A practical guide to choosing a graduate program

A Practical Guide to Choosing a Graduate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis

Dr. Amanda Philp (PhD, BCBA-D)

So you have decided to take the leap and are interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) but now you ask yourself – how does one become certified to practice behavior analysis? You begin your search online and quickly discover that this task is daunting and overwhelming. The internet is full of information and you are left to decide which program and route is best for you.  This guide is intended as one of several resources you may find helpful in guiding you to make an informed decision. 

To begin you need to know that there are two key components to becoming a practicing behavior analyst: earning a master’s degree in ABA from a higher institution and then getting board certified.  The second component, board certification, involves becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and this is obtained by completing the first component (obtaining a graduate degree) and then sitting for, and passing, the associated exam. 

So now we know the first step is getting a master’s degree in ABA. Many higher institutions offer ABA programs; however, they are not all the same.  You need to make sure you do your research and make sure that the ABA program meets one of the following three requirements:

·      Be a master’s or doctoral program that includes a BACB-Verified Course Sequence (VCS); OR,

·      Be accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) [note: all ABAI-accredited programs include a pre-verified course sequence); OR,

·      Meet BACB course content allocation requirements and receive approval by the BACB (i.e., syllabus must be submitted to the board for evaluation).

Type of Graduate Program

The type of graduate program you choose will largely depend on your profession, area of study, and/or future career plans.  If you already have a master’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, education, etc.) you can apply for a Post-Master’s Certificate Program. If you do not hold a master’s degree in any field or an unrelated field you will need to complete a master’s program in either Applied Behavioral Sciences, Education/Special Education, or Psychology.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program: for those that have earned their graduate degree in a related subject and want to focus on specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis this program would best suit your needs.  You will only complete the courses related to the hour-requirements set forth by the BACB which is fewer courses than a typical master’s program.

ABA Graduate Programs in Applied Behavioral Science: programs that are located in Applied Behavioral Science departments are designed for a wide range of professionals with broad knowledge in ABA, including special education, developmental services, and mental health.  The programs within this category often focus on using ABA to support a wide range of settings (e.g., educational and human service settings including institutional settings, home, schools and communities).

ABA Graduate Programs in Education/Special Education: programs that have a focus on education or special education may be designed for individuals with no previous teaching experience (e.g., you may obtain your initial teaching certification) or for those seeking to advance their career in the educational field.  Typically, ABA programs with an emphasis on education/special education focus on effective instruction and classroom management, teaching pedagogy, designing and improving performance and productivity of schools/teachers/students, measuring student progress effectively and analyzing student learning problems and implementing teaching strategies for struggling students.

ABA Graduate Programs in Psychology: programs in psychology offer a wide range of topics (e.g., MA in counseling with a focus on ABA, MS in psychology with a focus on ABA, etc.).  Psychology programs with an ABA component include courses that are both experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis and can include experience in animal and human research.  Some topics of specialty you may find in a ABA graduate program in psychology may include: behavioral pharmacology, behavioral gerontology, developmental disabilities, organizational behavior management, and behavioral medicine.

Program Delivery: Campus versus Online Instruction

The next step after you determine the type of program (e.g., certificate, psychology or special education) is determining the mode of instruction and delivery of the program.  Campus vs online learning.  You already know the benefits of campus based learning so let’s focus on the remote online learning.  There are two methods of instruction for online learning: synchronous and asynchronous. 

Synchronous learning refers to learning in “real time”. This means that you, your classmates, and your instructor meet all at the same time in a virtual learning place (through a specific online medium). Typically, this is one through video conferencing or live-streaming lectures.  If you are a student that learns through interactions, through immediate questions/answers, and enjoy the social aspect of classes, you may want to look into a program that has their courses offered as synchronous.  There are some disadvantages to synchronous learning, such as: rigid schedule (e.g., lectures and classes may be held during a time where you are working and/or different time zone so you are up late), technology issues (e.g., internet connections, etc.).

Asynchronous learning on the other hand occurs at your own pace/schedule given a time frame.  You will be given materials, assignments for completing, webinars to watch for lectures, and due dates and you are responsible to watch and complete all required tasks at your own pace.  So if you have a busy schedule this option allows for flexibility, pacing, and affordability.  However, the downsides include isolation (e.g., lack of class and instructor contact), and risk of apathy. 

Once you have decided your program and your method of instruction (e.g., campus vs online) you are now ready to start the search for schools that offer the programs you are seeking.  Thankfully, there is a website that has been complied for you by 2U, Inc (2020).  The link can be found in the reference section. 

Your final consideration after you have narrowed down your search to your top schools is to look at their pass rates on the BACB exam.  Each year the BACB releases the pass rates for those schools that have Verified Course Sequences.  The document provides the mode of instruction (e.g., campus) and the number of people who took the exam and the pass rate. For example, in 2018 Florida State University had 21 students take the exam with a pass rate of 100% (BACB, 2019).  Looking at your top school’s data and their pass rate will help you see how well programs may prepare students for the exam (note: there are other contributing factors to passing including studying that may impact pass scores so this should be taken as one point of consideration but not a determining factor).

References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2019). BCBA examination pass rates for verified course sequences. Retrieved 7/10/2020 from https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BCBA-Pass-Rates-Percent_190813.pdf

2U Inc. (2020). The 2020 guide to online masters in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Retrieved 7/10/2020 from https://teach.com/online-ed/psychology-degrees/online-masters-applied-behavior-analysis/