Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

Graduate Program Chair

Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA

Program Description

The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program provides the coursework needed for individuals interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA’s) through the international Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc., which has approved this course sequence.

The six-course certificate program is designed to meet coursework eligibility requirements required for the Behavior Analysis Certification exam. Our carefully planned course sequence helps prepare individuals to work with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other disabilities through the understanding of Applied Behavioral Analysis. The program may be completed in one year, and is offered in an accelerated online format. Candidates must begin the program in the fall semester, and courses must be taken sequentially.

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 non-licensure Special Education Guided Studies, Individualized Concentration could count up to six courses for the certificate toward their degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

ABA Certificate Program:
Students will acquire the content knowledge necessary to sit for the exam to become  Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and to be successful as BCBAs. 

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Applied Behavior Analysis 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 in education, behavior analysis or psychology from a fully accredited institute of higher education
  2. Be matriculated in a Fitchburg State University special education master’s degree program, or
  3. Concurrently submit an application to a Fitchburg State University master’s degree program in special education.

Students must be accepted prior to enrolling in any courses beyond the first two courses (SPED 8013 Concepts & Principles of Behavior Analysis, and SPED 8028 Research Methods in Behavior Analysis). Please visit the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate web page for further information.