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Behavior and Autism Studies

Program Mission

The graduate program in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis emphasizes the principles of learning and the systematic application of evidence-based behavioral strategies to promote gains across multiple areas including behavior, academics, social- communication, and community integration. Based on the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Task Content Outcome 6 (TCO6) Standards and Ethical Code, the program provides the knowledge and skills required to (a) conduct behavioral assessments, (b) design interventions that facilitate the acquisition of positive skills and the reduction of behaviors that interfere with learning, (c) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, (d) provide behavior analytic consultation and supervision services, and (e) serve in accordance with BACB ethical standards. In order for a student to sit for the BACB examination, all program requirements, as well as all necessary experience hours, as well as pass the BACB examination. Once the student passes the BACB examination, then the certification of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is earned.

Program Description

All students entering the program will participate in graduate courses that meet the BCBA Task List TC06 Requirements. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240903-a.pdf

Students must complete a core set of ten lecture-based courses (30 credits) and two required practicum (6 credits) as well as 6 credit hours of additional elective coursework chosen with their faculty advisor. The total program involves 42 graduate credits. The core ABA set of classes has been approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and is a registered ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) meets the BACB Task List V Requirements. The students must have a “B-” in all of the courses to remain in the program. As part of the coursework, students will also be required to complete a Capstone project which will be made up of two courses targeting a specific area of study. First, students will conduct a literature review on a chosen academic topic. Then, in a following semester, students will conduct a meta-analysis of their literature review or implement an experimental evaluation within the identified area.

Content experts in the discipline: Content experts in the discipline establish the BACB requirements and examination content. Students are required to thoroughly review the BCBA requirements and associated documents.

Please note that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) and/or the Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI®) can make changes to eligibility requirements for certification at any time. Current and future students are required to review information from the BACB and remain current with updates https://www.bacb.com/bcba/

Course Delivery

The courses are offered through synchronous virtual technology offered at Felician University. This format provides the opportunity for lectures, activities, and discussions with peers and professors on a weekly basis. To remotely access the courses, students must adhere to the University General Guidelines that pertain to the needed technology and protocol for participating in the courses.

Electives to complete the master’s degree are offered through an asynchronous 8-week format.

Admission Requirements and Process*

Individuals interested in applying for admission should contact the Director of Graduate Admissions for Felician University at (201) 559-1466. Information can also be found on the web page under the School of Education, Master's in Education with a Specialization in Autism and ABA. The admission requirements include:

  • Completed application to the School of Education Graduate Programs and $40 application fee
  • Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (flexible)
  • Official transcripts of past collegiate work including post-baccalaureate work
  • Statement of Professional Interest

Course Transfer Policy

As per the University Policy, a student may transfer in a total of six elective graduate credits towards their Master’s degree. In relation to the core courses, the content must be consistent with the content of Felician program courses in terms of the required areas of study according to the BACB Standards. An individual interested in transferring credit hours, must submit official transcripts and course syllabi of the courses for review by the program coordinator. Approval must be obtained by the coordinator and school dean.