College of Education

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Graduate Certificate

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Students raising their hands in a library

Quick Facts

  • 33 credits to a graduate certificate/ABAI 5th Edition Verified Course Sequence (VCS)
  • 45 credits to a master’s degree in Special Education and graduate certificate/ABAI 5th Edition Verified Course Sequence (VCS)
  • Fully online cohort format
  • Cohorts begin each Fall
  • Part-time to allow you to acquire the independent supervised field experience required to sit for the credentialing exam
  • All students are assessed in-state tuition regardless of residence location

Applied Behavior Analysis Overview

Portland State University’s ABA program is fully online and provides a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) aligned with the 5th Edition Task List as a graduate certificate option; or in conjunction with a master’s degree as part of the Pathway 2 eligibility outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). In addition, the program includes a number of added curricular areas of focus, including an explicit emphasis on the use of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support, and use of behavioral supports within early childhood settings.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified PSU’s course sequence toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. Please refer to the BACB® for additional requirements.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Brenna K. Wood
askcoe@pdx.edu
503-725-4619

Admissions Advisor

Stefanie Randol
askcoe@pdx.edu
503-725-4689*

*You can text me!

Program Benefits

  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence (VCS)
  • Resident tuition rates apply for students who reside outside of Oregon
  • Scholarship opportunities and Financial Aid available to graduate certificate and master's degree options
  • Access to a network of experts in the field
  • Coursework content preparation for BACB®-administered credentialing exam

Courses

  • ABA: Concepts and Principles
  • Assessing Behavior
  • PBS: Behavior-Change Strategies
  • Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis
  • Research in ABA: Single-Subject Design
  • Advanced Research Methods in ABA
  • ABA Leadership Capstone

About the program

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program is a fully online graduate program that provides a concentration of coursework in behavior analysis for those interested in pursuing advanced studies in ABA. Each course in the sequence builds on each other, enhancing students' knowledge and skills in implementing evidence-based behavior support strategies. Further, for those pursuing a BCBA, our 7 courses are based on the 5th edition of the BACB® Task List and an ABAI verified course sequence (VCS). Please visit the BCBA Examination Pass Rates for VCSs.

We offer two program options:

  1. Master's Degree (Master’s in Special Education + VCS coursework - 45 credits) and
  2. Graduate Certificate (VCS coursework - 33 credits).

The part-time, online format allows our students the time to accrue field experience hours required to sit for the credentialing exam. Resident tuition rates apply to students who live outside of Oregon. Graduate certificate and master's degree-seeking students qualify for financial aid and College of Education scholarship opportunities. Individuals in all human and social service fields are encouraged to apply.

Our graduates

Our graduates are behavior specialists in schools, as well as in day-treatment centers, ABA provider agencies, community based organizations, homes and in communities.

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been empirically shown to be effective in a wide variety of areas, including parent training, substance abuse treatment, dementia management, brain injury rehabilitation, occupational safety intervention, among others. However, because ABA was first applied to the treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, this practice area has the largest evidence base and has received the most recognition.”