Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis

ABA Program Overview

Applied behavior analysis has been demonstrated as an effective intervention approach for individuals with autism and a variety of related developmental, medical, and behavioral disorders such as intellectual disabilities, dementia, addiction, and traumatic brain injury. This ABA graduate certificate is an Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence program and meets the 5th task list coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Attend an upcoming online info session to learn more about the program and get all your questions answered. Read about our recent alumnus Juan's experience in our ABA program. There is a $150 certificate conferral fee at program completion.

Gain the use of experimental research designs and how to use the data to make changes in behavior.
Understand how to use positive and negative reinforcement, positive and negative punishment, schedules of reinforcement, motivating operations, stimulus control, imitation, shaping and chaining, and verbal behavior.
Evaluate the various ABA methodologies for instruction and intervention, the design and implementation of a Functional Behavior Assessment, and analyze measurement tools for particular behaviors.

Who Should Enroll:

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
Teachers, Paraprofessionals (with a BA), and other educators

At a Glance

Online

8 weeks per course

7 courses total

3 credits per course

21 academic credits total

$900 per course

$6,300 Full program (other fees may apply)

Next Start Date

Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Data-Driven Decisions

Explore how to use data to encourage changes in behavior using experimental research designs and more.

Nationally Recognized

Become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with our nationally recognized certificate that meets the 5th task list coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.

ABAI Verified

Our certificate is part of the prestigious Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) course sequence program.

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 692

The Science and Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

EDUU 693

The Foundational Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

EDUU 694

Using and Analyzing Measurement, Data and Experimental Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

EDUU 695

Assessment to Guide and Evaluate Intervention in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

EDUU 696

Selecting and Implementing Interventions for Behavior Change in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

EDUU 697

Program Oversight, Collaboration and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

Our Faculty

All Faculty

Dr. Isa Ribadu, PhD

Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Psychology

Dr. Aimee Massafra, PhD

Assistant Professor of Education

Admission Requirements

Students are required to be admitted to either the Master’s in Special Education or the Graduate Certificate program prior to registering for classes. Applicants must be employed at least part-time in a field related to Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

Completed application
2.75 grade point average (GPA)
Resume showing current employment in a field which uses Applied Behavior Analysis (i.e., education, medicine, social work, occupational or speech therapy)
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted (No transfer credit may be used)

This program is eligible for financial aid.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Calculate Time and Cost

Upskill your career with a certificate from UMass Global.

I enrolled in the online ABA program because I was ready to take the next step in my professional career and the university met all of the “must haves” on my checklist. One of the objectives on the BACB task list requires BCBAs to be able to convey behavior analytic terms into language that people outside of the field can interpret. Throughout the ABA program, I have gained the ability and confidence to discuss ABA terminology and interventions in an effective manner to a variety of individuals. It has also allowed me to take on more responsibility at work and ultimately given me the

Katie B.

Special Education Applied Behavior Assistant

The online format gave me the flexibility to learn and participate in the course when I had free time. Each new concept I learned was easily applied to my daily work with children with special needs. The interventions were practical and sometimes made all the difference I needed to make a significant impact on the children in my class.

Samantha B.

Early Intervention Teacher

As a father of four children, having flexibility is very important. The university had the flexibility that allowed me to continue to work full time in order to provide for my family. Thanks to the ABA program I have been given the opportunity for career advancement at my job.

Juan L.

RBT, Public Health-Education Assistant

After two years I'm leaving with the knowledge necessary to pass my boards. I'm thankful to the program for the opportunity and the knowledge I have gained.

Leonard W.

Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, MA