North Carolina has countless individuals, particularly children with autism and related disorders, who are in dire need of specialized behavioral interventions. However, there’s a noticeable gap in the availability of experts to support them.
Think about classrooms striving to accommodate diverse learning needs, families navigating daily challenges, and communities hoping to foster inclusivity. These scenarios highlight the pressing demand for experts trained in behavior analysis.
Fortunately, North Carolina boasts a selection of top-tier in-person and online BCBA programs designed to equip passionate individuals with the skills they need. By joining one of these programs, you can become part of the solution, helping bridge the gap and bringing transformative change to countless lives in the state.
BCBA Programs in North Carolina
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in North Carolina:
- Northeastern University – Charlotte
- UNC Charlotte
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- National University
- University of Dayton
- Capella University
- Arizona State University Online
Northeastern University – Charlotte
Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Ready to become an expert in understanding and guiding behavior? Northeastern University offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program that sets you on the path to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Key parts of the program include:
- Learning from experienced teachers who have both deep knowledge and hands-on experience.
- Studying unique topics, like sustainability, health, and fitness.
- An end-of-program project where you will create a portfolio of all your learned skills.
- A special four-week study session to get ready for the BCBA exam, led by the university’s teachers.
- Chances to meet and learn from other professionals around the world.
This hybrid program at the Charlotte campus lets you study both online and in person. Most of the time, you will be learning on your own pace online. But sometimes, you will attend in-person classes to grasp some major topics. In total, you will go through seven core behavior analysis courses and three advanced clinical procedures and related research courses.
The program will help you explore many topics like understanding why people behave in certain ways, and how to teach effectively. You will also study the main ideas behind behavior analysis and learn about its history and theories. All of this knowledge will make you better equipped to deal with challenging behavior and learning situations.
Once you finish, you will be all set for the BCBA coursework, but remember, will need to meet additional requirements before you can take the examination.
Depending on the season, you will take one or two classes each term, with classes available in the fall, spring, and summer. Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Behavioral Concepts and Principles
- Behavior Assessment
- Single-Case Research Design
- Service Administration
- Advanced Learning Seminar
- Applied Programming Seminar
- Systematic Inquiry
If you are keen on getting real-world practice, the program offers special courses where you can work under the guidance of the university’s teachers. These hands-on courses match the standards set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
If you finish all four of these special courses, you will have done all the fieldwork needed for the BCBA exam. If you already have a job in this field, you might be able to do your fieldwork there. If not, the university’s teachers will help you find a good place to do it.
The final part of the program is putting together a portfolio of all your work. This collection will showcase all the important skills you have mastered. From understanding how rewards can change behavior to reviewing important studies, this collection is proof of all the hard work you have put into the program.
UNC Charlotte
Master of Education in Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Are you a dedicated educator with an undergraduate degree, aiming to broaden your skills? The 33-credit Master of Education in Special Education and Child Development with ABA concentration at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte could be your next step.
This program is tailored for those who aspire to be at the forefront of teaching, focusing on inclusivity and understanding. With an emphasis on becoming a BCBA, the coursework aligns with the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, preparing you to take the BCBA examination.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.
The program is 100% online and designed to be flexible for working professionals hoping to continue their education. Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
- Lifespan Development for Exceptional Individuals
- Science and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis
- Supervision and Consultation in Behavior Analytic Programming
- Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication
- Behavioral Assessment
The curriculum provides an in-depth look into behavioral science, offering strategies to address diverse behavioral needs. A significant part of the program delves into assisting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), both in educational and healthcare environments. The aim is to mold you into a behavior analyst who is proficient, principled, and dedicated to enriching lives.
UNC Charlotte’s esteemed faculty, with vast expertise in behavior analysis, guide the program. It upholds a standard of excellence, expecting the same commitment from its participants.
To apply, you need to meet the following admission requirements:
- Completed Graduate School Admission form.
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in fields such as special education, psychology, or related field.
- CGPA of 3.0 or above.
- Official transcripts from all past academic institutions.
- Test scores from either the GRE or MAT, ranking in the top 30%.
- A minimum of 6 months experience assisting individuals with special needs.
- Three recommendations from professional educators familiar with your abilities.
- A detailed resume.
- An statement of purpose of no more than two pages detailing your motivation to specialize in applied behavior analysis.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Master of Science in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
If you are contemplating a deeper exploration into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the University of North Carolina Wilmington provides a curriculum that aligns with ABAI standards. This is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the detailed examination of behavioral patterns and the foundational elements behind behavior analysis.
The essence of ABA lies in its scientific approach, leveraging the tenets of learning to devise, enact, and gauge strategies fostering tangible improvements in behavior. Its applications span across various sectors, from education to healthcare, with a particular emphasis on evidence-backed intervention methodologies.
In your academic journey at the UNC Wilmington, you will have the privilege of collaborating with esteemed faculty members specializing in diverse facets of behavior analysis. Upon completing your master’s degree, you will meet criteria to sit for the BCBA exam.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis: Assessment and Intervention
- Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis
- Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis
- Advanced Psychopathology
- Ethical, Cultural, and Legal Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis: Professional Considerations
Your engagement during the program will extend beyond the theoretical concepts. You will undertake supervised practical experiences involving behavioral evaluation and interventions for children facing learning or intellectual challenges. These experiences will include the holistic development of these children, addressing potential behavioral, social, or communicative impediments. Regular interactions with your supervisor will be a cornerstone of this experience.
Over the course of a semester, you are expected to dedicate 8-10 hours weekly for practical experiences, culminating in a total of 120 hours. It’s imperative to understand that this is a learning opportunity; hence, compensation for your services is not provided.
Furthermore, you must document your practicum hours. The requisite documentation tools will be provided by the supervising instructor. It’s also mandatory to fulfill all background checks and training prerequisites before initiating your practicum.
In most cases, for admission to the program, you would need to meet the criteria listed below:
- Educational Background: You should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized local college or university, or an equivalent degree from an international accredited institution. I
- Academic Achievements in Psychology: Your major should be in psychology, or you should have completed a minimum of 21 psychology credit hours. Moreover, your GPA should be at least 3.0 out of 4.0. You must also have secured a grade of B or higher in both statistics and psychology research methodology courses.
- Recommendation Letters: Three endorsements are required from professionals in fields related to psychology. Importantly, two of these references should come directly from academic faculty.
- Professional Profile: You will need to provide an updated curriculum vitae or resume.
- Personal Essay: A written statement ranging from 500-800 words is expected. This essay should outline your research background, your passion for psychology, research topics you are keen on exploring further, your career ambitions, and any other strengths that set you apart as a prime candidate for this advanced study program.
- Faculty Interaction: An interview with members from the Department of Psychology is mandatory to ensure that your research interests align well with the faculty’s expertise.
GRE scores are not required.
National University
Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavioral Analysis
National University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis designed for those with a deep desire to assist individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with varied neural conditions that can benefit from behavioral adjustments. The ABAI has verified the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.
The ABA field is highly sought-after and fulfilling, playing a transformative role in patients’ lives. This therapy is centered on aiding individuals in altering their behaviors. Effective ABA can equip patients with or enhance vital abilities such as social interactions, work-related competencies, communication techniques, academic prowess, and daily personal care routines.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- ABA Basics: This introduces ABA’s core elements, like behavior, and its influencing environmental factors. Key terms and foundational principles are highlighted.
- Behavior’s Function Assessment: This course explores the reasons behind certain behaviors, the methodology for a functional analysis, understanding functional assessment data, and its role in addressing and averting undesirable behaviors.
- Changing Behavior Patterns: This course emphasizes fostering significant social transformations in a person’s life, detailing the primary generalized behavioral modifications and the approaches utilized by applied behavior analysts.
- Crafting ABA Strategies: Here you will learn the process of setting clear, measurable intervention goals, pinpointing potential strategies based on assessments, and suggesting suitable interventions and objectives.
- Upholding Ethical Standards: You will learn the professional standards and conduct for behavior analysts, ways to ensure ethical services, and methods to uphold and elevate professional expertise.
- Guidance and Leadership: This course will equip you with guidance on streamlining ABA programs and assessing the impact of their supervision.
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Explain core ideas of Radical Behaviorism from an ABA viewpoint.
- Analyze measurement, data display and interpretation in experimental design format.
- Incorporate ethical guidelines during behavior modification and assessments.
- Combine behavior oversight and performance checks during modifications and assessments.
- Apply ABA principles in research and everyday scenarios.
- Undertake research using relevant methodologies to boost student results.
To earn this Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, you need to complete a minimum of 45 quarter units of postgraduate studies. Up to 4.5 quarter units can be transferred from prior graduate studies at a different institution, provided they weren’t utilized for another advanced degree. The studied courses should be recent, ideally within the last seven years.
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. 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
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.
Can a BCBA Work Independently in NC?
In North Carolina, if Behavior Analysts, or those with similar national accreditation, are licensed or certified in another state, or if they have board certification from the BCBA Board or the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board, they can practice without a psychologist’s oversight.
Furthermore, BCBAs are permitted to offer Specialized Consultative Services on their own via the NC Innovations Waiver.
How Much Does a BCBA Make in North Carolina?
As of August 2023, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a BCBA in North Carolina is $77,609. BCBAs working in Charlotte earn higher average salary of $88,159 per year. More experienced and top earning BCBAs in North Carolina make well over $140,000 per year.
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