Popular Accredited BCBA Programs and Certification in Mississippi [2024 Guide]

Mississippi’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) programs confront a crucial challenge: equipping individuals like you with the expertise to effectively address diverse behavioral needs in the community. These programs offer a solution by blending rigorous academic coursework with essential practical experience.

As a result, students are prepared not just for national certification, but also for the unique demands of Mississippi’s communities. The benefit? Graduates emerge as highly skilled BCBAs, ready to make a meaningful impact in various settings across the state, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

In this article, we will explore some of the popular BCBA programs in Mississippi.

BCBA Programs in Mississippi

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

• Mississippi State University Online
• University of Dayton
• Walden University
• National University
• Pepperdine University
• Simmons University
• Baylor University
• Arizona State University Online

Mississippi State University Online

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

You can enroll in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate program at Mississippi State University Online. This program aims to provide you with education, training, and experience, preparing you for real-world practice.

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.

As a student, you will benefit from the following highlights of the program:

1. The same tuition fees apply to you, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.
2. The program is delivered completely online.
3. It consists of 21 credit hours, which are divided into 7 courses.
4. This program is offered at the Graduate level.
5. The application deadline for the Fall semester is March 15.

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.

ABA practices, which you will learn, are effective in areas such as:

• Parent training
• Substance abuse treatment
• Dementia management
• Brain injury rehabilitation
• Occupational safety intervention
• Teaching safety skills
• Working with individuals with disabilities, like autism

Before enrolling in this certificate program, you must hold a master’s degree in Education or Psychology. To obtain the certificate in ABA, you are required to complete all 7 courses, totaling 21 ABA concentration credit hours.

The required ABA Concentration Curriculum includes:

1. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis: This course involves three hours of lectures, focusing on basic behavior analysis concepts and principles, primarily outside of school settings.
2. Applications of Behavior Analysis: With the instructor’s permission, this course provides practical applications of behavior analysis concepts in educational and non-educational settings.
3. Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessment: This involves learning about the theory and practice of social and behavioral assessment, including data interpretation and report writing.
4. Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis: This course addresses the treatment and evaluation of behavioral problems in children and youth, mainly in non-school settings.
5. Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis: It covers the foundations of practice, focusing on legal and ethical aspects in behavior analysis.
6. Single Subject Design: This course offers an in-depth look at single-subject research designs and research methods.
7. Consultation, Supervision, & Personnel Management in Applied Behavior Analysis: It entails a systematic review of behavioral consultation, supervision, and personnel management in human service settings.

To apply for the program, you must:

1. Submit an online application, selecting Certificate/Applied Behavior Analysis as your program of interest and Online Education as the campus.
2. Provide a statement of purpose outlining your interest in the degree and your career goals.
3. Provide email contact information for 3 references, who will be asked to submit letters of reference on your behalf.
4. Submit a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your education and employment history.
5. Provide one official transcript showing your bachelor’s degree or progress towards it. If you are an international student, include a copy in your native language along with translated copies, if needed.
6. Provide one official transcript showing all your post-bachelor’s degree work.

Mississippi State University Online

Master of Science In Educational Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis

Mississippi State University also offers a master’s program in educational psychology with emphasis on ABA. This program is designed to empower you to use learning principles for socially significant behavior change. ABAI has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.

If you are aiming to impact lives by applying treatment strategies based on behavior and learning principles, driven by data analysis, this degree is tailored for you. The program offers the necessary coursework, practical experiences, and supervision to prepare you for the BCBA certification exam.

This program stands out by offering university-based and community practicum training sites, accommodating both full-time and part-time students. You will learn how to implement ABA-based interventions, teaching new skills and reducing problem behavior in individuals with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, and intellectual disability. Additionally, you will gain experience in conducting ABA research.

To earn a Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a concentration in ABA, you must:

• Complete a minimum of 40 credit hours, which include 10 core educational psychology hours, 24 ABA concentration hours, and 6 credit hours of a practicum course. Additional practicum courses are available each semester, but only 6 credits (two semesters) are required.
• Successfully pass a comprehensive master’s examination.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Applications of Behavior Analysis
• Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessment
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis
• Single Subject Design
• Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum

Practicum courses, equivalent to 3 credit hours each, are optional and offer approved clinical experiences in ABA. If you choose, faculty will assist in finding a suitable practicum placement within a reasonable distance.

As a graduate, you will be equipped to:

• Apply foundational knowledge in behavior analysis.
• Define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis.
• Conduct behavior assessments, including functional behavioral analysis and skill-based assessment.
• Evaluate behavior analytic research using single-subject experimental designs.
• Implement assessments for behavior change that foster positive social change.
• Adhere to the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.
• Utilize your ABA knowledge and research skills in real-world settings like education, social, organizational, and health environments.

The admission requirements for the program are:

• Submit an online application, selecting Educational Psychology as your major and Online Education as your campus.
• Provide a Statement of Purpose.
• Arrange for three letters of recommendation. You will need to submit the names and email addresses of your references. Once submitted, MSU will email them with a link to an online recommendation form.
• International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Submit one official transcript showing your bachelor’s degree or progress toward it. International students should include a copy in their native language and translated copies, if necessary.
• Provide one official transcript showing all post-bachelor’s degree work. International students should also submit these in their native language, along with translated copies if needed.

National University

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

At National University, you can to pursue a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is tailored for your interest in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with neurodiverse conditions who can benefit from behavior change systems. Its goal is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for the BCBA exam.

To obtain your Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, you need to complete at least 45 quarter units of graduate-level studies. There is a chance for you to transfer up to 4.5 quarter units of similar graduate work from a different institution. These transferred units should not have been counted towards another advanced degree and should have been completed in the last 7 years. Keep in mind that equivalence for these courses is not based on life experience.

Your coursework will include:

• 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

National University’s curriculum is notable for its precision learning and a verified course sequence. The program focuses on practitioner self-care, social and emotional learning, and cultural competency. You will need to complete a research-based capstone project. After finishing the program, help is provided to find an internship.

Once you complete the program, your skills will encompass:

• 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 paves the way for career opportunities in various sectors like health care, social assistance, and educational services. Skills valued in these areas include teaching, research, communication, leadership, writing, advocacy, planning, and management.

To qualify for the BACB exam, you need a master’s degree with a verified course sequence, such as the one provided by National University, and 1500 – 2000 hours of supervised experience. Passing the exam allows you to become a BCBA.

Career prospects in this field are varied and rewarding. National University’s ABA program 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 Mississippi?

To become a BCBA in Mississippi, you must:

• Hold a master’s degree.
• Have completed the required ABA course sequence.
• Have completed the required number of supervised work hours.
• Pass the BCBA examination

What Should I Major in to Be a BCBA?

If you aspire to become a BCBA, choosing a relevant major for your undergraduate and graduate studies is crucial. While there is flexibility in the field of study for becoming a BCBA, certain majors align more closely with the requirements and the work of a behavior analyst. Here’s a guide to help you select an appropriate major:

Undergraduate Level

• Psychology: A popular choice that provides a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and mental processes.
• Education: Particularly beneficial if you are interested in working in school settings or with children with developmental disorders.
• Sociology: Offers insights into social behavior, which can be valuable in understanding group dynamics and societal influences on behavior.
• Special Education: Directly relevant if you wish to work with individuals with special needs.
• Child Development: Focuses on the growth and development of children, which is a key area of work for many BCBAs.

Graduate Level

• Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis: The most direct and focused pathway, covering all the necessary principles and techniques of behavior analysis.
• Master’s in Psychology or Education with a focus on Behavior Analysis: Some programs offer specialization or certification in behavior analysis.
• Master’s in Special Education: Some special education programs include courses in behavior analysis.

Required Coursework for BCBA Certification

• Regardless of your major, you must complete specific coursework in behavior analysis to be eligible for BCBA certification. This coursework is typically part of a master’s program in ABA but can also be taken post-graduate if your degree is in a different field.

Other Considerations

• Interests and Career Goals: Consider your interests and long-term career goals. If you are interested in working in specific settings (like schools, clinics, or private practice) or with certain populations (like children with autism), select a major that aligns with these goals.
• Accredited Programs: Ensure that the programs and institutions you are considering are accredited and meet the standards set by the BACB.

How Much Does a BCBA Make in Mississippi?

As of December 2023, the average annual salary for a BCBA working in Mississippi is $84,312 or $41 per hour. More experienced and top earning BCBAs in Mississippi make over $140,000 per year.