Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis

Program Mission

The graduate program in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis emphasizes the principles of learning and the systematic application of evidence-based behavioral strategies to promote gains across multiple areas including behavior, academics, social-communication, and community integration. Based on the BACB Task List V Standards and the  Ethical  Codes, the program provides the knowledge and skills required to (a) conduct behavioral assessments, (b) design interventions that facilitate the acquisition of positive skills and the reduction of behaviors that interfere with learning, (c) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, (d) provide behavior analytic consultation and supervision services, and (e) serve in accordance with BACB ethical standards. In order for a student to sit for the BACB examination, all program requirements, as well as all necessary experience hours, as well as pass the BACB examination.

Program Description

All students entering the program starting Fall 2023 will participate in graduate courses that meet the BCBA Task List V Requirements. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BCBA-task-list-5th-ed-230130-a.pdf

Current students completing their program of studies based on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Task List V requirements and must ensure that all requirements are met and documents are submitted to the BACB in time to sit for the Task List V Examination prior to it changing on January 1, 2027.

Please note that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB ®) and/or the Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI®) can make changes to eligibility requirements for certification at any time.  Current and future students are required to review information from the BACB and remain current with updates https://www.bacb.com/bcba/

Students must complete a core set of eight ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS)  lecture-based courses (24 credits) and one required practicum (3 credits) as well as 15 credit hours of additional elective coursework chosen with their faculty advisor. The total program involves 42 graduate credits. The core ABA set of classes has been approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and is a registered ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) meets the BACB Task List V Requirements.  The students must have a “B-” in all of the VCS core ABA courses and pass 2 competency exams to stay in the program. The first competency assessment is a 40 hour RBT training series. All Master’s students in the School of Education will also complete a written comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam covers the entirety of the student's coursework.

• The written exam can take one of several forms and may include multiple choice, short answer, or essay.
• Successful completion of written comprehensive exams will reflect breadth and depth of knowledge by the student demonstrating:
  • Competency related to their content area;
  • That s/he is prepared to be a professional in their field
• Students will need to demonstrate a passing rate to be able to receive approval for graduation

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS*

Individuals interested in applying for admission should contact the Director of Graduate Admissions for Felician University at (201) 559-1466. Information can also be found on the web page under the School of Education, Master's in Education with a Specialization in Autism and ABA. The admission requirements include:

• Completed application to the School of Education Graduate Programs and $40 application fee

• Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (flexible)

• Official transcripts of past collegiate work including post-baccalaureate work

• Statement of Professional Interest

• Interview with the Program Coordinator

• Complete an impromptu writing sample.

* All Felician University School of Education admission requirements are followed as applicable to this program.