Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA/BACB) Graduate Certificate Program

The number of students with ASD served in public schools has surged dramatically at local, regional, and national levels, generating demand for highly qualified professionals trained in strategies to support this population. The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is responsive to the newly developed guidelines of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This program allows students to fulfill the requirement for certification with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) without matriculating into the M.S.Ed. Concentration.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they apply under the current BACB Standards. The BACB Standards are subject to revision in the sole discretion of the BACB Board of Directors.

Program Information

Courses are offered in the evening on Temple's main campus, typically from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Most courses are not available online. Students may enroll in one or two courses per semester, including summer sessions, though course offerings may vary.

The program fulfills only the coursework requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam. See the BACB website for details on additional exam requirements.

Information on current tuition and fees for the program can be found at Temple's Bursar's Office. (Look under College of Education, Graduate.) Information about financial aid can be found at Temple's Student Financial Services.

Program Requirements

Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (18 semester hours)

SPED 5302: Effective Teaching Strategies for Students with ASD - The course overviews instructional, curricular and behavioral intervention strategies for students with autism spectrum disorder within inclusive classroom and other settings based on the science of applied behavior analysis. Strategies for successfully collaborating with diverse students, families, and professionals will be overviewed. Semesters offered to be determined.
SPED 5303: Ethics and Applied Behavior Analysis - Provides the student with an overview of ethical practices and considerations for behavior analysts working across a variety of applied settings, including schools and agencies that support people with disabilities. Typically offered in summer semester.
SPED 5304: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis - Provides the student with an introduction to the concepts and principles of Behavior Analysis. Core concepts including motivation, reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and rule governed and verbal behavior will be covered, along with examples of behavior change techniques that employ these concepts. Typically offered in fall semester.
SPED 8711: Single- Subject Research Design - Provides an overview of strategies for designing and conducting single-subject research in special education. Competencies include selection of independent and dependent variables for research, measurement tactics, research design, establishing generality of results, and ensuring the integrity of research procedures. Typically offered in spring semester.
Sch Psy 5676: Applied Behavior Analysis - Provides students with an understanding of behavioral processes and application of behavioral technology to problems of social significance. The course will focus on the basic principles of learning, functional behavior assessment, and effective and practical classroom management strategies. Typically offered in fall semester.
Sch Psy 8773: Verbal Behavior - An advanced course in behavior analysis with a focus on Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. Topics include elementary and advanced verbal operants, functional analysis of verbal behavior, criticisms of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior, advanced theory and applications. Typically offered in spring semester.

Note: Students who choose to matriculate into the M.S.Ed. program may transfer up to 12 semester hours from either the ABA/BACB Certificate or Autism Endorsement Certificate programs upon acceptance into the program. Completion of a certificate program does not guarantee admission into the master's program. Students considering matriculating into a master's program are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Admissions Requirements

A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA or 3.5 graduate GPA is reccommended for admission.

Completed Online Application
Official transcripts from all colleges & graduate schools attended
TOEFL for non-native speakers of English
Current professional resume (upload with online application)
Statement of goals (upload with online application)

How Your Application is Reviewed:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Typically, applicants receive a decision within 6-8 weeks after all required application materials have been received. As a general guide, applicants who submit their applications Dec 16 -April 15 should anticipate a decision by May 1 (for Summer admission). For applications submitted April 16 - July 15, applicants should anticipate a decision by August 1 (for Fall admission). For applications submitted July 16-Dec 15, applicants should anticipate a decision by Jan 5 (for Spring admission).

Contact Information

If you have additional questions about the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA/BACB) Graduate Certificate program at Temple, please contact:

Matt Tincani, Ph.D., BCBA-D
phone: 215-204-8073
e-mail: tincani@temple.edu (email preferred)

Return to M.S.Ed. Program Information

ABA Programs

Special Education Programs