Applied Behavior Analysis, Certificate (online)

This certificate will appeal to prospective students who are interested in professional careers in educational, health care, and/or other settings in which they work with children, adolescents, and/or adults who have behavioral challenges. 

Information regarding Licensure, Endorsement, or Accreditation: Candidates in the proposed certificate will gain the knowledge and skills to pursue the supervised fieldwork that leads towards the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) professional credential. This credential is currently verified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and earning the BCBA allows one to become a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA) within the state of Ohio. The graduate certificate will be submitted to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to be validated as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), a necessary program designation for candidates to use the certificate to be eligible to become a BCBA.

Learning Outcomes

• Examine basic behavior concepts, including behavior-analytic terms and the philosophical and defining characteristics of ABA.
• Apply fundamental elements of behavior change (i.e., procedures and systems) to socially significant behaviors.
• Complete a Functional Analysis for an individual and create programming based on the assessment results and knowledge of appropriate intervention.
• Apply the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (PECCBA) and relevant state ethical codes to issues of practice in ABA
• Analyze educational applications of behavior analysis to areas of socially-significant behavior for populations other than individuals with developmental disabilities .
• Design a single-case design research experiment to systematically replicate findings from a study published in a peer-reviewed academic journal based on an experimental question grounded in applied behavior analysis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants can apply to start during Session One only in Fall, Spring and Summer terms. This program prepares you to sit for the ABA Board Exam, in addition, the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) requires that you hold a Master’s degree. 

BGSU online graduate programs in special education use a holistic admissions review process. We value the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and individual perspectives applicants bring to our learning community. Every application is reviewed to gain insight into how an applicant’s academic preparation and experiences contribute to their interest and ability to be successful in graduate study at BGSU. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with classes beginning in August, January, and May.

Additional Documents required:

• Applicants must have an earned master’s degree or have completed one prior to starting the program, preferably (but not required) in Psychology or Special Education
• Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose should address:

• your motivation for pursuing graduate study in your chosen field
• what you hope to gain through graduate study
• your career aspirations following completion of the program
• your personal qualities that relate to your future success as a graduate student

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements