First semester
- SPCE 280 Behavior Analysis: Principles, Procedures, and Philosophy (3 credits)
First or second semester
- SPCE 307 Ethical and Professional Practice in Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
Second semester
- SPCE 310 Application and Consultation in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
Third semester
- SPCE 315 Advanced Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- SPCE 316 Single Subject Research Design and Applications (3 credits)
For more information about required courses, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to enroll in our certificate to prepare for the BCaBA exam, you will apply either as a transfer or returning student.
Requirements for Admission
Admission requirements vary based on your level of education. If you have questions about which type of application to select, please contact us.
Please note: Financial aid is not available for this certificate.
Application
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all application on an individual basis. Applying for admission is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
Get Started
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.
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