Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education prepares students for roles as behavior analysts in educational and clinical settings. Students will prepare to take and pass the national behavior analyst certification examination developed by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) in accordance with the BACB’s coursework requirements for BCBA examination eligibility.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

An applicant for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education must:

1. submit both departmental and university application forms.
2. have a master’s degree or be enrolled in a master’s degree program at Saginaw Valley State University.
3. submit three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic potential to pursue graduate study and competence or potential to deliver applied behavior analysis or related services.
4. submit a statement of professional goals that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the emphasis area will help them attain.
5. have access to high-speed internet and the appropriate technologies.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of a high probability of success. The following factors are significant in determining admission to the emphasis area:

1. A grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in the last two years of undergraduate and all graduate courses.
2. Experience working with children and youth with disabilities in a school or camp or other experience with behavior analysis that is acceptable to the faculty.
3. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the emphasis area.
4. A test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

The certificate requires completion of a seven-course sequence. All courses are offered online. Course selections must be pre-approved by the Program Coordinator to ensure compliance with the coursework requirements of the Behavior Analysts Certification Board. A student who, in the judgment of the faculty, has not completed appropriate courses in exceptional children or behavior management may be required to complete such courses in addition to the requirements below.