Behavior Analyst Certificate

Graduate Program Chairs

Nancy Murray, EdD
Anne Howard, PhD

Program Description

The Behavior Analyst Certificate Program provides the specialized training needed for individuals interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) through the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.

The five course certificate program has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. as meeting coursework eligibility requirements required for the Behavior Analysis Certification exam. Our carefully planned course sequence prepares individuals to work with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other disabilities through the understanding of behavioral analysis and other factors that often contribute to student success.

Most graduate students enrolled in a Fitchburg State Special Education teaching license program will be able to apply two courses to a master’s degree, while students in the nonlicensure Special Education Guided Studies, Individualized Track could count up to five courses toward their degree.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Behavior Analyst Certificate program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:

• A personal statement (maximum 300 words). The statement should describe your goals and reasons for applying to the program and should include information about previous course work, training or work experiences related to the program. It should also discuss specifically the strengths you bring and the areas of competence you need to develop.
• Applicant must (one of the following must apply)
  
  1. Submit official master’s degree transcript from a fully accredited institute of higher education
  2. Be matriculated in a Fitchburg State University master’s degree program, or
  3. Concurrently submit an application to a Fitchburg State University master’s degree program.

Students must be accepted prior to enrolling in any courses beyond SPED 8015 .

Program of Study

The following five courses must be completed by students wishing to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The first two courses must be taken in sequence (not concurrently) while the final three courses can be taken concurrently and in no specific order.