Hero Image

Graduate Certificate in Psychology — Applied Behavior Analysis

Department of Psychology

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Graduate Certificate in Psychology — Applied Behavior Analysis

Department of Psychology

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Online

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$703 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

EKU’s 100% online certificate in applied behavior analysis provides an accelerated path to the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designation for students already possessing a master’s degree.

Rooted in established, evidence-based practices and principles, our comprehensive program prepares graduates to pursue rewarding careers in the rapidly growing field of applied behavior analysis. Graduates are prepared to work in school, residential, or community-based settings and with different populations including, children, adults and seniors. This program meets the educational requirements for students who wish to pursue a career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Graduates with a qualifying degree who have completed supervised experience requirements are qualified to sit for the BCBA exam and, upon passing, are eligible to pursue independent practice and insurance reimbursement for services provided.

Learn More


Loading…

Career Outlook


Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling services. In addition, states are increasingly seeking treatment and counseling services for drug offenders as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration and as a method to reduce recidivism.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

To become licensed as a behavior analyst in the state of Kentucky (and in most other states), an individual must be certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the leading international credentialing agency for behavior analysts accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Job Titles Include:

  • Behavior analyst
  • Board certified behavior analyst (BCBA)
  • Senior therapist
  • Parent educator
  • Behavior consultant
  • Educational consultant
  • Organizational consultant
  • Behavior specialist
  • Behavior coach
  • ABA therapist

Graduates of EKU’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs are prepared to work in a variety of settings.

Employers Include:

  • Hopebridge
  • Bertling ABA
  • Pikeville Medical Center Appalachian Valley Autism Center
  • Various Boards of Education

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence
  • Graduates who have completed supervised experience requirements are qualified to sit for the BCBA exam and, upon passing, are eligible to pursue independent practice and insurance reimbursement for services provided
  • GRE waived for students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Research opportunities
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Personalized graduation plan

Curriculum & Enrollment


EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as addressing problem behaviors, behavioral research and measurement, building new behaviors, and foundations, concepts and principles in applied behavior analysis.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Note that persons planning to apply for BCBA Certification are required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree, to have completed the Board approved ABA coursework, to have completed the required and documented supervised practical experience, and to pass an examination administered by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board.


The ABA Certificate from EKU provides the required ABA coursework and small number of supervised experiential learning hours. Students are responsible for finding their own practical experiences in order to accumulate the required hours of supervised experience, and for scheduling and paying for the BCBA Certification Exam. Information can be found at www.bacb.com.


For students with a master’s degree, admission requirements are minimum overall graduate grade point average of 2.75, minimum of one research course and one statistics course, minimum of three additional courses in psychology or a related discipline and a personal statement.


Personal statement must address the following areas:

  • What personal characteristics do you possess that you believe are important to the practice of applied behavior analysis? Do you possess any particular strengths that you feel will be an asset to you in graduate school? What about any personal challenges that you think might hinder your progress?
  • What are your professional goals?
  • Describe any experiences that have particularly prepared you for graduate study in applied behavior analysis (e.g., co-op/internships, work experiences, life experiences).

Explain if you feel that any portion of your application does not accurately reflect your academic skills or preparation to complete this certificate.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

professional photo of bailey bird

Bailey Bird

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8764
bailey.bird@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features


Professional photo of Nicholas Hoffman

Dr. Nicholas Hoffman

EKU Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology & VCS in Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate
My favorite part of being an EKU student was being able to gain experiences relevant to my field, while also networking with other professionals and leaders which opened the door for my success. I, along with my peers, had doors opened for us that lead us on pathways that were not available to us by default. It truly is a college of opportunity.

Keylee Emmett

EKU Psychology Student
Through studying psychology at EKU, I have gained valuable insight into the complexities of the human mind and behavior. The engaging lectures, supportive community, and the skilled professors and faculty have made my academic journey both enjoyable and invaluable. I am sure that the skills and knowledge I have gained at EKU will help me to succeed in my future career.
Sara Cannon

Sara Cannon

EKU Applied Behavior Analysis Student
I can’t speak highly enough of the EKU Online program. I am so grateful for all of the hard work that all of the staff put into it every day. The feeling of accomplishment and self-confidence that this opportunity has provided me is worth as much to me as the degree I’m earning.

Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.

News & Updates

Meet the Newest EKU Colonels

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomed the class of 2028, which is projected to be the largest freshman class in EKU history at nearly 3,000 students. The freshmen come from 108 […]

EKU Climbs the Ranks for Best Public Affairs Program

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it […]

Related Programs

M.S. in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis

Common Job Titles: behavior analyst, parent educator, behavior consultant

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 43


Contact Information

Department of Psychology

521 Lancaster Avenue
127 Cammack Building
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1105
psychology@eku.edu