Applied Behavior Analysis (Advanced Certificate)
Program Overview
Applied Behavior Analysis (Advanced Certificate) Program
The Applied Behavior Analysis (Advanced Certificate) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of applied behavior analysis. This program is ideal for individuals who wish to pursue a career in this field or for those who are already working in related fields and wish to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Academic Plan
The academic plan for the Applied Behavior Analysis (Advanced Certificate) program is as follows:
- Academic Plan: APBEH-AC
- Total Credits: Earn at least 27 credits
Advisors
The program has a team of experienced advisors who provide guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey. The advisors are:
- April N. Kisamore, Faculty Advisor for students with last names starting with A through G
- Lauren K. Schnell-Peskin, Faculty Advisor for students with last names starting with H through N
- Sal Ruiz, Faculty Advisor for students with last names starting with O through T
- Kendall Kastner, Faculty Advisor for students with last names starting with U through Z
- Valerie J. Lyons, Graduation and Administrative Advisor
Program Sequences
The program sequence guides provide a suggested order of courses for students to follow. These guides also include information on when to take exams and other important non-course requirements. Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor to determine their particular course of study before registering for classes.
Transfer of Credits
A matriculated student may request a transfer of credit for a graduate-level course completed at another institution. To be eligible, the course must have been taken within the past five years and closely match the content of a required course in the student’s Hunter College program. The request will be reviewed by faculty for equivalence. Each program sets the courses for which a transfer will be considered. Graduate students are limited to 12 transfer credits.
Courses Permitted for Transfer
The following courses are permitted for transfer:
- EDABA 74000 Philosophy of Behaviorism
- EDABA 79000 Single-Subject Research Design
- EDABA 79100 Ethics and Professionalism for Applied Behavior Analysts
Transfer of Credit Not Approved
Transfer of credit is not approved for the following courses:
- EDABA 75500 Functional Behavior Assessment
- EDABA 77000 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I (KC)
- EDABA 79300 Applied Behavior Analytic Autism Intervention for Adults
- EDABA 79500 Applied Behavior Analysis I (KC)
- EDABA 79600 Applied Behavior Analysis II (KC)
- EDABA 79800 Behavior Analytic Approaches to Learning
- EDABA 79900 Applied Behavior Analytic Autism Intervention
Clinical Experiences
Students in the Applied Behavior Analysis (Advanced Certificate) program participate in supervised practicum.
Graduation
Graduation is the official completion of the program and conferral of an academic degree. To graduate, students must apply for graduation using CUNYFirst the semester before the semester of their planned graduation and complete any outstanding requirements by the stated deadlines.
Certification and Licensure
There are two credentials that professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis can earn: New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The curriculum of the Applied Behavior Analysis (Advanced Certificate) program is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for Task List 5 and will prepare students for the BCBA Test Content Outline (6th edition).
Types of Certification
Behavior Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The Behavior Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a certification provided by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. In the field of applied behavior analysis, the BCBA is considered the necessary certification to practice ABA. The BCBA credential is broad and does not limit one to working with any particular population or in any particular site.
New York State Licensure as a Behavior Analyst (LBA)
New York State Licensure as a behavior analyst (LBA) is required by New York state to practice ABA outside of exempt settings in the state of New York. Most public schools (elementary, high school, colleges) are exempt settings if one is a salaried employee. This means that one does not currently need to have a license to practice ABA in these settings, but having a license is still preferred.
Applying to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), students must:
- Complete a Behavior Analyst Certification Board application
- Order Official Transcripts
- Submit Monthly and Final Signed Experience Verification Forms
Required Experience for Behavior Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
BCBA currently requires between 1500 and 2000 hours of supervised independent field experience doing relevant ABA work and has rules about the percentages of experience that can be direct implementation vs. indirect implementation and the percentages of supervision that can be done in a group vs. individually.
Applying to become a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst
Those who complete the Advanced Certificate in ABA program can apply for ABA licensure in New York using Pathway Two. To apply, individuals must:
- Complete the Child Abuse Identification and Reporting workshop
- Complete the Office of the Professions Licensed Behavior Analyst application Form 1 and pay all required fees
- Submit a Verification of Certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (Form 3C) to the BACB. The BACB must then submit the completed form directly to the Department to verify education, experience, and examination.