Dr. Morgan Nichols is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at UMass Global. She earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and holds master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology. Dr. Nichols is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
With nearly two decades of experience in education, counseling, and behavioral health, Dr. Nichols has worked across public schools, clinics, hospitals, group homes, and juvenile justice settings. Her professional experience includes serving as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, counselor, clinical supervisor, quality assurance director, and university instructor.
Her teaching and scholarship focus on applied behavior analysis, special education, behavioral assessment and intervention, emotional and behavioral disorders, teacher training, and self-advocacy skills for students with disabilities. Her research examines evidence-based practices that improve educational and behavioral outcomes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders while supporting the educators who serve them.
Education History
2025 - Ph.D. in Special Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Dissertation: “Effects of Function-Based Self-Advocacy Training on Classroom Behavior and Self-Advocacy Skills of Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders”
2014 - M.S. in Psychology, Capella University
Specializations in Clinical Psychology & Counseling Psychology
2009 - B.A. in Psychology, Rhodes College
Scholarly Activities
2024 - Present:
Executive Council Member, Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA)
2024-2026:
Professional Development Chair, North Carolina Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (NC DEBH)
2025:
Carl Fenichel Research Grant Recipient, Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Emotional and Behavioral Health
Professional Experience
2023-2026: Adjunct Professor and Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Taught graduate and undergraduate courses in special education and applied behavior analysis, supervised student research and field experiences, collaborated on research projects, and supported the preparation of future educators and behavior analysts.
2022-2026: Quality Assurance Director/Licensed Behavior Analyst/BCBA Supervisor, The Behavior Toolbox
Led quality assurance initiatives, supervised behavior analysts and clinical staff, developed training systems, monitored treatment outcomes, and ensured adherence to ethical and professional standards across behavioral health services.
2016-2019: Autism and Behavior Specialist/Program Developer/Special Education Teacher, Alamo Heights Independent School District
Developed school-wide and individualized behavior support programs, trained educators and support staff, provided consultation on behavioral and academic interventions, and supported students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
Education History
2025 - Ph.D. in Special Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Dissertation: “Effects of Function-Based Self-Advocacy Training on Classroom Behavior and Self-Advocacy Skills of Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders”
2014 - M.S. in Psychology, Capella University
Specializations in Clinical Psychology & Counseling Psychology
2009 - B.A. in Psychology, Rhodes College
Scholarly Activities
2024 - Present:
Executive Council Member, Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA)
2024-2026:
Professional Development Chair, North Carolina Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (NC DEBH)
2025:
Carl Fenichel Research Grant Recipient, Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Emotional and Behavioral Health
Professional Experience
2023-2026: Adjunct Professor and Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Taught graduate and undergraduate courses in special education and applied behavior analysis, supervised student research and field experiences, collaborated on research projects, and supported the preparation of future educators and behavior analysts.
2022-2026: Quality Assurance Director/Licensed Behavior Analyst/BCBA Supervisor, The Behavior Toolbox
Led quality assurance initiatives, supervised behavior analysts and clinical staff, developed training systems, monitored treatment outcomes, and ensured adherence to ethical and professional standards across behavioral health services.
2016-2019: Autism and Behavior Specialist/Program Developer/Special Education Teacher, Alamo Heights Independent School District
Developed school-wide and individualized behavior support programs, trained educators and support staff, provided consultation on behavioral and academic interventions, and supported students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
Support students with autism through UMass Global's California Autism Spectrum Disorders Added Authorization. Learn evidence-based strategies for assessment and instruction.
Jan 11, 2027
Added Authorization - Autism Spectrum Disorder
CA Only
This state-approved, autism specialist certificate is a four-course, 12-unit program providing either a CTC-designated authorization to serve learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders or a Certificate of Completion.
Master behavior change with UMass Global's Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis. ABAI-verified program meeting BCBA exam coursework requirements.
Aug 31, 2026
Applied Behavioral Analysis, Certificate
FA Eligible
BACB Exam Prep
This online graduate certificate program is designed to meet the BCBA Certification Pathway 2 coursework 2027 requirements, preparing students to become Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) recognized both nationally and internationally.
Support diverse learners with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. CTC-accredited K-22 program with intern eligibility.
Jun 29, 2026
Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA
CA Only
Degree + Credential
Combine your California Preliminary Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential with a master's in teaching degree and make a difference in the learning and development of students who have lower support needs. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!
Teaching Credential - SPED (Extensive Support Needs)
Transform lives through UMass Global's CTC-accredited Special Education Credential (Extensive Support Needs). Serve K-22 students with intern eligibility after 4 courses.
Jun 29, 2026
Teaching Credential - SPED (Extensive Support Needs)
CA Only
With this California Preliminary Special Education Credential, you’ll be able to make a difference in the learning and development of students with higher support needs. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!
Teaching Credential - SPED (Mild to Moderate Support Needs)
Support diverse learners with UMass Global's CTC-accredited Special Education Credential (Mild to Moderate Support Needs). K-22 program with intern eligibility.
Jun 29, 2026
Teaching Credential - SPED (Mild to Moderate Support Needs)
CA Only
With this California Preliminary Special Education Credential, you’ll be prepared to make a meaningful difference for students with disabilities who need support for success in inclusive learning environments. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!
