In Maryland, as with many other places across the country, families and institutions face a growing demand for qualified behavior analysts. There’s an undeniable gap when it comes to addressing the varied behavioral needs of children and adults alike, and many often wonder where to turn.
This concern is real. Not having the right professionals means many individuals might not receive the effective interventions they require. It’s a strain for families, educational systems, and therapy centers, with many in Maryland longing for specialized programs that cater to this pressing need.
The good news? Maryland recognizes this and has risen to the occasion. Online and in-person BCBA programs in the state are designed to equip aspiring professionals like you with the right skills and knowledge. From urban centers like Baltimore to the shores of Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is making strides in preparing behavior analysts to make a meaningful difference.
BCBA Programs in Maryland
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Maryland:
- Mount St. Mary’s University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Cincinnati Online
- University of Dayton
- Simmons University
- Capella University
- Pepperdine University
Mount St. Mary’s University
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysts play a crucial role in evaluating and addressing behavioral, communicative, developmental, and learning challenges. These professionals find their expertise in demand across diverse settings like clinics, homes, hospitals, schools, and typical workplaces.
Notably, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has gained traction, especially for treating intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its effectiveness, especially for individuals with autism, has led insurance companies in most states to recognize ABA as a medically essential therapy.
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MSABA) program at Mount St. Mary’s University paves the way for an in-depth immersion into ABA’s principles and applications. This program equips students with an in-depth understanding of ABA principles and their practical applications.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the program’s courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. You will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Behavior Theory and Philosophy
- Principles and Concepts of Behavior Analysis
- Ethical and Professional Conduct
- Behavior Assessment
- Behavioral Intervention
- Research Design, Measurement and Data Analysis
To obtain the MSABA degree from Mount St. Mary’s, you need to complete 42 credit hours, including nine hours of fieldwork and a capstone research assignment.
Upon completion, you will be well-positioned to bring about meaningful change in individual lives. The program paves the way for diverse professional journeys, be it in clinical care, school-based interventions, or even doctoral studies.
The uniqueness of the MSABA program stems from its interdisciplinary nature, bridging the School of Education with the Department of Psychology under the School of Natural Science and Mathematics. This combination offers students the privilege of learning from a diverse set of professors seasoned in ABA.
Futhremore, during the program, you will be exposed to both foundational and applied behavioral science research, alongside expert practitioners skilled in behavioral interventions, classroom dynamics, and managing severe behavioral issues. Additionally, Mount St. Mary’s vibrant and inclusive community ensures every individual feels welcomed, appreciated, and supported.
Understanding the challenges of juggling education with a full-time job, Mount St. Mary’s University has designed all courses with flexibility:
- The program is designed to fit alongside your work schedules.
- Classes are held once a week during the academic year and twice a week in summer.
- You have the option of attending class via Zoom.
- You can complete the course sequence in under two years. However, if you need more time, a part-time option is available.
- As a student, you will experience a supportive community, aiding a harmonious work-study balance.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Completing online application.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
M.A. in Human Services Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis
The 36-credit Master of Arts program in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County aims to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in the field of ABA. This track emphasizes foundational and advanced elements of ABA and ensures that students gain hands-on experience to proficiently apply behavioral principles.
Within the curriculum, you will explore topics such as ethics, the fundamental and applied analysis of behavior, research methodologies, data interpretation, and gain real-world experience through practicum placements. Ethical considerations and best practices in behavior analysis are covered in multiple courses to ensure holistic understanding.
The ABAI has verified the program’s courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Learning and Cognition
- Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis: Design of Interventions
- Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis: Observation and Assessment
- Ethics for Applied Behavior Analysts
- Behavior Analysis in the Schools
- Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities
- Verbal Behavior
- Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis
In place of a master’s thesis, you complete a capstone project using the skills acquired in the track. The capstone project requires you to conceptualize, document, and implement a comprehensive study, encompassing everything from initial assessments to protocol development and outcome evaluations. This project replaces the traditional thesis format and ideally focuses on applied assessments or intervention advancements, with an emphasis on implications on application.
The practicum component of the program allows you to immerse yourself in practical applications of ABA, spanning assessment to intervention. To meet practicum requirements, you must allocate at least 10 hours weekly, culminating in 150 hours over a 15-week semester. This allocation earns you 3 credit hours for the term.
It’s worth noting that while the UMBC curriculum includes mandatory fieldwork experiences, the two semesters of practicum might not suffice for BCBA exam eligibility requirements.
The instructional approach of the M. A. program at the UMBC is a combination of two models. Admission to the program doesn’t tie a student to a single faculty member. On entering, you will gain exposure to the entire core faculty through coursework or a blend of coursework and supervised field experiences. During your first academic year, you will select a topic of interest for your capstone. This phase includes a more mentor-centric model wherein you will collaborate closely with a faculty member or clinical supervisor, refining and completing your capstone project.
It is mandatory to complete the program within a 4-year timeframe post-admission. Exceeding this duration might lead to exclusion from the ABA track unless there are significant mitigating factors. Ideally, you should aim to complete the program in 2 years.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Completing online application.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Three Letters of Recommendation.
- A Statement of Purpose.
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended.
- Updated resume or CV.
The GRE General Test (GRE) is not required and will not be considered as part of your application to this program.
Johns Hopkins University
Post-Master’s Certificate – Applied Behavior Analysis
Johns Hopkins University offers a 21-credits post-master certificate in ABA. This program is about learning the best ways to help students behave better in school. If you like, you can also take extra classes where you get to practice what you have learned in real-life classrooms.
In this program, you will learn how to use proven ways to teach students and help them behave. You will also find out about tools and tips teachers can use to make their job easier and more effective. Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education
- Behavioral Assessment and Intervention for Challenging Behaviors
- Behavioral Assessment and Instructional Strategies
- Applications of ABA in the Classroom
- Supervision and Consultation Practices in ABA
- Ethics and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts
As mentioned above, you can also take up to four elective practicum classes where you practice what you are learning. These elective courses are designed meet BCBA supervised work experience requirements. The practicum will provide you supervised real-world experiences in the application of behavior-analytic services in educational settings and includes both individual and group supervision.
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
- Understand and use the best ways to help students from kindergarten to 12th grade behave better.
- Use research to see if your teaching methods are working.
- Check students’ behavior and decide the best ways to help them.
- Plan and use lessons to help students learn and behave better.
- Create plans to help students who might be acting out.
- Know and follow the right rules when helping students behave better.
- Use everything you’ve learned to help students in classrooms from kindergarten to 12th grade.
To enroll, you need to have a master’s degree in education, psychology, or behavior study from an accredited university. Also, you should have good grades from your past schoolwork, with an GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0. This includes all the classes you took in college and any other higher-level classes you are still taking.
Other admission requirements include:
- A 500-word essay highlighting the reasons you wish to pursue this program.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
University of Cincinnati Online
Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis
The 30-credit Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Cincinnati Online dives deep into understanding human behavior, aiming to boost positive social interactions and uplift the lives of those diagnosed with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and beyond.
Recognizing the hustle and bustle of daily life, the University of Cincinnati Online has designed this program to be asynchronous, adjusting to your timetable. Every class is available 100% online, meaning there is no need to step into a classroom. With a part-time setup, you are given the flexibility to manage academic responsibilities alongside other commitments in your life.
This program aims to equip you with the essential tools to assist individuals with behavioral and learning obstacles. You will be prepared to offer support in various environments such as clinics, schools, homes, and residential facilities. This program emphasizes strategies tailored to aid individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, fostering their independence.
Some of the courses that you will take at the University of Cincinnati include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis I: In this course, you will explore the world of behavior analysis, focusing on its philosophy, core concepts, and principles, especially in applied settings.
- Ethics for Behavioral Practice and Research: This course helps you understand the rules, ethical guidelines, and day-to-day considerations for professionals such as school psychologists and BCBAs.
- Behavioral Supervision and Management: With behavior analysis gaining traction, this course emphasizes top-notch supervision techniques in line with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s fifth task list.
- Applied Behavior Analysis II: Here, you will build on what you learned in the first class. You will learn how to use behavior ideas to solve problems and encourage good behavior, especially in schools.
- Child Development: In this course, you will journey through the stages of child development, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world applications for a holistic understanding of child growth.
- Frameworks for Disabilities and Disorders in Childhood: In this course, you will dive deeper into how children grow, focusing on those with special needs or differences. You will also learn about the best ways to help these kids in schools.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Bachelor’s degree (preferably in related field) from an accredited university.
- An overall 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0) or higher.
- Resume or CV.
- Official transcripts.
- Two Letters of Reference.
- Goal Statement – highlighting the reasons you wish to pursue this program.
How Do I Become a BCBA in Maryland?
To become a BCBA in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a graduate-level ABA degree.
- Complete supervised field experience.
- Pass the BCBA examination.
How Much Does a BCBA Make in Maryland?
As of September 2023, the average annual salary for a BCBA in Maryland is $87,624. More experienced and top earning BCBAs working in Maryland make well over $145,000 per year.
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