Undergraduate Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies

The Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level provide behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®).

There are many benefits to obtaining BCBA® certification, including:

• BCaBA® certifications are National and can be used across State lines.
• BCaBA® certifications are the leading behavior analyst credential and is required by many funders and licensure boards.
• BCaBA® certifications are offered by the first certifying entity in behavior analysis, the BACB, which has been certifying behavior analysts for over 20 years.
• BCaBA® certifications shows that you have met certain requirements that are critical in providing and overseeing behavior-analytic services.
• BCaBA ®certifications provides increased consumer protection since you must meet certain eligibility and maintenance requirements to obtain and maintain certification.

Though behavior analysts are often best known for advances in autism treatment and support, the field offers a variety of options for graduates. Behavior analysts work around the world, working in businesses, schools, clinics, residential treatment centers, group homes, and private practice, working with children, individuals with autism, and people with schizophrenia or intellectual disabilities. Behavior Analysts also work with employees in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations in business, industry, speech-language pathology, animal behavior and training, and special education.

Applied behavior analysis jobs include:

• Private practice as a BCaBA® providing early intervention services to children with autism
• BCaBA® in a school district assisting teachers to manage students with problem behavior
• BCaBA® in a group home
• BCaBA® consultant to companies focusing on improving employee performance
• BCaBA® consultant to companies focusing on improving employee performance
• BCaBA® internal consultant to improve employee performance
• Program manager or director of specialized school
• BCaBA® for state or federal government
• Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projected BCBA jobs to grow 19% through 2024
• Annual demand for individuals holding BCaBA/BCBA/BCBA-D certification has increased a 127% increase from 2017 to 2018
• Burning Glass Technologies, found over 16,000 job postings for BCaBA/BCBAs in in 2018
• According to payscale.com BCaBA/ BCBA’s in NJ average $65k with a range of $43-$113k per year.

Individuals seeking a degree Behavior and Autism Studies can choose to attend Felician University’s campus, or access class sessions via synchronous technology.

The program offers evening class schedules, and works closely with local educational agencies, exceptional private schools and clinics utilizing behavior analysis, and the International Center for Autism and Disabilities Research (I-CADRE) that provide practicum, employment, and applied learning opportunities for students.

Felician University offers 3 ways to complete the course work towards becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® at the Undergraduate Level

1. Undergraduate Major in Behavior and Autism Studies
2. Undergraduate Minor in Behavior and Autism Studies
3. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies

Felician University students include:

• Diverse mix of full-time students to full-time workers in the local area, to students are just entering the field, to those who are seasoned behavior therapists.
• Students who choose one of Felician University’s applied behavior analysis programs build the foundation necessary to become a well-respected professional in the behavior analytic community.

Professors in the ABA programs are dedicated, collaborative, and student focused practitioners with a commitment to developing and mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts and contributing to the research on effective interventions for the most vulnerable populations. Training the next generation of behavior analytic researchers and practitioners, all courses are taught by Board-Certified Behavior Analysts® or Board Certified Behavior Analysts-Doctorate®

Students receive one-on-one attention from professors who work alongside them in coursework and research.

A close student-professor culture in the applied behavior analysis programs creates a professional environment where students are viewed as professionals and colleagues.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. The BACB is the only credentialing organization for professionals within the discipline.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

For more information about Felician University’s programs in Behavior and Autism Studies contact the VCS Coordinator Dr. Theoni Mantzoros at  mantzorost@felician.edu

EDU 491: Educational Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities (3 Credits)

Evidenced based educational practices for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities are explored. Students examine research based Positive Behavioral Supports for increasing academics, communication, and social skills, and for decreasing disruptive behaviors.

EDU 492: Basic Applied Behavior Analysis for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities (3 Credits)

The application of Applied Behavior Analysis with students with ASD and other developmental disabilities will be emphasized. Participants will explore strategies to conduct functional behavioral assessments and provide positive behavioral supports.

EDU 493: Team-Based Behavioral Assessment and Implementation (2 Credits)

Students acquire knowledge and skills for implementing team based behavioral assessments with professionals and parents. Emphasis will be on methods to identify socially significant behaviors, relevant skill strengths and deficits, and preferred items and tasks. In addition, students will gain information of specific methods to supervise, manage, and support others involved in assessment and intervention programs.

EDU 494: Professional and Ethical Compliance Code and Disciplinary Systems in ABA (1 Credit)

This course will ephasize professional practices based on the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts and the BACB Code-Enforcement Procedures. Students will be provided with an overview of the codes and procedures used for promoting and maintaining standards of professional conduct in the practice of behavior analysis.

EDU 498: Behavioral Assessment and Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities (3 Credits)

Direct observational methods and functional assessment procedures are explored for individuals with ASD and other DD for the purpose of planning educational and positive behavioral supports. Students learn the process of designing behavioral and educational supports based on information gathered from objective behavioral data collection.

EDU 499: Professional Practices in ABA and Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 Credits)

This course will emphasize professional practices based on the BACB Task List 4 and the BACB Professional Disciplinary and Ethical Standards and the BACB Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior Analysts. Students will be provided with an overview of the Guidelines. Emphasis will be on both the importance of delivering evidenced based practices and performing in a manner consistent with the professional and ethical standards.

EDU 210: Seminar for Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 Credit)

Students will participate in a weekly seminar group supervision experience that will follow the experience guidelines of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.  Students must be simultaneously enrolled in the Field Experience component.

EDU 210F: Field Experience for Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (2 Credits)

Students will participate in 15 hours per week of activities under the requirements of the BACB. Students must be simultaneously enrolled in the Seminar component.

PSYC 301: Educational Psychology

This course examines the psychological principles used in education. Major theories of learning, intelligence, and motivation are covered. Discussion also emphasizes teaching issues such as setting goals and objectives and managing the classroom

EDU 220 Understanding Special Populations and Building Relationships between Home, School, School, and Community for all.

This course examines the nature of children with exceptionalities, their family constellations and issues regarding family-professional interaction with community agencies and sources of referral. Exceptionality will be presented in broad terms addressing both general human needs as well as the distinctive problems faced by persons who have exceptional handicaps. Moreover, the needs of exceptional individuals and their families will be presented in terms of transitions through life cycles.

SPED 410: Universal Design and Assistive Technology

The course emphasizes an overview of curriculum development, organization and planning of instructional activities, selection and preparation of materials, use of resources and selection of Assistive Technology Resources.

SPED 401: Supporting the Success of the Uniquely Able Learner

This course is designed to provide the teacher with an understanding of programming, curriculum and instruction of children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, behavioral disorders, speech delays, slow learning ability and mild autism within today’s inclusive classroom. Emphasis will be on identification, referral, IEP development, methods for management, planning and evaluating instructional strategies. Emphasis will be placed on methods for differentiating instruction based upon learner characteristics, learning environment, curriculum, technology considerations, and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

• Felician University Undergraduate Behavior and Autism Studies Program Co-Major with Psychology or English
• Course Offerings- 5th Edition Task List
• 11 Core Courses/1 Practicum Plus General Education and Co-Major Requirements

Undergraduate Course Catalog:

• Double major is required.
• Students are responsible for successfully completing all degree requirements.
• To be eligible to sit for the BCaBA exam, students are also responsible for accumulating 1300 supervised fieldwork hours, submit all documents that are required.
• Completing 1300 hours is not a requirement for program completion.
• To become a BCaBA students must pass the BACB Task List V BCaBA Examination.
• Passing the BCaBA exam is not a requirement for degree completion.

Although there is overlap, the requirements for becoming and practicing as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts are different than the requirements for completing these programs. Students should familiarize themselves with all credentialing requirements before applying for board certification. For more information please visit https://www.bacb.com/

Though we are striving to find placements and BCaBA/BCBA fieldwork supervisors for all students,  Felician University cannot guarantee practicum placement. We are striving to assist each student by organizing a list of potential supervisors and sites. To find a qualified supervisor, check out the BACB’s registry of BCBA’s willing to supervise candidates pursuing BCBA or BCaBA certification. If you are interested in obtaining BCBA or BCaBA certification, please ensure you are aware of all eligibility requirements at https://www.bacb.com/

• Felician University Undergraduate Minor Behavior and Autism Studies Program
• Course Offerings- 5th Edition Task List
• 6 Courses/ 1 Practicum

Undergraduate Course Catalog

• Students are responsible for successfully completing all degree requirements.
• To be eligible to sit for the BCaBA exam, students are also responsible for accumulating 1300 supervised fieldwork hours, submit all documents that are required.
• Completing 1300 hours is not a requirement for program completion.
• To become a BCaBA students must pass the BACB Task List V BCaBA Examination.
• Passing the BCaBA exam is not a requirement for degree completion.

Though we are striving to find placements and BCaBA/BCBA fieldwork supervisors for all students,  Felician University cannot guarantee practicum placement. We are striving to assist each student by organizing a list of potential supervisors and sites. To find a qualified supervisor, check out the BACB’s registry of BCBA’s willing to supervise candidates pursuing BCBA or BCaBA certification. If you are interested in obtaining BCBA or BCaBA certification, please ensure you are aware of all eligibility requirements at https://www.bacb.com/