The 21-credit Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—designed for special educators, administrators, and school psychologists—offers specific coursework and training in the field of applied behavior analysis. Educators who receive preparation in the evidence-based practice of ABA will be better prepared to meet the needs of a growing population of students requiring special education services. Additionally, the ABA certificate will support the career goals of special education teachers and other school personnel who desire this specialized training. Johns Hopkins University is the only school of education in the state of Maryland to offer this specialized certificate. The program also includes an additional 12 credits of practica (4 elective courses) designed to meet the experience requirements for Concentrated Experience Fieldwork (1500 hours) as outlined by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BACB). ABA coursework is delivered using a learning program of instructional delivery, providing the opportunity for candidates to choose an in-person or online format.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence as meeting the coursework and practicum experience requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.® Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify for board certification. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for certification as a behavior analyst (BCBA), offered through the BACB. It is expected that all students will pursue BCBA certification upon completion of the program. For more information about BCBA certification, please visit the website.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a minimum of a graduate degree (e.g., master's or doctoral) from an accredited university. Please see the BACB website for more information. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, with a new cohort scheduled to launch each year in the fall.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements (21 Credits) | ||
| ED.873.601 | Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education | 3 |
| ED.873.602 | Research Methods: Evaluation, Measurement and Single Case Design | 3 |
| ED.873.603 | Behavioral Assessment and Intervention for Challenging Behaviors | 3 |
| ED.873.604 | Behavioral Assessment and Instructional Strategies | 3 |
| ED.873.605 | Ethics and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts | 3 |
| ED.873.606 | Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis in the Classroom | 3 |
| ED.873.607 | Supervision and Consultation in ABA | 3 |
| ED.873.610 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I (elective) | 3 |
| ED.873.611 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum II (elective) | 3 |
| ED.873.612 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum III (elective) | 3 |
| ED.873.613 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum IV (elective) | 3 |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will:
- Define, demonstrate, and apply the concepts and principles of behavior analysis within an educational setting.
- Utilize research methods to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of intervention and instructional procedures within an educational setting.
- Conduct and complete behavioral assessments in order to identify the effective instructional program or behavior reduction plan in an educational setting.
- Design, implement and evaluate an instructional program based on assessment results to increase a desired behavior/skill for an individual student or a group of students in an educational setting.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a behavior reduction program based on assessment results to decrease inappropriate behaviors for individual students or a group of students in an educational setting.
- Define and practice following standards outlined by the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Codes for Behavior Analysts (BACB, 2014).
- Implement, manage, and practice applied behavior analysis in an educational setting.
In addition, upon successful completion of the coursework and practicum requirements, students will be eligible to apply for and take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam.