Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; Munroe Meyer Institute, UNMC

Vision Statement

The University of Nebraska Omaha and Munroe Meyer Institute (MMI) applied behavior analysis program’s mission is for graduate students who have met high levels of academic excellence in clinical and research skills in applied behavior analysis and mental/behavioral health. The ABA Program trains students in a behavior analytic orientation to provide much needed services for children and adolescents, including those with behavioral and neurodevelopmental disabilities. The certificate program complements the existing MS in applied behavior analysis. The MS degree is for those individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking a master’s degree and a program of coursework and practicum leading to Board Certification in Behavior Analysis. The certificate program is for those individuals who already have a masters, educational specialist or PhD degree and wish to acquire additional knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis.

Program Contact Information

Mark Shriver, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
Munroe Meyer Institute
402.559.6408
mshriver@unmc.edu

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

This UNO ABA certificate program does not lead to Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) unless one takes all courses in the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence and completes 1500 or 2000 hours of required supervised fieldwork. The supervised fieldwork is not offered as a course in the ABA certificate program and must be arranged independently by the student. See BACB for more details on attaining BCBA and requirements for supervised fieldwork.

The majority of coursework is online. However, most online courses require a synchronous meeting, typically weekly, which students will join via Zoom video. All courses, including online courses, follow a semester schedule sequence. 

Although a university practicum experience is offered, due to the intensity of the supervision requirements, full-time employees who are seeking BCBA and taking courses part-time are strongly encouraged to consider the supervised fieldwork experience option instead. See https://www.bacb.com/experience-standards-monthly-system/

 

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Fall 2024)

Fall: July 1

Other Requirements

  • All applicants should contact Dr. Mark Shriver prior to applying to discuss goals to assure this program is a good match.
  • Applicants must have completed a master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, a major or a minor (or at least a 15 credit concentration) in psychology, education, or a related area.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

    • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110

  • Statement of Purpose: a 1000-word essay describing why they seek admission to this program
  • Resume
  • One letter of recommendation

Degree Requirements

Required Courses12
Select four of the following:
PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND INTERVENTIONS
ETHICS AND LAW FOR PSYCHOLOGY AND APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
PROSEMINAR LEARNING
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IN EDUCATION
SMALL N RESEARCH DESIGNS
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR
BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC APPROACHES TO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Total Credits12

In order to enroll in each course, students must obtain instructor approval and permit prior to registration. All courses for the certificate must be completed with grades of "B" or better.  Students may take these courses through UNMC, Munroe Meyer Institute (MMI) by completing an intercampus registration form.

Exit Requirement

Students must create a portfolio that is reviewed and approved by the student's advisor before the certificate is awarded.

Special Performance Quality Rule

The ABA Handbook is a comprehensive resource for prospective and current students in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at UNO. Refer to this document for information concerning the program content, training, policies, research, and more.

Special Performance Quality Rule

The ABA Handbook is a comprehensive resource for prospective and current students in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at UNO. Refer to this document for information concerning the program content, training, policies, research, and more.