Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. and BCBA® Certification
What will I study?
This 36-credit degree program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become
a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). The degree program includes all required
course work and supervision hours to be eligible to sit for the national Board Certified
Behavior Analyst exam.
If you already have a Masters degree, you can take our 21-credit Board Certified Behavior
Analyst course work sequence without enrolling in the degree program.
What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
Board Certified Behavior Analysts are experts in the science of learning. They conduct
assessments and design instructional programs to teach new skills and decrease challenging
behaviors, ultimately helping individuals improve their quality of life and become
more independent.
Where will I work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
Board Certified Behavior Analysts often work with individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. This national credential
will allow you to work in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, clinics,
residential programs, and the community.
How do I become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
To be eligible to take the national exam to obtain the Board Certified Behavior Analyst
credential, you must:
Have a Masters degree
Complete 305 graduate-level clock hours (i.e., 21 graduate-level credits) of course
work in Applied Behavior Analysis
Complete supervision hours under the mentorship of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
The University of South Carolina has a Verified Course Sequence that meets the 5th Edition Board Certified Behavior Analyst Task List Requirements. We offer two options
for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst:
A Masters of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
For students who want or need a Masters degree
36 credits, which is completed in 5 semesters
Includes 15 credits of practicum to obtain all required supervision hours
Cohorts begin every fall; application deadline is January 15.
Coursework only
For students who already have a Masters degree
21 credits of coursework
Option to enroll in practicum to obtain supervision hours
Why choose the University of South Carolina?
Our Board Certified Behavior Analyst courses are taught by passionate faculty members
who are dedicated to student success. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format consisting
of a combination of online and on-campus meetings. This provides both the flexibility
of online courses and the interaction of face-to-face courses. Our faculty in applied
behavior analysis are actively conducting research in the field, and students have
the opportunity to become involved in those research projects.
Where can I see the pass-rate data for this program?
The University of South Carolina's Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification
course sequence has been verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. We
are not able to publish our pass-rate because we had fewer than six first-time candidates
in a single year.
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