Popular Accredited BCBA Online Programs in Georgia [2024 ABA Programs Guide]

Are you a busy professional or student living in Georgia, struggling to find a balance between your hectic schedule and the aspiration to advance your education in the field of behavioral analysis?

Online Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) programs in Georgia are your answer. These programs offer flexible, accessible, and high-quality education that can prepare you to become a behavior analyst. By choosing an online BCBA program, you can gain profound knowledge and skills in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) without sacrificing your current lifestyle or commitments.

So, start your journey towards becoming a BCBA today, and shape the future for those who need it most!

Best Accredited BCBA Programs in Georgia - ABA Masters Programs

Online BCBA Programs in Georgia

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online BCBA programs in Georgia:

  • Arizona State University Online
  • National University
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Cincinnati Online
  • Capella University
  • Simmons University
  • Pepperdine University
  • University of Dayton

Arizona State University Online

Online Master of Arts in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis

Arizona State University offers a 30-credit online master’s degree in special education with a focus on applied behavior analysis (ABA). With this degree, you will be able to understand the foundations of ABA and how it helps improve human behavior and impart new skills. The program is endorsed by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABA), setting you up for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

You will have to meet other requirements to qualify for this exam. If you are aiming to gain BCBA supervised fieldwork experience, there’s an optional practicum available.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • Verbal Behavior
  • Behavior Analytic Assessment
  • Concepts & Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Advanced Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Measurement, Interpretation & Experimental Design

ABA is a scientific method based on understanding behavior. It is used to impart new skills, boost performance, or manage challenging behaviors in people of all ages, with or without disabilities. The specific aim of ABA therapy differs for each person or situation, but the primary objective is to encourage beneficial behaviors that aid learning. ABA can be utilized in numerous settings like education, business, and healthcare, with diverse populations including children, adults, families, and communities.

With Arizona State University’s online ABA degree concentration, you learn the process of ABA while emphasizing ethical principles and evidence-supported best practices. This includes learning how to evaluate behavior, create customized therapy plans, and use data to monitor progress. You will also learn about human learning processes and explore various theories on behavior change.

One of the potential career paths upon graduation is becoming an ABA therapist. However, this master’s degree isn’t limited to special education but sets you up for various ABA careers. During the program, you can tailor your assignments to match your career aspirations, including a final project, which can be a capstone project, an applied project, or an electronic portfolio.

To apply, you need at least a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the final 60 hours of your bachelor’s program or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in a relevant master’s program. Your application should include the following:

  • A graduate admission application
  • Recommendation letters
  • Official transcripts
  • A personal statement
  • An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae

National University

Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis

If you are passionate about working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with neurodiverse conditions, National University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis program is for you. This program is available in both online and in-person formats. This program also prepares you the BCBA exam.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a popular and rewarding career path that can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals. It’s a form of therapy aimed at assisting individuals in changing their behaviors. When ABA works well, it can help individuals develop or better a variety of essential skills. These skills can be in areas like social interactions, job-related tasks, communication, academics, and self-care or hygiene practices.

At National University, the teaching approach includes precision learning and a verified course sequence. This approach is unique to the university. Additionally, you will work on self-care as a practitioner, learning about social and emotional aspects, and becoming competent in dealing with diverse culture.

As part of the program, you will complete a research-focused capstone project. Upon completing the program, the university will assist in placing you in an internship program.

To earn your Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, you must complete at least 45 quarter units of graduate work. You can transfer up to 4.5 quarter units of graduate credit from equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, provided those units were not used for another advanced degree and the coursework was completed within the last seven years.

Key courses in the program include:

  • Philosophical Underpinning ABA: This course focuses on understanding the goals, philosophical assumptions, and branches of behavioral analysis.
  • Concepts and Principles of ABA: You will learn about the key components of behavior and environmental factors that influence it.
  • Functional Behavior Assessment: This course teaches how to understand the purpose of a behavior for an individual, how to conduct a functional analysis, and how it helps in treating and preventing problem behaviors.
  • Developing ABA Interventions: This teaches you how to define intervention goals, identify potential interventions, and recommend strategies.
  • Ethics Compliance Code: This course outlines the professional conduct for behavior analysts, strategies for providing ethical client services, and how to maintain professional competence.

On completing the program, you will be able to:

  • Understand the foundational concepts of Radical Behaviorism.
  • Analyze data in an experimental design format.
  • Incorporate the Code of Ethics in behavior change processes and assessment procedures.
  • Incorporate behavior management in behavior change processes and assessment procedures.
  • Apply Applied Behavior Analysis in research and everyday life.
  • Conduct research to improve student outcomes using appropriate design, statistics, measurements, data analysis, and program evaluation methods.

Northeastern University

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The 30-credit online Master of Science program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Northeastern University is approved by the ABAI. This means the coursework provided in this program prepares you to take the BACB exam.

In this online program, you will take several core courses centered around behavior analysis. You will also take three more courses that enhance your knowledge of clinical procedures and the research supporting their use. You will have the choice to arrange your own supervised fieldwork or sign up for courses that provide supervision via a Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork option.

Northeastern University was among the first to offer a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, launching the program back in 1976. By 2013, they had transitioned the program to a completely online format, blending established practices in applied behavior analysis with flexible online learning experiences.

The program is designed for you to complete lectures and assignments at your own pace during the semester. Most classes also offer live meetings, allowing real-time interaction with professors and students worldwide. This flexibility makes it suitable even for the busiest schedules.

Core courses you will take include:

  • Behavioral Concepts & Principles
  • Behavior Assessment
  • Applied Programming 1 & 2
  • Advanced Learning 1 & 2
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • Single Case Research Design

Usually, students take two courses each semester, but you can adjust this to fit your needs. You will work closely with your faculty advisor to determine the best plan for you. If you decide to take the Intensive Practicum courses to gain supervised fieldwork hours, you can start as early as your second semester.

Your final project for this Master of Science program will be a professional portfolio. This digital collection will demonstrate the skills you’ve developed throughout the program, featuring evidence from projects you’ve worked on during your coursework, such as assessments, teaching protocols, and intervention programs.

The program also fosters interaction with classmates and faculty members through weekly discussions, projects, presentations, and other assignments. Some courses even incorporate group assignments and teaching methods, giving you more opportunities to connect with others.

To apply for the Master of Science program at Northeastern University, you need a Bachelor’s degree and a good understanding of what a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis involves. All applicants are expected to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

University of Cincinnati Online

Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis

The University of Cincinnati Online offers a 30-credit online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This program is centered around understanding human behavior principles, fostering positive social skills, and enhancing the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and more.

This program gives you a strong base in applied behavior analysis, education, and psychology, which can be used in educational, agency, or other settings. Course sequence is verified by the ABAI, meets the requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and prepares you for the BCBA exam once you meet the supervision requirements.

The program is focused on equipping you with the fundamental skills to support individuals with behavioral and learning challenges in various environments like clinics, schools, residential facilities, and homes. It offers strategies to meet the needs and increase the independence of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

In this ABA master’s program, you will learn to guide and teach individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, eating and feeding disorders, anxiety, mood disorders,  and substance abuse.

Key areas covered in the program include:

  • Research methodology in behavior and data-based decision making.
  • Applying ethical standards in clinical decisions.
  • Functional behavioral assessment and analysis.
  • Designing and implementing interventions.
  • Responsive treatment methods.

All the classes are online, and there is no need for you to visit a classroom. The part-time curriculum lets you balance your school work with other responsibilities in your life. Most of the students continue to work while they study. You should evaluate the course load and financial aid to understand how to balance school and work.

After earning a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis, you could apply your skills and knowledge in various career fields like:

  1. Special Education
  2. Mental Health
  3. Social Work
  4. School Counseling
  5. Substance Abuse
  6. Research
  7. Education
  8. Criminal Justice
  9. Business

Top ABA Online Programs in Georgia

What is the Salary of a BCBA in Georgia?

As of January 2024, the average salary of a BCBA in Georgia is $85,253 per year or $58.15 per hour. Top earning BCBAs in Georgia make over $110,000 per year.

The salary of a BCBA in Georgia can vary widely, indicating that there are likely numerous opportunities for career progression and salary growth depending on your expertise, geographic location, and years of experience.

Is There a High Demand for BCBAs?

Absolutely, there is a significant demand for BCBAs. The increasing number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions globally has highlighted the need for specialists trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), including BCBAs.

BCBAs are professionals who design therapeutic strategies for individuals with behavioral conditions, primarily aimed at enhancing their social engagement, learning aptitude, and communication abilities. Their work is vital in various settings such as schools, homes, clinics, and community centers. They are especially sought after in special education, where their expertise is used to help students with behavioral and learning difficulties.

Moreover, the fact that insurance providers are progressively covering ABA therapy for individuals with ASD has heightened the demand for BCBAs. However, it’s worth mentioning that employment opportunities and demand might fluctuate based on regional and sector-specific factors.

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