In Oklahoma, several institutions offer in-person and online BCBA programs, each providing a unique approach to learning and hands-on experience. Through these programs, you will gain a deep understanding of applied behavior analysis techniques and their practical applications. These programs are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in various settings such as schools, clinics, and homes.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate or someone looking to switch careers, Oklahoma’s BCBA programs offer a solid foundation for a fulfilling profession. Read on to explore the different BCBA programs available in Oklahoma and find the one that suits you best.
BCBA Programs in Oklahoma
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Oklahoma:
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Oklahoma
- Simmons University
- Pepperdine University
- University of Dayton
- Capella University
University of Central Oklahoma
Master of Science (MS) in Behavior Analysis
At the University of Central Oklahoma, you can enroll in the 36-credit Master of Science Behavior Analysis program, which is designed to help you become a responsible, creative, and engaged citizen and leader serving the vast global community. This program is built on the university’s mission to offer educational experiences that transform students.
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.
In this program, you will be trained to become a successful clinician, ready to support people who need behavioral health services in your community. Your journey will involve a blend of conceptual learning, theoretical understanding, and practical experience, guiding you to become a professional behavior analyst who is ethical and productive.
Here are the objectives of the program that you will work towards:
- Skill Development: You will build the necessary knowledge and experience to become a successful clinician.
- Community Impact: You will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to your community as a behavior analyst.
- Certification Readiness: You will be equipped to meet the certification standards set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
- Versatility: You will be trained to work in various settings, including educational institutions, homes, clinics, and corporate environments, serving diverse populations.
- Research Skills: You will learn critical thinking, experimental design, research, and program evaluation, becoming a scientist-practitioner.
- Ethical Competence: You will develop into an ethical and culturally competent professional, ready to practice in all professional areas.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- ABA I: Foundations in Behavioral Analysis
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Experimental Design
- ABA II: Applications of Techniques in
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Advanced Developmental
- ABA III: Topics in ABA
- ABA IV: Single Subject Design
- Practicum
Upon graduation, you will be ready to take on leadership roles, guiding other practitioners in behavior change interventions. The coursework fulfills the requirements for you to take the BCBA certification exam.
To apply, you will need to:
- Complete the online application for admission.
- Provide official copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts from accredited institutions, showing a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall or in the last 60 hours attempted.
- Have completed the PSY 2753 psychological statistics course.
- Achieve a GRE score of at least 290 on the combined verbal reasoning and quantitative sections and a minimum of 3.5 on the writing section.
After being accepted into the program:
- You will consult with an advisor to create your personalized plan of study.
- You will need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 throughout your course.
- You will be allowed a maximum of six hours of “C” grades to be applied to your degree requirements.
Oklahoma State University
Master of Science (MS) – Special Education
At Oklahoma State University, you can enroll in the 36-credit master’s degree program in Special Education to become a trained educator ready to assist students with disabilities in K-12 educational settings. You will learn how to enhance the academic, communication, social, behavioral, and adaptive skills of children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of diversity and lifelong learning. The ABAI has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.
This program is delivered through in-person sessions, preparing you to offer intensive behavioral and academic interventions to facilitate successful learning experiences for students. The curriculum covers the fundamental principles of special education, positive behavior interventions and supports, and applied behavior analysis.
During your studies, you will explore a range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Strategies for enhancing academic achievement.
- Ways to improve literacy skills in individuals with disabilities.
- Special education planning, compliance, and instruction.
- Supporting individuals with disabilities as they transition into adulthood.
- Understanding and teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Managing classrooms and behavior effectively.
- Conducting behavioral assessments and consultations.
- Applying behavior analysis in a practical setting.
- Culturally sensitive teaching approaches in special education.
Some of the ABA courses that you will take include:
- Psychology of Learning and Behavior: Here, you will get to know the basics of learning psychology and behavior, including the study of classical and operant conditioning principles and their application in real settings.
- Applied Behavior Analysis I & II: These courses offer a deep dive into behavior and analytical principles, focusing on functional assessments and intervention development, especially concerning developmental issues and school-based concerns.
- Advanced Interventions for Increased Academic Achievement: This course will teach you how to design advanced interventions using behavior analytic approaches to boost achievement in reading, math, and writing.
- Behavioral Assessment and Consultation: In this course, you will develop skills in behavioral assessment and consultation, learning how to observe behavior systematically, collect data, and design, implement, and evaluate interventions.
You must also complete 6 hours of thesis and 3 hours of electives. You will be required to discuss your options with your advisor.
Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling basis. You should submit application materials at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester. Admission requirements for the program include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Graduate College application.
- Official Transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Current resume or CV.
- Personal goal statement (500 words).
- Two letters of recommendation.
To support your education, you might be eligible for the federal TEACH Grant Program, which can offer up to $4,000 a year if you are pursuing a degree in a high-need field and meet certain criteria. You will need to sign an Agreement to Serve, committing to fulfill specific terms; otherwise, the grant may convert to a loan that you will have to repay.
University of Oklahoma
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
At the University of Oklahoma, you can pursue a 21-credit Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate through the Special Education division, which is part of the Educational Psychology Department. This program is designed to enhance the educational and future outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It aims to do this by training individuals to become skilled service providers, creating new knowledge through research, and taking a leading role in the special education field.
As a student in this program, you will receive targeted training in ABA methods, setting you on the path to becoming a BCBA after completing necessary fieldwork and exams. Once certified, you can work with young people, including those with autism spectrum diagnoses, in schools or other facilities offering special education services. The ABAI has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.
The certificate program involves a series of seven courses, each carrying three credit hours:
- Philosophical Assumptions of Behavior Analysis
- Principles and Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Personnel Supervision and Management in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Behavior Change in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Single Case Design
- Behavior Assessment in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
If you have never taken an introductory course in special education must successfully complete it either before or concurrently with other courses in this sequence. All courses within this program are delivered via a 100% synchronous online format.
To apply for this certificate program, you need to meet the graduate admission standards of the University of Oklahoma. This includes:
- Online graduate application.
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized undergraduate institution.
- You should hold a master’s degree in education, psychology, or a similar field to be eligible for the ABA certificate program.
- Official transcripts from all the educational institutions you have attended.
To help you finance your studies, the university offers various funding options, including graduate assistantships, which are available based on competition. If you secure an assistantship, you will be required to engage in on-campus research or teaching, and in return, you could receive benefits like a full or partial tuition waiver and basic health insurance for students. You can also apply for competitive funding to cover costs related to tuition, research, travel, and continuing education.
How Do I Become a BCBA in Oklahoma?
To become a BCBA in Oklahoma, you must:
- Hold a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Have completed ABA coursework approved by the BACB.
- Have completed the required and documented supervised practical experience.
- Pass the BCBA examination
Is it Difficult to Become a BCBA?
Becoming a BCBA can be considered challenging due to the strict educational requirements and the comprehensive examination that you must pass to earn certification. Here is a breakdown of what makes the process potentially difficult:
- Educational Requirements: As mentioned above, you must have a minimum of a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, which involves years of intensive study.
- Supervised Experience: You must complete 1500 to 2000 hours of supervised hours where you gain practical experience in the field.
- Examination: The BCBA examination is known to be quite challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the principles of behavior analysis. The exam consists of 185 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge and understanding of the content in the BCBA task list.
- Maintaining Certification: Once certified, you must adhere to a strict code of ethics and engage in continuing education to maintain/renew your certification, which can be seen as a continuous commitment to learning and professional development.
Despite the challenges, many find the journey to becoming a BCBA rewarding, given the positive impact they can have on individuals with behavioral issues. It is a profession that allows you to make significant contributions to society by helping individuals improve their quality of life through behavior analysis.
What is the Average Salary for a BCBA in Oklahoma?
As of September 2023, the average annual salary for a BCBA working in Oklahoma is $102.086. More experienced and top earning BCBAs working in Oklahoma make over $135,000 per year.
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