BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) programs in Oregon provide specialized training and knowledge essential for professionals in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). However, choosing the right program can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options and requirements.
This article guides you through some of the popular BCBA programs in Oregon, detailing their unique features and how they can align with your career goals.
BCBA Programs in Oregon
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Oregon:
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- University of Oregon
- Portland State University
- National University
- Walden University
- Pepperdine University
- Simmons University
- Arizona State University Online
Oregon Institute of Technology
Master of Science – Applied Behavior Analysis
ABA is a method you can use to understand and tackle important social behaviors and teach useful skills. It relies on behaviorism science and is an evidence-based, data-driven, systematic way of intervening to enhance life quality for people.
In ABA, the focus is on how environmental factors affect visible behavior. Its methods include direct measurement of specific behaviors, figuring out why these behaviors happen, changing environmental elements to have meaningful social impacts, and checking the results.
The Oregon Institute of Technology offers a 60-credit master’s degree in ABA. This program gives you a solid understanding of behavior analysis science. It prepares you to apply behavior analysis principles with various groups and in many settings. The degree also gets you ready for national certification and Oregon licensure.
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.
Classes are held at the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses. They are also accessible everywhere through Zoom, a live videoconferencing tool. This allows students in any part of the state who prefer real-time classes to join without needing a completely online program.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- Foundations of ABA I & II
- ABA and Human Development
- Ethics & Professional Issues
- Observations and Measurements
- Research Methods in ABA
- Basic Behavior Analysis
- Radical Behaviorism
- Behavioral Assessment
In the second year, practicum placements offer you supervised experience approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This is necessary to be eligible for the BCBA exam. These placements are paid positions at approved ABA agencies, the Oregon Tech BIG ABA clinic, and local schools in Klamath Falls.
Throughout your time in the program, you will:
- Develop an understanding of the causes of behavior and the theory behind ABA.
- Learn to work with diverse populations and settings. This includes neurotypical populations, those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, individuals on the autism spectrum, education systems, and human services workforce, as well as parents.
- Acquire skills in using various assessment tools, creating and implementing treatment plans, and evaluating the effectiveness of behavior analytic interventions.
- Prepare to become an assistant-level behavior analyst, capable of evaluating your practice from legal, human rights, and ethical perspectives.
To apply for the MS-ABA program at Oregon Tech, you must meet these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution in psychology or a related field.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the last 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) of coursework.
- A grade of B or higher in General Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics.
- Good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
- Write a personal statement about career goals, program relevance, graduate work aptitude, and potential success in the field.
- Three reference letters (at least one academic and one professional) discussing your preparation, abilities, and character.
- Pass a criminal background check, like the one done by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), due to working with children and/or vulnerable groups.
University of Oregon
Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
As a participant in the ABA program at the University of Oregon, your objective will be to evolve as a culturally sensitive and compassionate clinician-researcher in the realm of human behavior and learning. This will be achieved by building a robust foundation in the principles and conceptual aspects of ABA. The program emphasizes empirically supported programming and continuous quality improvement evaluations.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.
The 47-credit online program encompasses:
- Weekly synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.
- An inter-teaching framework to tailor instruction to your needs.
- A cohort model fostering a supportive network and strong connections with peers and faculty.
- Options for both part-time and full-time study.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Experimental Research in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis Assessment
- Behavior Change Procedures
- Supervised Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Personnel Management
- Supervised Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Research in Applied Behavior Analysis
The program aims to enhance diversity in applied behavior analysis. This is done by preparing you to serve racially and ethnically minoritized populations, as well as supporting clinicians from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the field. The program also aims to:
- Equip you with the skills to apply the science of human behavior and learning across various populations and settings.
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and conceptual foundations of ABA, along with its application in multidisciplinary environments.
- Offer you opportunities to acquire supervised research experience in behavior analysis.
During the program, you will also undertake supervised field experience, guided by experienced professors and clinicians in applied behavior analysis.
Quality field experiences are ensured through required approval of your practice sites by the UO ABA program. The University of Oregon collaborates with the Behavioral Health Center for Excellence (BHCOE) to broaden your access to exemplary practice sites, with automatic approval for sites accredited by the BHCOE.
Upon completing the program, you will be able to:
- Display comprehensive knowledge of technical terminology in behavior analysis.
- Utilize culturally responsive methods, skills, and techniques, acknowledging the impact of culture in clients’ lives.
- Engage clients in selecting and evaluating behavior change interventions for social validity.
- Design single case experimental research studies addressing significant social questions.
- Apply ethical frameworks in behavioral research and practice.
- Identify a research problem, design and conduct an investigation to address it, and report the findings.
National University
Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
At National University, you have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is specifically designed for those interested in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with neurodiverse conditions who can benefit from behavior change systems. Its primary aim is to prepare you for the BCBA exam by providing the necessary knowledge and skills.
To earn your Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, you must complete at least 45 quarter units of graduate-level studies. You also have the option to transfer up to 4.5 quarter units of similar graduate work from another institution. These transferred units should not have been used towards another advanced degree and must have been completed within the last 7 years.
Your coursework at National University will cover a range of topics, including:
- Philosophical Underpinning of ABA
- Concepts and Principles of ABA
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Behavioral Change Procedures
- Developing ABA Interventions
- Supervision and Management
- Application of ABA Skills
- ABA Capstone Project
The curriculum is known for its precision learning and a verified course sequence. The program also emphasizes practitioner self-care, social and emotional learning, and cultural competency. A key component of the program is the completion of a research-based capstone project. Upon finishing your studies, assistance will be provided to find an internship.
By completing this program, your skillset will include:
- Explaining the foundational concepts and principles of Radical Behaviorism.
- Analyzing measurement, data display, and interpretation in experimental design.
- Integrating ethical considerations into behavior change processes and assessments.
- Managing behavior and monitoring performance.
- Applying Applied Behavior Analysis in research and everyday life.
- Conducting research using appropriate methods to enhance student outcomes.
This program opens doors to career opportunities in sectors like health care, social assistance, and educational services. Skills in teaching, research, communication, leadership, writing, advocacy, planning, and management are highly valued in these areas.
To be eligible for the BACB exam, you need a master’s degree with a verified course sequence, like the one offered by National University, along with 1500 – 2000 hours of supervised experience. Successfully passing the exam qualifies you to become a BCBA.
Career opportunities in this field are diverse and fulfilling. The ABA program at National University prepares you for roles such as Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst, Registered Behavior Technicians, and more.
How Do I Become a BCBA in Oregon?
To become a BCBA in Oregon, you must:
- Hold a master’s degree.
- Have completed the required ABA coursework.
- Have completed the required number of supervised work hours.
- Pass the BCBA examination
How Much Does a BCBA Make in Oregon?
As of January 2024, the average annual salary for a BCBA working in Oregon is $93,581 or $45 per hour. More experienced and top earning BCBAs in Oregon make over $150,000 per year.
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