Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Our advanced certificate is for students who already possess or are enrolled in a program leading to a Masters degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or education (or other discipline acceptable to NYS). Completing the advanced certificate will allow students to sit for licensure in New York State as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) as well as the requirements for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). We offer the practicum experience in conjunction with the coursework, for a more comprehensive, integrated program.
This 24-credit program can be completed in as little as one calendar year and students may begin the program at any point during the academic year (Fall, Spring, or Summer). During the semester when students are enrolled in practicum, a minimum of 2 days per week (10-15 hours per week for a minimum of 150 hours over the 15-week semester) in an approved practicum site is required. Outside of that, students can continue to gain the necessary 1500 supervised experience hours for a minimum of 10 hours per week in approved settings under the supervision of appropriately qualified individuals (e.g., LBA/BCBAs).
Successful applicants will present evidence of excellent undergraduate and graduate academic performance, a strong interest in using scientific procedures to teach, not just to manage behaviors, strong recommendations, and a passion for accelerating the learning and development of children with language, social, and behavior difficulties such as those associated with autism and related disorders.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Advanced Certificate
- Points/Credits: 24
- Entry Terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 15, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | N/A |
| Summer | June 1, 2025 | June 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Master's degree required | |
| Must hold Master's degree in a related area (education, psychology, etc.) or be an admitted student to the Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, or Intellectual Disability/Autism Master's degree program at TC |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
This certificate program will satisfy the coursework requirements for licensure in New York State as a Behavior Analyst (LBA) as well as the requirements for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Both the NYS licensure and BCBA requirements include a graduate degree in education or psychology, specified coursework in behavior analysis, supervised experience, and exam(s). We offer the practicum experience in conjunction with the coursework, for a more comprehensive, integrated program.
The 23-credit program can be completed in as little as one calendar year and students may begin the program at any point during the academic year (Fall, Spring, or Summer). During the semester when students are enrolled in practicum, a minimum of 2 days per week (10-15 hours per week for a minimum of 150 hours over the 15-week semester) in an approved practicum site is required. Outside of that, students can continue to gain the necessary 2000 supervised experience hours in approved settings under the supervision of appropriately qualified individuals (e.g., LBA/BCBAs). Such training opportunities will depend upon availability in university-approved settings, as well as commitment on the part of the student to adhere to all policies and expectations of the training site. Students will be responsible for keeping accurate and ongoing records of their experience hours, including supervision hours, as per LBA and BCBA requirements.
Required Courses
HBSE 4015 ABA I: Concepts and Principles in Pedagogy, Curriculum, and Management (3 credits)
HBSE 4016 ABA II: Foundational Concepts and Epistemology of Basic and Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
HBSE 4044 Methods 1: Research Methods in Pedagogy, Curriculum, and Management (3 credits)
HBSE 4045 Methods 2: Curricular and Pedagogical Operations for Teaching the Foundations of Functional Academic Literacy (3 credits)
HBSE 4047 Record-Keeping in Applied Behavior Analysis (2 credits)
HBSE 4048 Working with Families of Children with ASD (3 credits)
HBSE 4049 Professional and Ethical Issues in Teaching as Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
HBSE 4304* Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
OR
HBSE 4704 Student Teaching Practicum (for students enrolled in the ABA MA program only) (3 credits)
*Students must take HBSE 4304 for 3 credits in the semester during which it is offered as a class; they may continue to register for sections of HBSE 4304 for 0 credits for subsequent semesters to indicate that they are completing experience hours if necessary.
OR—FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY EdM STUDENTS ONLY:
HBSE 4304** Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 credit in the first semester, 0 credits for all semesters after that).
AND
HBSK 5050 Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
Students are encouraged to review all requirements and regulations for both the LBA (https://www.op.nysed.gov/licensed-behavior-analysts) and BCBA (https://www.bacb.com/bcba/), particularly as they relate to the necessary supervised experience.