A growing labor market gap has created an enormous need for professionals in applied behavior analysis (ABA), making now the perfect time to pursue a career in this field. As a graduate of Ball State’s program in ABA with an emphasis in autism spectrum disorder, you’ll use proven techniques and principles to help children and adults learn new skills.
You may also earn a bachelor of science in applied behavior analysis online.
Learn more.
After completing this bachelor’s degree, you could be eligible to take a national exam to earn the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) credential. In order to sit for the BCaBA exam, students must earn a grade of C or better in specific ABA courses, complete the bachelor’s degree, and accumulate supervised independent fieldwork hours.
What You Will Learn
Students will complete a variety of courses related to ABA, including:
- introduction to applied behavior analysis
- treatment and interventions for autism spectrum disorder
- advanced behavior analysis
- single case research design
- and more
The Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Learn more.
Program Benefits
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified our program as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) examination.
The ABA profession has grown along with the rise in diagnosed cases of autism spectrum disorder. There is a tremendous demand for highly skilled individuals to meet the needs of this growing population.
Our faculty have extensive real-world experiences in their respective areas of expertise including classroom teaching, clinical supervision, public school administration, program development, and consultation.
Read Their Bios
Major Requirements
The ABA undergraduate major consists of 120 credits divided into three groups of courses: The University Core Curriculum (36 to 39 credits), 36 credits of ABA courses, and 45 to 48 credits of general electives. Some major courses require a grade of C or better.
Credits Required
120
Courses
A few of the classes you will take include:
- Behavior Analysis Principles, Processes, and Philosophy
- Ethical, Professional Practice in Behavior Analysis
- Application of Consultation in Applied Behavior Analysis
For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, consult our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
What Can You Do with a Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis?
As the field of ABA continues to grow, so will the need for BCaBAs. Because a bachelor’s degree in ABA, matched with study in ASD, raises your marketability, you will be prepared for many job possibilities, including:
- behavioral consultants working in school districts
- behavioral therapists working in ABA clinics
- behavioral therapists working in mental health centers
- behavior consultants with companies working with individuals with developmental disabilities
- behavior consultants working as part of an interdisciplinary team in hospitals
Graduates of the program will also be well positioned to pursue advanced graduate degrees in ABA, school psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social work, criminal justice, special education, and education.
Although this undergraduate program focuses on autism spectrum disorder, you will learn ABA techniques and skills that you can use to address a wide array of needs.
Paying for Your Education
On top of the dozens of scholarships the university offers its students, our department gives awards every year to its own students to recognize them for their achievements. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in enrolling in our program? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. Begin the journey today.
Get Started
Questions?
Place matters, and that is particularly true on our beautiful campus—our size, our people, our culture, and our amenities. Come see it for yourself by scheduling a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Or if you’d rather speak directly to someone in our department, feel free to call or email us.