Program of Study
Behavior analysts provide services to individuals, families, group homes, schools, mental health agencies, hospitals, industrial and business settings, and other agencies working with individuals who require intensive behavioral training and/or consultation. Special populations such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities have been shown to benefit greatly from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. Applied Behavior Analysis is also frequently used in the field of education for both neuro-typical students and students with disabilities. Behavior analyst professionals are strongly encouraged by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to pursue Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification. BCBA and BCaBA certifications are considered the industry standard in this field and are nationally and internationally recognized.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Study program provides coursework required by the BACB for those seeking either the BCBA or the BCaBA**. All courses are approved by the BACB as meeting coursework eligibility requirements for certification under the BACB’s 4th Edition Task List core curriculum standards. Each online course is for 11 weeks, with a 2-week break in between courses. Courses must be taken in sequential order.
Candidates for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Track enroll in a six-course sequence totaling 18 units of study. Admission requirements for this track include the possession (or concurrent enrollment) of a graduate degree (eg. master’s or doctoral) in an acceptable field of study from a qualifying institution. Acceptable fields of study are behavior analysis, education, or psychology. Applicants who are unsure of whether the field of study of their degree is acceptable may request a preliminary review from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
*This program is offered through the Office of Extended Learning.
**NOTE: CSUSM offers only the coursework to prepare candidates to receive BCBA or BCaBA certification. To become certified, candidates must complete additional requirements outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Track
Candidates for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Track enroll in a four-course sequence, totaling 12 units of study. The admission requirement for this track is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
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