As the field of applied behavior analysis continues its upward trajectory, many aspiring professionals are finding themselves at crossroads, searching for reputable BCBA programs that can be their stepping stones to success.
Many students grapple with identifying the right BCBA programs that offer both theoretical depth and hands-on exposure. Without a program that integrates rigorous theory with hands-on experience, aspiring BCBAs might find themselves ill-equipped to tackle real-world challenges and make the impact they desire.
Ohio has risen to the challenge with an array of remarkable in-person and online BCBA programs. These programs, grounded in evidence-based practices and real-world applications, are ideal for those who wish to make a mark in the field of behavioral analysis.
BCBA Programs in Ohio
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Ohio:
- University of Cincinnati
- Bowling Green State University
- John Carroll University
- University of Dayton
- Capella University
- Simmons University
- Pepperdine University
- Arizona State University Online
University of Cincinnati
Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis
The University of Cincinnati offers a 30-credit online Master of Education focused on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). If you are interested in understanding human behavior and making positive changes in the lives of individuals with autism, learning difficulties, and other challenges, this program is for you.
All classes are online, and you can study part-time, fitting your education around your life.
Throughout the program, you will gain a solid understanding of applied behavior analysis, education, and psychology, preparing you for roles in various settings like schools or agencies. What’s more, the programs meets the criteria set by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). By completing the program and meeting supervision requirements, you will be well-prepared to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
At its heart, ABA is about studying how people learn and behave. It’s a science-based approach, using tested knowledge to understand, predict, and influence behavior positively.
The program is designed to give you the skills you need to help individuals across different settings: clinics, schools, homes, or care centers. It’s about equipping you to support people with intellectual or developmental challenges, ensuring they function more independently. For example, you will be trained to support those with autism, anxiety, mood disorders, and even substance abuse. The techniques you learn can also be applied in simpler scenarios, like helping kids behave better at home or boosting efficiency at work.
You will also dive deep into the tools and techniques used in ABA. That means understanding assessments, treatments, and how to tailor these to each individual’s unique needs.
The program covers vital topics like:
- Using research to inform decisions.
- Ethically making clinical choices.
- Understanding and assessing behavior.
- Designing and implementing interventions.
- Adapting treatments to each case.
After completing the master’s, you will have skills that are in demand in various sectors. While some roles might require further qualifications, here’s a glimpse of potential careers:
- Behavior Analyst
- Special Education Teacher
- Mental Health Counselor
- Social Worker
- School Counselor
- Speech Therapist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Educator
- Criminal Justice Professional
To apply, you must meet the following requirements :
- A bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field, from an accredited university.
- A GPA of 3.0 or more from your undergraduate studies, with particular emphasis on the last 60 credit hours.
- Your resume or CV.
- Your academic transcripts.
- A statement explaining your goals.
- Two reference letters.
There’s no GRE needed, and this particular program doesn’t accept transfer credits.
Bowling Green State University
Master in Applied Behavior Analysis
Bowling Green State University offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). If you are passionate about working with individuals facing behavioral challenges, whether they are children, teens, or adults, this program is tailored for you.
Graduating this program not only places you in a favorable position for numerous roles in education, health care, and private sectors but also sets you on the path to becoming a BCBA nationally and a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA) within the state.
Course sequence of this program is verified through the ABAI for the 5th edition task list.
The program offers you flexibility. You can balance your current commitments, be it work or other studies, without the hassles of commute. Plus, you get the privilege to learn from the same top-tier faculty that teaches on-campus students.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Assessment in Behavior Analysis
- Integrating and Managing Assistive Technology in the Classroom
- Behavioral and Classroom Management
- Single-Case Design Research in Education
- Behavioral Philosophy and Concepts
- Master’s Project/Exam/Thesis
By the end of this M.Ed. program, you are expected to:
- Understand key behavioral concepts, definitions, and the core characteristics of ABA.
- Implement essential behavioral change strategies to meaningful behaviors.
- Conduct a Functional Analysis, create programs based on assessment outcomes, and tap into the right interventions.
- Adhere to the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts and other state-specific ethical guidelines.
- Broaden the educational applications of behavior analysis beyond just those with developmental disabilities.
- Design research experiments to replicate study results based on ABA principles.
- Utilize advanced knowledge in special education and integrate it with your capstone project.
- Combine theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios through experiences in special education environments.
If you are considering applying, here’s the process:
Upload digital versions of your transcripts from all institutions you have attended during the online application. If you are accepted, you will then provide official transcripts from every institution that granted you a degree. A Statement of Purpose is also part of the application.
You will also need to submit a test score: Praxis, OAE (Ohio Assessment for Educators), or GRE (if taken in the last 5 years). But if you already hold a master’s degree, you can skip this step. No test scores required!
John Carroll University
Masters of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis
At John Carroll University, you can enroll in the 39-credit MS program in Applied Behavior Analysis, a top-tier program designed to set you ahead in this dynamic field. This program combines a rich academic curriculum with hands-on experiences, ensuring you are equipped for diverse careers. Whether your passion lies in supporting individuals with autism, exploring educational avenues, or venturing into sectors like organizational behavior or public health, you are covered.
On completing this program, you will poised to apply for the BCBA and Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA) certifications. Enrollment options for this program cater to both full-time and part-time commitments.
The program encompasses:
- Foundational Understanding: You will engage in rigorous coursework that solidifies an understanding of the science of behaviorism. When coupled with real-world experiences, it ensures readiness for an impactful career.
- Research Proficiency: You will undertake detailed exploration of experimental developments in behavior analysis. This includes an emphasis on single-subject research designs, experimental control, and meticulous data analysis techniques.
- Delivery Methodology: John Carroll University offers a hybrid model of instruction, encompassing 13 courses, aggregating to 39 credit hours. You will also engage in fieldwork experience. If you are inclined towards research, the program offers an avenue to collaborate with faculty on a scholarly thesis.
- Ethical Grounding: You will get acquainted with core ethical values, trace the history of ethics in behavior analysis, and align with the Ethics Code sanctioned by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
By the program’s end, you will have:
- Mastered the art of behavior measurement and analysis.
- Designed and executed ethical behavior-altering procedures.
- Explored elective areas, be it business, counseling, or education.
- Enhanced your interdisciplinary communication through team collaborations.
Fieldwork, executed under supervision, offers invaluable experience across diverse settings. This experience doesn’t just amplify your skills but provides a realistic picture of your future roles.
Furthermore, you will be able to forge connections with faculty and collaborate with peers from various backgrounds. This network could be your gateway to future job opportunities and professional growth.
To commence your academic journey with John Carroll University, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Submit the Common Application online.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field, from an accredited institution.
- Provide original academic transcripts.
- Submit a personal essay.
- As an elective, you may enhance your application with recommendations, inclusive of a Common Application Teacher Evaluation.
University of Dayton
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
At the University of Dayton, you have an opportunity to enroll in the online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program through the School of Education and Health Sciences (SEHS). This program is specifically designed to equip you to support those with behavioral health challenges and their families.
If you have a passion for working with individuals affected by autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD, or other behavioral health challenges, this program is calling for you.
Your choices for this program are flexible. Dayton provides two distinct ABA master’s tracks, each with its ABAI-verified course sequence:
- Supervised Fieldwork Track (42 credits): Dive deep with this comprehensive track, where you will achieve 1,500 fieldwork hours throughout the program. Don’t stress about placement; faculty and dedicated specialists are there to guide and support you.
- Independent Fieldwork Track (30 credits): This track lets you finish 600 fieldwork hours within the program and gives you the liberty to complete the remaining 900 hours at your own pace and choice.
The online curriculum, comprising 33 credits, holds ABAI’s seal of approval. With a team of seasoned faculty leading the way, you can complete this program in just about 21 months.
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
- Behavior-Analytic Expertise: You will get a grip on core behavior-analytic techniques and strategies for understanding problematic behaviors.
- Client-Centric Tasks: You will skillfully identify when and where interventions are needed, be it for individuals or groups.
- Core Knowledge: You will understand foundational ideas and learn to transform them into advanced methods for behavioral alterations.
- Supervised Experience: As part of the program, you will immerse yourself in practical ABA experience. You will benefit from direct interactions with board-certified supervisors and mentors.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis I, II and III
- Assessment & Intervention
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Organizational Behavior Management
- Consultation Ethics & Law
- Culminating Case Study Capstone
University of Dayton’s ABA master’s program is an Academic Partner with the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE). The relationship with BHCOE means you will benefit from a wide array of resources. Whether it’s supervised fieldwork or specialized training, the support is there.
The capstone project will be your stage to demonstrate mastery in applied behavior analysis. Whether individually or with a team, you will conduct a research-based case study in a clinical or educational setting. This hands-on project goes hand-in-hand with your on-ground fieldwork.
Here’s what you need to apply:
- Online application form
- An up-to-date resume or CV
- Recommendations (two letters)
- Personal statement
- Official academic transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended.
Capella University
Online Graduate Certificate 0 Applied Behavior Analysis
Capella offers a 40-credit online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program can help you make a positive difference in people’s lives, no matter their background. The coursework for this certificate has been verified by the ABAI, which means it meets the requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA exam.
Not only does this program enhance your current skills, but the credits you earn can also be applied to a future MS in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis degree at Capella.
Here’s a glimpse at the core courses you will be taking:
- Basic Foundations in Applied Behavior Analysis: This course will help you understand the basic principles and ideas that form the foundation of behavior analysis science. You will learn to tell the difference between therapies that use behavior analysis and those that don’t.
- Advanced Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis: This course will let you explore the concepts that drive the science of behavior analysis. You will learn to recognize different types of triggers and consequences that influence behavior and practice using the scientific terminology common in behavior analysis.
- easurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis: This course will teach you about common measurement, data display, and experimental methods in applied behavior analysis. You will learn to distinguish between different types of measurements and understand when to use each one.
- Behavior Analytic Assessments: In this course, you will learn how to apply a wide range of assessment approaches in behavior analysis. You will learn how to evaluate a client’s preferences, needs, and strengths and weaknesses in skills.
- Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis: Here, you will apply evidence-based supervision practices to oversee behavior-analytic programs. You will learn to apply behavior change methods and create behavior change programs that address verbal behavior, using Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior.
- Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone: In this course, you will demonstrate your understanding of ethical and professional conduct, basic concepts and principles in behavior analysis, assessment techniques, and implementation of behavior-analytic methods. You will assess their effectiveness and display your knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Is there a Shortage of BCBAs?
Absolutely, there’s a noticeable shortage of BCBAs, even as their demand continues to surge. With diagnoses of autism on the rise among children and adults, the call for trained BCBAs is escalating, leading to a scarcity of experts in this field.
To further amplify this demand, various organizations are presenting enticing offers to lure candidates proficient in ABA. These perks often surpass the benefits of standard therapy roles. They can range from attractive salaries to bonus incentives for achieving particular milestones, and even compensation for advancing one’s ABA education.
In essence, employers are on the lookout for the perfect candidates equipped with the right ABA skills and expertise. So, if you possess both a background in ABA therapy and the credentials for a BCBA role, you are certainly in a prime position in the eyes of prospective employers.
How Much Does a BCBA Make in Ohio?
As of August 2023, according to Ziprecruiter, the average annual salary for a BCBA in Ohio is $82,573. BCBAs working in Cleveland earn higher average salary of $87,229 per year. More experienced and top earning BCBAs in Ohio make well over $140,000 per year.
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