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2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.

Website: gvsu.edu/grad/aba

The GVSU psychology department is offering an online graduate level certificate program in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) that will allow students to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students complete seven courses (21 credits) that meet the Fifth Edition Task List coursework requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Go to bacb.com for more information.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) conduct comprehensive behavioral assessments and design and implement behavior analytic interventions. A BCBA will provide consultation across various settings, collaborate with other professionals to make socially significant improvements for individuals and groups, and train and supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians.

Applied Behavior Analysis at Grand Valley

Students enrolled in the online program will earn a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis verified by the BACB to meet coursework requirements to become a BCBA. To become a BCBA, students must 1) possess a graduate degree (master's or doctoral), 2) complete coursework that meets the BACB task list requirements, 3) complete Experience Standards defined by the BACB, and 4) pass the BCBA certification exam.

Admission

Students may enter the ABA graduate certificate program in two ways:

1. Applicants to the ABA graduate certificate program must demonstrate completion of a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. To be eligible for consideration, applications must include submission of the following materials:

  • All graduate admission materials required by the university
  • A professional vita or resume
  • Three professional letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement outlining interest in the field of applied behavior analysis and the program at Grand Valley State University, relevant experience, and educational and professional goals

2. Students in the GVSU school psychology graduate program are automatically admitted to the ABA graduate certificate program.

Applications are accepted at any time, but preference will be given to applications received by June 1 for fall admission. Applications need to be complete before they will be considered for admission.

Requirements for the ABA Graduate Certificate

Students who are admitted into the certificate program must complete 21 semester credit hours with a B- or better in each course and finish with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. All courses are offered online. The first course in the program sequence starts in the fall, and students may take up to two courses per semester. PSY 522 must be completed during the first semester of the program. The coursework for the program must be completed within four years. The required curriculum consists of the following courses:

Suggested Order of Coursework

Fall Semester:

Winter Semester:

Spring/Summer Semester:

Optional Course:


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