Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA) Program

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Coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA) Overview

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to analyzing behavior and how the environment affects it. "Behavior" refers to all kinds of actions and skills (not just misbehavior), and "environment" includes all sorts of physical and social events that might change or be changed by one's behavior. The science of behavior analysis focuses on principles (that is, general laws) about how behavior works, or how learning takes place. For example, one principle of behavior analysis is positive reinforcement: When a behavior is followed by something that is valued, that behavior is likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may be harmful or that interfere with learning. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of those tactics and principles to address socially important problems, and to bring about meaningful behavior change.

The classes offered within the Applied Behavior Analysis course sequence are approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) under the 5th Edition Standards and satisfy the coursework requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).This coursework does not lead to licensure as a Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the State of New York.

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Career Opportunities

Behavior analysts function as individual clinicians or are employed in organizations in numerous fields. These include education, behavioral medicine, mental health, disability, and children's services, business, and institutions of higher learning. Behavior analysts often supervise associates or other personnel in the implementation of intervention services, or consult to other personnel (New York State Association for Behavior Analysis). Behavior analysts are employed in a variety of treatment, education and rehabilitation settings including: autism, behavior and learning disorders, developmental disabilities, performance management, parent and child interactions, child abuse and neglect, behavioral safety, school consultation, curriculum development and evaluation, parent and staff training, and language development. Employers include profit and non-profit agencies and consulting firms.

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Program Outcomes

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Demonstrate a solid content knowledge base that enables them to deliver effective educational and professional services based on current research, theory and practice

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Employ multiple pedagogical and professional strategies and tools to enable them to be effective practitioners in educational settings and deliver services that promote students’ intellectual, social, and emotional development

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Understand the diverse cultural, linguistic, learning, and social strengths and needs of all populations, and incorporate and demonstrate sensitivity to the richness of diverse cultures when providing educational and other school services

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Employ technology to deliver information, instruction, and professional services to all members of the school community

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Reflect on professional practice to make educational decisions and enhance student learning

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Demonstrate positive dispositions that enable them to work as effective educators, citizens, and practitioners within the school and broader community

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Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1 | Complete Non-Matric Application: https://www.mercy.edu/apply-now

Step 2 | Email Dr. Sudha Ramaswamy at sramaswamy@mercy.edu or Dr. Christine Lang at clang@mercy.edu to discuss enrollment into the courses for this program. 

No, there is not a fieldwork course offered at Mercy. You are responsible for finding a BCBA to function as your mentor/supervisor.

Your transcript, syllabus and content verification form must be reviewed by the faculty in the ABA program, and possibly by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Yes, please see http://www.bacb.com for more information.

Behavior analysts possess a wide range of knowledge about human behavior, and demonstrate competence in helping people meet personal goals. Typically, behavior analysts define intervention so that the changes to be achieved are measurable; analyze personal, social and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that are influencing behavior; recommend and develop the goals of behavior change; implement agreed-upon solutions; and monitor progress (http://www.nysaba.org).

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Exams

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Program Details & Curriculum

The curriculum in the ABA course sequence is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board 5th Edition Task List standards. Coursework will provide the foundation for acquiring the skills necessary to become a behavior analyst. Behavior analysts possess a wide range of knowledge about human behavior, and demonstrate competence in helping people meet personal goals. Typically, behavior analysts define intervention so that the changes to be achieved are measurable; analyze personal social and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that are influencing behavior; recommend and develop the goals of behavior change; implement agreed-upon solutions; and monitor progress (New York State Association for Behavior Analysis).

The coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at Mercy University will provide candidates with the appropriate number of coursework hours required to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). To become eligible for certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires that candidates earn the appropriate number of coursework hours, participate in a mentored or supervised experience with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and achieve passing scores on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Exam. Candidates are required to make their own arrangements for the remaining requirements to be eligible for Board Certification. This coursework does not lead to licensure in the State of New York as a Behavior Analyst (LBA).

There are seven courses required within the ABA course sequence:

Required Courses

  • EDUC 519 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis for BCBA
  • EDUC 521 Evidence Based Instructional Methods for BCBA
  • EDUC 524 Single Subject Research Designs in Education for BCBA
  • EDUC 525 Foundations and Ethical Considerations for Practice as Behavior Analysts for BCBA
  • EDUC 526 Functional Assessment and Positive Behavior Supports for BCBA
  • EDUC 527 Verbal Behavior for BCBA
  • EDUC 528 Supervision and Collaboration for Professional Behavior Analysts

If you have not obtained a Master's Degree, please apply to one of Mercy’s Education programs online at: APPLY NOW

If you already have your Master's Degree and are interested in applying to the Post-Master's course sequence in Applied Behavior Analysis, then please complete a non-matric application.

In addition to the documents requested in the general application, the School of Education requires the submission of:

  1. Goal statement
  2. Resume
  3. Transcripts (graduate)
  4. One recommendation

The goal statement is a 300 word essay describing your academic and professional goals. Please complete all application requirements and upload to the non-matric application or email admissions@mercy.edu.

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