This concentration is designed to give candidates the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully work with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
This verified course sequence could serve as the concentration area in the Master of Arts in Education-Teacher as Leader program, the Educational Specialist Teaching and Leading program, or Rank 1 program. For those without teaching certification, you can complete the verified course sequence within the Master of Arts in Integrative Studies (MAIS) program.
This 21-hour program is designed to give candidates expertise in applied behavior analysis and autism. While this research validated practice is often associated solely for use with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities, it also has broader application in school and other settings with individuals who have problem behaviors which interfere with learning. Although the focus of this program is working with individuals with autism spectrum and behavioral disorders, it is important to note that applied behavior analysis is also used in other subspecialty areas:
Courses are offered online in an accelerated seven-week format for all courses. The program’s faculty encompasses both the scientific knowledge and experience as practitioners in applied behavior analysis in applied settings such as schools, homes, communities, and clinical environments.
The concentration in Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis consists of nine courses (21 credit hours). The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® orÌýBoard Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. Additional requirements includeÌýgathering experienceÌýhours and providing the necessary documentation to theÌýBACB.
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Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation. The most current data shows that the national pass rate for the BACB exam is 60% across all university programs for first time test takers, and 28% for those retaking the exam.
According to the 36th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of IDEA (2014), Kentucky has seen a 71.7 percent increase in the number of students ages 6-21 with autism served in public schools special education programs between the years 2008 and 2012. This program is designed to provide individuals with the expertise to work with these children.
Additionally, obtaining a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential will allow individuals to work not only in schools, but also in institutions, community agencies or even as independent practitioners; working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities and behavioral problems.
Mr. Mehmet Sulu, BCBA
Interim Director of the approved BCBA Course Sequence
859-572-7974
sulum1@nku.edu
