Kentucky offers several in-person and online BCBA programs designed to train students in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). These programs offer courses that are rooted in proven scientific principles, and they prepare you to work in various settings such as schools and healthcare facilities.
By enrolling in one of Kentucky’s BCBA programs, you will be taking a significant step towards a rewarding profession where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s explore what these programs in Kentucky have to offer.
BCBA Programs in Kentucky
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Kentucky:
- Campbellsville University
- Northern Kentucky University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Eastern Kentucky University Online
- The Chicago School
- University of Dayton
- Arizona State University
Northern Kentucky University
Master of Arts (MA) – Teacher as Leader in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
Are you considering a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism and other developmental disabilities? The Master of Arts in Education program at Northern Kentucky University can set you on the right path. This 100% online program specializes in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), equipping you with the knowledge to foster positive behavior changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Supervised experience must be completed before you will be eligible to sit for the exam.
To earn this degree, you will undertake 13 courses, totaling 33 credit hours. This includes a set of core courses and a deeper dive into ABA through specialized courses. Your studies will cover a range of important topics such as understanding the principles of behavior analysis and learning how to apply this knowledge to help students with disabilities. You will also explore the history and development of ASD, learning to identify the signs and work effectively with individuals affected by it.
The program offers a rich variety of ABA concentration courses, including:
- Understanding Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Here, you will learn the foundational knowledge needed to work with individuals with ASD, including effective ABA-based interventions.
- Behavioral Analysis Procedures for Students with Exceptionalities: This course teaches you how to apply behavior analysis principles to assist students with disabilities.
- Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis: Here, you will focus on understanding the methods and procedures for conducting single-subject research in ABA.
- Advanced Principles of Behavior Management: In this course, you will learn about different strategies and assessments to create positive and proactive behavior intervention plans.
- Implementing ABA Programs in Applied Settings: This course guides you in applying ABA principles in various settings such as classrooms and residential facilities.
- Ethical Considerations in Applied Behavior Analysis: Here, you will understand the ethical responsibilities of behavior analysts, studying case scenarios and understanding the legal aspects involved.
To apply for this program, you need to:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Provide official transcripts of all your previous undergraduate and possibly graduate studies from accredited institutions.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Submit GRE scores taken within the last five years. The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and for applicants who have already earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Submit a copy of your current teaching certificate or its out-of-state equivalent. New teachers in Kentucky can submit a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility instead.
University of Kentucky
Applied Behavior Analysis (Graduate Certificate) – Online
Enroll in the University of Kentucky’s 21-credit Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) graduate certificate program and learn how to support individuals facing behavioral challenges or skill gaps. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a BCBA, opening doors to work in diverse fields such as autism and developmental disabilities, gerontology, pediatrics, education, and health fitness.
To become a BCBA, you will need to fulfill the educational prerequisites offered in this program, which is a stepping stone towards sitting for the BCBA exam. Remember, aside from your education, you will need to gain supervised experience and go through an application process to achieve certification. Once you pass the BCBA exam, you can independently practice and even get insurance reimbursements for the services you offer.
The ABAI has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. Supervised experience must be completed before you will be eligible to sit for the exam.
The program’s curriculum is designed to give you both academic knowledge and practical skills through courses that cover a range of topics including how to address problematic behaviors, conduct behavioral research, and build new behaviors. It lays a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of applied behavior analysis, preparing you to make a significant impact in the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Behavioral Consultation and Supervision
- Single Case Design
- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Advanced Methods Teaching Students with Disabilities
- Assessment and Treatment of Social and Adaptive Behaviors
You will be encouraged to champion the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, fostering positive changes in society. The ultimate goal here is to shape you into a behavior analyst who can contribute meaningfully to the field of applied behavior analysis.
Before you apply, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to education, psychology, special education, social work, or communication disorders.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a graduate GPA of 3.25.
- Provide one letter of recommendation that speaks to your experience working with children or youth.
- Submit an updated resume that outlines your educational background and experience.
- Submit a scholarly writing sample, such as a literature review or research article.
- Write a personal statement explaining the experiences that motivated you to pursue the ABA certificate.
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.
University of Louisville
M.Ed. in Special Education with a Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and ABA
At the University of Louisville, you can enroll in a M.Ed. program in Special Education, where you can specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address behavioral challenges and needs in various community settings. You will delve deep into the foundations of behavior science, learning to apply strategies grounded in scientific principles to different behaviors and contexts.
You have two pathways to earn your degree: a 39-credit hour full-time option or a 30-credit hour part-time option, both culminating in the same degree over five semesters. The full-time route includes additional practicum hours facilitated by the program, while the part-time option requires you to arrange your fieldwork, typically done through employment at an organization with qualified BCBA supervisors.
The learning journey at the University of Louisville spans five semesters, where you will be part of a cohort of no more than 20 students, starting every fall. You have the flexibility to attend classes online or in-person during the evenings. The program encourages full commitment, following a set schedule of coursework guided by experienced faculty members who are experts in behavior analysis.
During your studies, you will focus on treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in healthcare and educational environments. The program’s goal is to shape you into a behavior analyst who is well-versed in the science, effective in practice, and maintains ethical interactions, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Autism: Introduction and Understanding
- Single Subject Research Designs
- Autism: Strategies and Techniques
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- Radical Behaviorism
- Research Seminar in Autism Spectrum
Upon completion, you will be prepared to take the BCBA certification examinations, meeting the necessary degree and coursework requirements. As mentioned above, if you opt for full-time enrollment, you can also accumulate most of your fieldwork hours during the program.
As a full-time students, you will benefit from a structured practical training system, dedicating around 15 hours per week across four out of the five semesters to practicum coursework. This hands-on experience at community sites, such as schools, clinics, and hospitals, will allow you to work alongside skilled BCBA professionals, gaining valuable experience.
If you decide to enroll as a part-time student, you will have the convenience to complete all coursework remotely during the evening hours. Another benefit of enrolling as a part-time student is the possibility of accumulating some fieldwork hours while employed by an agency offering applied behavior analysis services.
Overall, the program promotes six core values:
- Excellence, diligence, and curiosity in your studies.
- Active involvement and enthusiasm about your education.
- Respect, cooperation, and helpfulness towards your peers.
- Responsibility, perseverance, and creativity in applying your knowledge.
- Sincerity, empathy, and patience with your clients.
- Honesty, reliability, and ethical conduct in all your interactions.
To enroll, you do not need a specific undergraduate degree or teacher certification. To apply, you will need to:
- Complete the online graduate application for admission.
- Submit official transcripts.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better.
- Submit a personal statement.
- Submit two professional references.
- Upload your CV or resume.
Eastern Kentucky University Online
Graduate Certificate in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Enroll in EKU’s 100% online certificate program in applied behavior analysis, which offers you a quicker route to achieving the BCBA credential, provided you already have a master’s degree.
This well-rounded program is based on proven principles and practices, preparing you to embark on a fruitful career in the ever-growing field of applied behavior analysis. Upon completion, you will be equipped to work in various settings such as schools, community centers, or residential facilities, assisting a wide range of individuals including children, adults, and seniors.
EKU’s curriculum combines academic learning and practical training, covering essential topics such as managing problematic behaviors, conducting behavioral research, fostering new behaviors, and understanding the core concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis.
During the program, you will take seven courses:
- Foundations in Behavior Analysis
- Ethics and Professional Conduct in Applied Behavior
- Philosophical Underpinning of ABA
- Behavior Research and Measurement
- Addressing Problem Behaviors
- Building New Behaviors
- Advance Topics in ABA
The program fulfills the educational criteria needed for you to pursue a career as a BCBA. If you hold a qualifying degree and have met the supervised experience requirements, you will be eligible to take the BCBA exam. Passing this exam allows you to practice independently and to receive insurance reimbursement for the services you offer.
While the program covers the necessary ABA coursework, you will need to secure your own practical experiences to accumulate the required hours of supervised experience.
If you have credits from other recognized institutions, you can transfer up to 12 hours of those credits. However, these credits will be subject to review upon your admission to EKU to ensure they align properly with the program’s requirements.
To be eligible to apply, you must have a master’s degree (in any field) that includes specific prerequisite courses: one in research, one in statistics, and three in psychology. Additionally, you should have maintained a minimum graduate grade point average of 2.75 and submit a personal statement.
How Do I Become a BCBA in KY?
To become a BCBA in Kentucky, you must:
- Have a master’s degree from an accredited university.
- Complete the required graduate level coursework sequence (21-credit graduate coursework in ABA).
- Complete the required experience under the supervision of a BCBA.
- Pass the BCBA exam.
What is the Average Salary for a BCBA in KY?
As of September 2023, the average annual salary for a BCBA working in Kentucky is $74,636. BCBAs working in Owensboro, Lexington, Louisville, and Covington on average earn $91,344, $90,753, $87,529 and $87,022 per year, respectively. More experienced and top earning BCBAs working in Kentucky make over $125,000 per year.
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