Accredited Online BCBA Programs in New Jersey [2024 Guide]

The need for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) is rapidly rising, given the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with autism and other behavioral disorders. If you are passionate about improving the lives of people struggling with these challenges, your path to make a real difference could begin in New Jersey.

With a variety of online BCBA programs offered in New Jersey, you can obtain the education, training, and certification necessary to embark on a fulfilling and impactful career in Applied Behavior Analysis.

The flexibility of an online BCBA program means you can learn at your own pace and convenience, all while preparing to sit for the BCBA certification exam.

best bcba programs in nj

Online BCBA Programs in New Jersey

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online BCBA programs in New Jersey:

Monmouth University
Arcadia University
Northeastern University
Capella University
Arizona State University Online
Purdue Global
University of Dayton
Simmons University

Monmouth University

Online M.S.Ed. Special Education – Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis

If you are interested in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the online Master’s degree program from Monmouth University might be perfect for you. This program combines key learnings from their Autism track and the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate.

By focusing on ABA, you will master techniques based on science to foster positive behavior changes in people with ASD. Completing this program will also make you eligible to take the Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam.

You will be part of a group of students learning from experienced teachers who have worked in various levels of education. These skilled faculty members will provide you with personalized learning, a demanding curriculum, and numerous opportunities to network.

As a BCBA, you will be in high demand, especially since the rate of autism is increasing nationally. Students with ASD often face challenges related to academics, social skills, behavior, and self-determination. As a BCBA, you can help them overcome these issues. Your role will involve carrying out functional behavior assessments and collaborating with school staff, including teachers and speech language pathologists, to develop behavior and skill goals.

After completing your Master’s degree and obtaining your BCBA certification, you can pursue a career as a supervisor, director, or trainer in settings like hospitals, clinics, private practices, community settings, homes, and schools.

The program includes core courses such as:

ABA Introduction: This provides a basic understanding of ABA, including its goals, philosophical assumptions, and key concepts.
ABA Concepts and Principles: Here, you will delve deeper into the principles, characteristics, processes, concepts, and terminology in ABA.
ABA Behavior Assessment: You will learn how to conduct functional behavior assessments and choose the right treatment based on the assessment results.
ABA Behavior Change Procedures: This course focuses on how to use and assess behavior change procedures for behavior analysts in the field.
ABA Personnel Supervision and Management: You will review the concepts and principles of personnel supervision and management.
ABA Professionalism and Ethics: This course emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and professionalism within the field of behavior analysis.

Arcadia University

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Online MEd

Arcadia University offers an online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program, which can empower you to inspire real change in many professional settings. Guided by experienced professionals in the field, you will learn crucial skills for your career in a flexible online format.

The online Applied Behavior Analysis program at Arcadia is designed to equip you with the right knowledge and skills needed in this fast-growing educational specialty. What’s more, these online courses meet the criteria for the BCBA licensure exam. Want to boost your job prospects even more? You can choose electives to earn an Online Graduate Certificate in Autism at the same time as your Master’s degree.

With Arcadia’s program, you can expect an education in applied behavior analysis that prepares you for top performance in your career. The online courses concentrate on evaluating student and client behavior throughout their lives, empowering you to bring positive changes to homes, schools, and communities. You will also get to try your hand at real work through an on-site practicum, which you could possibly complete at your current workplace.

In the course of earning your Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arcadia, you will take 13 online courses that concentrate on proven methods for behavior assessment and intervention. The skilled faculty will immerse you in practical coursework, supplemented by 2,000 practicum hours to give you real-world experience. You also get to choose three electives, including the option to work towards a Graduate Certificate in Autism simultaneously with your master’s degree.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has approved Arcadia’s online Applied Behavior Analysis program as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS). It’s possible to complete the program in as little as 18 months.

In this program, you can transfer up to six credits for the foundational course requirements. However, credits from other institutions are not accepted for the Applied Behavior Analysis core courses.

Some of the core courses in the program include:

Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change
ABA Training and Supervising Human Service Staff
Positive Behavioral Approaches
Special Topics in Autism

To apply for the online Applied Behavior Analysis program at Arcadia, you will need:

A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution
Official transcripts from each college, university or professional school you’ve attended
Two letters of recommendation
A personal statement
Your resume
A completed background check

Northeastern University

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The 30-credit online Master of Science program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Northeastern University is recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). This approval means the program’s coursework will prepare you to take the BACB exam.

In this online program, you will take various core courses focused on behavior analysis. Plus, you will take three additional courses that will deepen your understanding of clinical procedures and the research backing their use. The program also gives you the option to either organize your own supervised fieldwork or enroll in courses that offer supervision through a Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork option.

Northeastern University was one of the pioneers in offering a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, starting the program in 1976. In 2013, the program transitioned to a fully online format, combining proven practice in applied behavior analysis with versatile online learning experiences.

The program design gives you the flexibility to complete lectures and other assignments at your own pace throughout the semester. Most classes also offer the option of live meetings, allowing you to interact in real-time with professors and students from all over the world. The abundant online resources make for a flexible learning experience that can fit into even the busiest schedule.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

Behavioral Concepts & Principles
Behavior Assessment
Applied Programming 1 & 2
Advanced Learning 1 & 2
Systematic Inquiry
Single Case Research Design

The typical student will take two courses each semester, but you can adjust this based on your needs. You will work closely with your faculty advisor to determine the best plan for you. If you decide to take 1 to 4 semesters of the Intensive Practicum courses to gain supervised fieldwork hours, you can start as early as your second semester.

Your capstone project for this Master of Science program will be a professional portfolio. This digital collection will showcase the competencies you have developed during the program. Your portfolio will include evidence from projects you have worked on as part of your coursework, such as assessments, teaching protocols, and intervention programs.

The program also encourages interactions with fellow students and faculty members through weekly discussions, projects, presentations, and other assignments. Some courses even include group assignments and group-based teaching methods, giving you additional opportunities to connect with others.

To apply to the Master of Science program at Northeastern University, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree and a clear understanding of what a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis entails. All applicants are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Capella University

Online Graduate Certificate – 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.
Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis: In this course, you will study the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. You will practice tackling ethical problems that commonly crop up in behavior analysis work.
Measurement 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.

top online bcba and aba programs in nj

Does NJ Require BCBA License?

Yes, New Jersey does require a license for practicing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

What is the Salary of a BCBA in New Jersey?

As of January 2024, the average salary of a BCBA in New Jersey is $118,004 per year or $80.49 per hour. Top earning BCBAs in New Jersey make over $135,000 per year.

The salary of a BCBA in New Jersey can vary widely, indicating that there are likely numerous opportunities for career progression and salary growth depending on your expertise, geographic location, and years of experience.

Accredited Online BCBA Programs in New Jersey (NJ) – [2024 ABA Programs Guide]