Note: The University is no longer accepting applications to this program. ![]() Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis: BCaBA Coursework PreparationBACB-Approved BCaBA® Coursework ProgramGet more information today: |
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There has been a growing need, both nationally and internationally, for individuals trained in Applied Behavior Analysis to work with a wide population of individuals needing specialized educational instruction or behavior management interventions. For several years, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has been nationally recognized for its leadership in establishing multiple levels of certification, for which it has developed rigorous exams; exam eligibility depends on applicants' completion of specific educational and supervised experience requirements.
To help meet the growing need for qualified professionals, the BACB offers a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA®) credential for individuals who have earned their Bachelor's degrees. BCaBAs support BCBAs by collecting data, implementing skill acquisition procedures and/or behavior management interventions, graphing and analyzing data, as well as conducting assessments. BCaBAs play an important role in supporting the growing caseloads of BCBAs in school systems, special education programs, residential programs, and community and home therapy programs.
This four-course graduate certificate, available entirely online, is open to any student with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution as well as to seniors at UML with permission from their department chair. This certificate fulfills the coursework requirements for certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst and helps prepare students to take the BACB's BCaBA Certification Exam.
Three of the courses in this program can also be applied towards the BACB's BCBA coursework requirements, and they may be applied towards UMass Lowell's psychology Master's Degree in Autism Studies (on campus/online program) and the education Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Studies Option (online program).
Frequently Asked Questions about UMass Lowell's Graduate Programs in Autism
For information regarding additional graduate autism programs offered by UMass Lowell, please visit https://gps.uml.edu/online/autism_programs.cfm
Students wishing to pursue certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst through the BACB must apply for and be accepted into the Behavioral Management in Autism Certificate Program and successfully complete the four required courses. This program is approved by the BACB to fulfill their BCaBA coursework requirement, and it is designed to help prepare students for the BACB BCaBA Certification Exam.
Check the BACB website regularly as the requirements change periodically.
For more information on the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program with BCaBA Coursework Preparation, call 978-934-2240 or email AutismCertificate@uml.edu.
This graduate-level certificate could be of interest to recent college graduates interested in earning a valuable credential that may help them find work in a variety of educational and social service settings.
Students wishing to pursue certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA ®) through the BACB must apply for and be accepted into the Behavioral Management in Autism Certificate Program and successfully complete the four required courses. To apply for the BCaBA ® Certification Exam, please refer to the BACB website.
Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs through UMass Lowell must complete all courses indicated in the curriculum outline. Students may complete the certificate program at their own pace by registering for and successfully completing one or more courses each semester, depending upon his/her personal time constraints. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 with no more than one course grade below B to receive the certificate.
Online courses meet throughout the year during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters (see Calendar for details). Online students generally log into their online course website one or more times per week to retrieve lectures and assignments or to participate in a chat session. Online students should expect to spend 6 to 10 hours per week engaged in course-related activities for each course. For more information on online courses, visit our online program home page .
Graduate certificate courses must be completed within a five-year period with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and no more than one course with a grade below B. Once all courses for a graduate certificate have been completed, students must complete and submit the Graduate Certificate Clearance Form. Please submit your completed form to: UMass Lowell Registrar's Office, 220 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, MA 01854-5129. Forms can also be scanned and emailed to thesolutioncenter@uml.edu.
UMass Lowell has built a solid reputation by offering one of the largest selections of online programs available through a traditional university. Courses are taught by full-time faculty who are experts in their fields, and by adjunct faculty who, as practicing professionals, bring real-world experience to online class discussions.
We are committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable online programs that make earning your degree or certificate more convenient than ever before. Our students have access to online course technical support 24x7, and our academic advisors are here to help every step of the way.
Prerequisite: coursework in the psychology of child development, or permission. CSCE Graduate Restrictions.
PSYC.5610 Pre or Co-req
PSYC.5610/5620 Pre-req
47.562 pre-requisite
Please refer to our tuition and fees page for up-to-date pricing information or refer to the current course listings.
The total cost for required textbooks for students accepted into this program will be $600-$800 (depending on whether you buy books new or used). In addition, students will need to purchase a license for access to a video library and a digital textbook for a one-time fee of $100-$200. We also encourage all students who plan to take the BCaBA exam to purchase a license for a set of learning modules that will help students not only do well in our courses but also prepare for the BCaBA exam. This license provides continued access to the modules until students pass the exam. The cost for this license is $300-$500, depending on the length of the license.
Please note: Most of these costs will be incurred up front, when students enroll in their first course. Students will, however, continue to use the basic textbook, the digital textbook and the modules in all subsequent courses as they progress through the program.
You can take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.
For more information, please visit our Registration Page.
UMass Lowell Graduate Certificate Programs provide knowledge and expertise that are vital in today's rapidly changing workplace. In many cases, graduate certificate courses may be applied toward a master's degree at UMass Lowell. Most graduate certificates consist of four courses, for a total of 12 graduate credits. This is a great way to earn a graduate-level credential on the way to earning your master's.
Holders of an appropriate bachelor's degree
Apply online or download an application at http://www.uml.edu/grad.
There is a $50 application fee for all programs except engineering, for which there is a $75 application fee. NO Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for graduate certificate programs. Credits earned from a graduate certificate may be used toward a related graduate degree with the approval of the graduate program coordinator. Students who complete a graduate certificate with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better in a UMass Lowell graduate certificate program may be able to waive the GRE when applying to a related master's degree. Graduate Certificate Programs must be completed within a five-year period with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and with not more than one course with a grade below B. Courses completed for one certificate may not be used for other certificates. Once you have completed all of the courses required for your certificate, please complete and submit the Graduate Certificate Clearance Form.
For specific information regarding any of the above application materials (which may vary for some programs), please see UMass Lowell's Graduate Application Requirements at https://www.uml.edu/Grad/Process/.
Applications can be completed and submitted at any time during the year. Each application is processed — and each applicant notified — as soon as all admissions materials have been received and reviewed. For additional details, please visit https://www.uml.edu/grad/.
Admission to all graduate programs at UMass Lowell is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In many cases, applicants may register for a course before they have formally applied into the program; however, students requiring financial aid may want to wait until they have been formally accepted into the program to ensure that their course(s) will be covered. Contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
Note: The application code for this program is "BMAP"
Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).
For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!