The Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis (18 credits) is designed to provide the student with specific knowledge and clinical skills necessary to function as a BCBA. Courses are aligned to the BACB’s current task list and course content allocation (http://bacb.com). These domains include foundational knowledge related to behaviorism and behavioral principles, basic behavior analytic skills, and client-centered practices. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis will fulfill one of the three requirements for eligibility to become a BCBA. The two remaining requirements, completion of a supervised clinical experience and earning a passing score on the BCBA Examination, are not part of this Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis. However, successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis will allow graduates to complete the remaining two requirements for the BCBA credential.
Admissions Criteria
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis program. While not required, preference is made to applicants with an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, human development, social work, or other aligned disciplines. Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis is based on an evaluation of undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, work history, and professional goals. No one criterion dominates in the admission decision, provided there is evidence of the basic ability to do graduate work. Students must have completed an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation into the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis. Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 and earn a grade of B or better in all courses while enrolled in the program. Continuous enrollment is also required unless waived by the Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis.
All graduate students enrolled in this program are required to maintain current Pennsylvania Criminal Record (Act 34) and Child Abuse Clearances (Act 151) as well as Act 114 (FBI Fingerprinting Record) while completing the course sequence. Applicants should be aware that some internship sites and employers may not accept placements if any criminal record is reflected on these background checks. Applicants with a criminal record, even summary offenses, are asked to disclose this history to the Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis upon entry to and during the completion of the program. Some serious offenses, typically involving child welfare, preclude national credentialing.
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