The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate program has been designed to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Graduate Level Certification Pathway 2 coursework requirements derived from the standards of the BACB. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements (i.e., graduate degree and fieldwork experience) to qualify for the BACB Graduate Level Certification.
The program consists of a seven-course sequence (21 graduate-level credits) and an optional supervised fieldwork experience. Students have the option to complete the supervised fieldwork experience through the university or independently. The program is based on a cohort model and is offered to students through distance learning on a predetermined schedule over two years: one course per semester during fall, spring, and summer. Use the contact information below to determine your eligibility and request more information about the program.
Program Awards
Old Dominion University is honored to announce that our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate program has been ranked #5 among online psychology graduate certificate programs. This recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional education and positions ODU as a leader in the field. Join us and be part of an acclaimed program that prioritizes excellence and achievement.
Where do Behavior Analysts Work?
Behavior analysts can work in a variety of settings including homes, schools, clinics, residential programs, and the community. Our program will prepare you to work with individuals with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders across various environments.”
What is a Behavior Analyst?
A behavior analyst is an expert in the science of behavior and learning. Behavior analysts conduct assessments to identify one’s abilities and areas of improvement and design instructional programs using evidence-based strategies to promote skills acquisition and generalization and decrease challenging behaviors to promote independence and effective functioning in the natural environment.
Alumni Careers
- board certified behavior analysts
- clinical behavior therapists
- education behavior support specialists
- intensive behavior therapists
- residential and vocational specialists
VCS Pass Rate Data
We are not able to publish our pass-rate because we had fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year.
Program Requirements
To be eligible to take the national exam to obtain certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at graduate level, you must:
1. Have a master's degree in any field of study.
2. Complete 315 graduate-level hours (i.e., 21 graduate-level credits) of coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis.
3. Complete fieldwork experience hours under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Successful completion of the ODU ABA certificate program, in addition to a supervised fieldwork experience that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) guidelines, will allow the participant to apply for the national BCBA® examination. A student who successfully completes the 21-credit course sequence and does not complete the supervised fieldwork requirement may earn the ODU ABA Certificate but is not eligible to sit for the national BCBA examination.”
Change #6 Under Application Process remove the existing text and replace it with Applications are accepted only one time per year to begin the program in the fall. Apply by May 15th to begin in the fall semester.
Application Process
We will be accepting applications to the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program for Fall 2023 between January 4, 2023 and May 22, 2023. Please use the ABA program application linked above to apply to the program. If you have questions prior to or during the application process, please contact Dr. Laura Chezan.
Applications are accepted only one time per year to begin the program in the fall. Apply by May 15th to begin in the fall semester.
Contact
