Applied behavior analysis
Program
The certificate program in applied behavior analysis (ABA) prepares teachers and related service personnel to design and deliver services to pre-school children and youth with developmental and acquired disabilities.
This 12-credit program provides specialized training in methods of behavioral assessment, intervention, and treatment evaluation. Coursework addresses ethical issues regarding treatment delivery, and the need for supervision by qualified professionals. This population served by the Behavior Analyst may be diagnosed with autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.
Professionals with specialized training in applied behavior analysis are in high demand. The behavior-analytic mode of service delivery is recognized locally and nationally as an effective and accountable system for consumers with developmental disabilities and autism.
This program offers professional development opportunities for public and private social service agency staff, public and private school personnel, treatment facility personnel, and psychology and education professionals.
Professionals in applied behavior analysis apply specific and comprehensive principles of learning to address behavioral needs of widely varying individuals in diverse settings. Examples of these applications include: building the skills and achievements of children in school and work settings; and enhancing the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with disabilities.
Completion of certificate requirements will be noted on the student’s transcript. Before registering for a required course, EPSY 5703, candidates must pass a criminal background check. The certificate program will also prepare students for the national professional certification examination sponsored by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.®. However, applicants must meet additional criteria to meet certification requirements.
The certificate program is offered by the college’s Department of Educational Psychology (EdPsych) and the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts (CLA).
Admission
Admission is open to graduate and undergraduate applicants, who must meet separate admission requirements:
Undergraduate students
By the beginning of the program, applicants must have earned at least 60 credit hours with a minimum 2.80 grade point average (GPA). Undergraduate students wishing to complete the certificate must be admitted to a degree program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
Graduate students
Applicants must have a minimum 2.80 GPA in undergraduate degree and 3.00 in graduate coursework from accredited institutions.
International students
This program is only available to international students enrolled in a concurrent grad program. It is not offered full-time and therefore is not intended for international students needing a visa to study in the US.
How to apply
Application materials:
All applicants must also submit the following items:
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended or are currently attending, including the University of Minnesota. Transcripts can be uploaded directly into the Apply Yourself online application system. For instructions on how to upload your transcripts into the application system, click here.
- If you completed coursework at a university outside of the United States, your transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation center. Request a “course-by-course” evaluation. This process can take 4-6 weeks, so please plan in advance. You can use any provider that is an accredited member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A suggested provider of this service is Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 (414-289-3400, fax: 414-289-3411).
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant’s ability to work with populations that could benefit from ABA techniques. Recommendations should be submitted through the online application system. Instructions for submitting recommendations are included in the application.
- Typed goal statement (no more than one page)
Application instructions:
- LOG IN TO THE ON-LINE APPLICATION SYSTEM TO APPLY TO THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. Be sure to save your PIN and password so you can access the application system to view your admission status.
- When completing “Application Information” you will be asked what type of program you are applying to—choose “Certificate” from the pull down menu. Next you will be asked for your primary program objective—choose “Applied Behavior Analysis” from the pull down menu. You do not need to select a second or third emphasis. You can skip those boxes and continue to complete the rest of the page.
- Continue through the application pages. On the SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL page you will have the opportunity to upload your transcripts and goal statement.
- Follow the instructions in the online application system for submission of recommendations.
- Be sure to hit SUBMIT after you have completed the application. You will receive a decision notification by email within four to six weeks of submission of your application.
- CLICK HERE TO BEGIN THE ON-LINE APPLICATION PROCESS.
Nonnative English speakers and/or international students
All nonnative English speakers must submit an official
score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL).
Minimum TOEFL score requirements are listed below:
Internet-based test 79-80
Computer-based test 213
Paper-based test 550
Application deadlines
All candidates will be notified of their admission status within four weeks of application (via postal mail or electronically).>
Program requirements
A maximum of three credit hours related to the ABA field and completed at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus may be accepted as prior credits. Coursework must be approved by certificate faculty. No coursework from outside the University of Minnesota will be accepted as transfer credits. No course substitutions will be allowed.
All coursework must be completed for the certificate. Students will have a maximum of four years to complete coursework for the certificate. Students must maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA in certificate coursework to remain in the program. A minimum grade of B is required for successful completion of the required practicum course EPSY 5703.
All coursework must be completed prior to the practicum. Before registering for EPSY 5703, candidates must pass a criminal background check. The candidate must pay any background check fees.
Curriculum
Required coursework (12 credits)
Students must complete 12 credits of coursework in the
following list:
- EPSY 5616—Behavior Analysis and Classroom Management (3
cr)
or EPSY 8707 – Principals of Learning and Behavior (3 cr) & EPSY 8708 – Functional Behavior Analysis (3 cr) - EPSY 5657—Interventions for Social and Emotional Disabilities (3 cr)
- EPSY 5703—Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 cr)
- PSY 4011—Applied Behavioral-Analysis (3 cr)
Coursework and practicum are not currently offered online.
Registration
Currently admitted degree seeking, certificate seeking, or non-degree seeking students may register online for coursework at the University’s One Stop student services Web site.
Students who want to begin certificate coursework before admission to a University of Minnesota degree or certificate program should use the One Stop non-degree registration option.
For questions about registration, contact Student Services at 612-625-5815.
Note: Certificate coursework completed with undergraduate student status cannot be applied to graduate-level degree programs.
Tuition/financial aid
Certificate tuition varies, depending on a student’s enrollment status and residency. Tuition fees are charged according to the following criteria:
- Students enrolled in certificate and undergraduate programs pay undergraduate tuition rates.
- Students seeking only the certificate pay the CEHD departmental master’s (M.Ed.) tuition rate.
- Students enrolled in certificate and master of education (M.Ed.) programs pay the CEHD departmental master’s tuition rate.
- Students enrolled in Graduate School programs (e.g., M.A., Ph.D., Ed.D.) pay Graduate School tuition rates.
General financial aid advising and information are available from the University’s Office of Student Finance (OSF), 200 Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-624-1111.
For graduate assistantship/scholarship information (for students enrolled in graduate degree programs), contact the Graduate Assistant Office, 200 Donhowe (for mail) or 100 Donhowe (for walk in), Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-624-7070; fax: 612-625-9801.
Program completion requirements
Final certificate clearance depends on completion of all course requirements, including the posting of final grades to the student’s transcript. Students will have a maximum of seven years to complete coursework for the certificate.
In addition to completing all program requirements, students must complete the following form: Graduate Application for Degree/Certificate Form.
The College of Education and Human Development Graduate Student Services clears certificates on a monthly basis. This form must be submitted to One Stop Student Services on or before the first day of the month that the student intends to graduate. Students who submit the form to One Stop Student Services after the first day of the month will be cleared to graduate at the end of the following month.
Successful completion of the certificate will be noted on the student's official University of Minnesota transcript and an official certificate will be issued.
Program coordinator
Tim Moore
612-6207723; e-mail:
moore618@umn.edu
Program faculty
Gail Peterson