Behavior and Autism Studies
Program Mission
The graduate program in Behavior and Autism studies emphasizes the principles of learning within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 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, must be completed. 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 Test Content Outcome 6 (TCO6) content requirements. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240903-a.pdf
Students may enter the master’s degree program or if a master’s degree has already been attained, the post-master’s certificate. Both sequences include eight ABA lecture-based courses (24 credits) as well as practicum requirements (one course for certificate, two courses for master’s degree). In addition to these shared courses, individuals completing the master’s degree will be required to complete two capstone courses where they will develop and implement their own behavior analytic research study (i.e., experiment or meta-analysis), as well as two additional elective courses (6 credits) chosen with their faculty advisor. The completion of the certificate therefore requires 27 credits and the master’s degree involves a total of 42 graduate credits. Successful completion of each course requires students to earn a minimum of a “B-” in order to remain in the program.
BACB Requirements: 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 Olga Velasquez, Director of Graduate Admissions for Felician University at velasquezo@felician.edu or (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
- Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts of past collegiate coursework including any post-baccalaureate courses
- Statement of Professional Interest
- Two letters of recommendation
- $40 application fee
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 program coordinator and school dean.