Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
With a maximum of 20 students in each cohort, you will get to work one-on-one with your professors, insuring a quality experience and thorough education. This program is also the first of its kind in the Upper Peninsula, where demand is high for behavior analysts.
Program Overview
The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis provides coursework required for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. Those holding Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification are qualified to work in applied settings such as schools, hospitals, and other organizations as Applied Behavior Analysts. Graduates of this program will have the coursework requirements for qualifying to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. Beyond earning the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, additional requirements to qualify for the exam consist of field experience hours and a master’s degree. Courses taken toward the ABA certificate can also fulfill requirements of appropriate graduate programs.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts seek to increase, decrease, modify, or maintain socially significant behaviors by studying how behaviors interact with the environment. Board Certified Behavior Analysts then help to develop strategies for promoting successful behaviors while addressing issues that might maintain less adaptive behaviors. Board Certified Behavior Analysts work in many settings including mental health, schools, hospitals, residence facilities, and other human service settings.
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Admissions Requirements
Visit the graduate bulletin for admission requirements for this program.
Review of fully complete applications will begin after February 1 for Fall enrollment and be considered on a rolling basis after this date. Applicants will be selected by the department faculty based on the merit of the overall application, and the number of applicants accepted will depend upon the program’s current capacity. The program does not accept applications for the Winter or Summer terms.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis Requirements
Full certificate requirements are provided in the graduate bulletin.
Students in this program take the following courses:
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ABA 501 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 502 Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis or PSY 505 Advanced Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
| ABA 503 Behavior Assessment | 3 |
| ABA 504 Behavior-Change Procedures | 3 |
| ABA 505 Conceptual Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| ABA 506 Practice and Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 507 Personnel Supervision and Management in Behavior Services | 3 |
Course Sequence
|
Fall Courses |
Winter Courses |
|
1st Year ABA 501 ABA 502/PSY505 Total Credits: 6 |
1st Year ABA 503 ABA 504 Total Credits: 6 |
|
2nd Year ABA 505 ABA 506 Total Credits: 6 |
2nd Year ABA 507
Total Credits: 3 |
Research Opportunities in Behavior Analysis
There are many behavior analysis research opportunities at Northern Michigan University.
- Behavior Education Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center.
- The Behavior Education Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center is a university clinic and research facility overseen by the Department of Psychological Science. The BEAR Center conducts clinical research in Applied Behavior Analysis.
- The Behavior Education Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center is a university clinic and research facility overseen by the Department of Psychological Science. The BEAR Center conducts clinical research in Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Toegel Laboratories
- The Toegel Labs in the Department of Psychological Science are overseen by Drs. Cory and Forrest Toegel. The labs conduct human and animal research in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) and Applied Behavior Analysis.
- The Toegel Labs in the Department of Psychological Science are overseen by Drs. Cory and Forrest Toegel. The labs conduct human and animal research in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) and Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Gambling and Gaming Laboratory
- The Gambling and Gaming Lab in the Department of Psychological Science is overseen by Dr. Jacob Daar. The lab conducts research on gambling, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors.
- The Gambling and Gaming Lab in the Department of Psychological Science is overseen by Dr. Jacob Daar. The lab conducts research on gambling, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors.
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory
- The Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory in the Department of Psychological Science is overseen by Dr. Adam Prus. The lab conducts research on the neurological and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs, particularly those used to treat mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
- The Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory in the Department of Psychological Science is overseen by Dr. Adam Prus. The lab conducts research on the neurological and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs, particularly those used to treat mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
The Department of Psychological Science has several additional laboratories and research opportunities in the areas of behavioral neuroscience, cognitive/affective neuroscience, social psychology, performance psychology, mental health/wellness, and educational psychology.
Job Opportunities in Applied Behavior Analysis
Individuals professionally certified in applied behavior analysis at the master's level are in demand nationwide. In Michigan, the demand is also high. Michigan's Autism Insurance Reform legislation went into effect in 2012. The new law requires health carriers to provide coverage for diagnoses and treatments related to autism spectrum disorders. However, Michigan lacks enough providers to immediately serve the needs of all of the children in the state with autism. According to the Autism Alliance of Michigan, there are over 15,000 kids in Michigan and not enough Board Certified Behavior Analysts in Michigan to help those families.
This program is the first of its kind in the Upper Peninsula, where demand is especially high for behavior analysts.
Where you might work:
- Schools
- Outpatient mental health facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Clinics
- In an industry trying to improve worker efficiency
Salary range: Typically, applied behavior analysts earn between $60,000-80,000 a year.
Licensing
In U.S. states (including districts and territories) that have licensing for behavior analysts, a BCBA is required. The NMU degree meets this educational requirement. States that currently require licensure for behavior analysts are listed below (2/6/24). Licensing fees will vary across states. In Michigan, the total fee (license fee for 4 years + application fee) for a BCBA is $452.40 for 2024.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Connecticut
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming
More information on state licensure requirements, including links to state licensing information, can be found here.