Post Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- San Diego, CA
- Full-Time, Part-Time
- 1 year full time, 18-24 months part time
Applied Behavior Analysis is the ethical design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental changes to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. Students who complete this Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at our San Diego Campus will have satisfied the academic coursework requirement to sit for the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA).
Upon completion of this certificate program, students will be able to:
- Evaluate the impact of diversity issues on individuals and society, as well as demonstrate sensitivity and competence, while working with diverse populations
- Evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas in accordance with behavior-analytics and psychological ethical guidelines
- Establish rapport and communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and other professionals
- Analyze behaviors, design interventions, and evaluate interventions by applying basic behavioral principles and assessment techniques to effect socially significant behavior change
- Conduct and evaluate behavior-analytics research and other psychological research effectively and ethically
Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis: San Diego Student Experience
San Diego is host to an eclectic mix of culture and activities—including museums, symphonies, sporting events, theaters, shopping, and restaurants. Our San Diego Campus is located in the downtown area’s Core Columbia District and is within walking distance of the downtown trolley station and Santa Fe Depot.
Under the guidance of faculty with years of practical experience in their respective fields, students will learn how to take theory and apply it in the field. Cultivating a progressive approach to various areas of psychology, including Applied Behavior Analysis and Marriage and Family Therapy, the programs at our San Diego Campus truly reflect the needs of our changing world.
Get Started
AB540 Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis I
Behavior analysis is a natural science approach to the prediction, control, and understanding of behavior. Students will first be introduced to the philosophical assumptions of determinism, empiricism, parsimony, and pragmatism. Students will then learn to identify and describe the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis. These will include operant conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement, basic schedules of reinforcement, extinction, positive and negative punishment, using primary and establishing secondary reinforcers and punishers, establishing stimulus and motivational control, and establishing discrimination and generalization training procedures. In addition, students will learn to identify, describe, and apply common behavior change procedures including shaping, chaining, and differential reinforcement.
AB564 Behavior Assessment
In this course, students learn to determine the need for behavior analytic services, conduct and interpret the results of behavioral assessments, identify common functions of problem behavior, and create socially meaningful behavior change goals. Assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits, preference assessments, as well as indirect and descriptive assessment, and functional analysis of problem behavior will be examined.
AB615 Practicum I (Optional)
This field-based course of study involves supported practical application of behavior analytic skills learned in class. Training includes a variety of activities designed to prepare students to become applied behavior analysts.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.
Students may complete the BCBA® Fieldwork Experience required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® through The Chicago School’s optional practicum courses.
Applicants in the online and on-ground programs are encouraged to gain experience in multiple sites and with multiple supervisors. See www.bacb.com for appropriate experience activities and for more information about practicum requirements.
Students registered in practicum incur a one-time $195 Experiential Learning Technology Fee.
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis must possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications. Applicants to this program should ensure their resume illustrates relevant work experience. A letter of reference, preferably from a supervisor or manager, is required. An admission essay is required.
Prior to January 1, 2022, the Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (BACB®) requires all exam applicants to possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution that was conferred in behavior analysis, education, psychology, or a related degree as defined by the BACB®. If you are uncertain whether your degree qualifies, you can request a preliminary degree evaluation online prior to submitting a BCBA® Certification Application.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt, or not subject to approval, please visit https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/
The Chicago School is dedicated to keep our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our financial aid department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.