An emerging and highly popular track in the field of behavior modification, ABA is devoted to understanding and improving human behavior and quality of life. This is accomplished through the application of scientific methodology to real-world problems and solutions.
The Manhattanville 32-credit Advanced Certificate in ABA is designed to train special educators in the emerging field of ABA. Graduates are eligible to certify as an LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst) and BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), all at the postgraduate level.
ABA has applications in business and industry; autism, and intellectual disabilities; education at all levels; treatment of psychiatric disorders and family relationships; geriatrics; general and specialty medicine; and numerous other areas. Its primary application, however, is in the treatment of autism, and job opportunities in the field are at an all-time high.
Students who successfully complete the Adv. Cert. in ABA are eligible to sit for the LBA and BCBA exams and certify as NYS LBAs and BCBAs.
Partner college(s):
PROGRAM LOCATION:
- Live Online
FAQ
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree. The practice is used extensively in education, healthcare, and business management. It is particularly prominent in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for which it is considered a scientifically valid therapy.
The Manhattanville University Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 32-credit certificate program ideal for an individual who already possesses a Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology (or a related field), and wishes to pursue a career in the field of ABA.
This Advanced Certificate in ABA was specifically developed in response to the increasing demand for professionals who are trained to design, implement, and supervise behavior analytic programs for individuals with autism and related disorders, and for a variety of other students with and without disabilities. The aim of the program is to prepare students as scientist-practitioners who can use behavior analysis to solve problems of human importance.
Among the career options available are: Behavior Analyst, Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist, Behavior Consultant, Behavior Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Behavior Interventionist, and more.
Behavior Analysts (BCBA) made U.S. News and World Report’s Top 100 Best Jobs of 2017, and full-time practitioners in NYS earn an average of $125,000 annually.
We are proud to have partnered with Manhattanville University, a highly-ranked, private, university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, located in the village of Harrison, NY. All degree programs offered at Manhattanville University are authorized and approved by the New York State Education Department. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and it has received accreditation for its teaching programs through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
There are two credentials that professionals in the field of ABA seek to acquire:
- New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) – Required to practice in NYS
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – Required to practice nationally
The Advanced Certificate in ABA from Manhattanville University is approved by New York State for licensure as an LBA, and by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board as a BCBA.
The program will help guide students through the complex requirements and processes for national certification and for New York State licensure.
This Advanced Certificate will allow you to work as a BCBA anywhere in the country, since it’s a national certification. The field of ABA is lucrative throughout the country and many new ABA agencies open on a constant basis.
This program can be completed in four semesters.
As stated above, there are two credentials that you can earn– LBA (NYS) and BCBA (BACB).
The laws have recently changed and there are no longer different requirements for the LBA. Presently, students need only to fulfill the BCBA fieldwork requirement.
To apply for BCBA (national) certification, students must complete 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork which may already be started during the first semester. Utilizing their first semester hours and those earned subsequently, students can complete all 2,000 hours during the course of the program. These hours will additionally allow students to apply for their NYS LBA, as will be explained below.
A law was recently passed in NYS which absolves students of the additional LBA fieldwork requirements. This means that the process of achieving one’s LBA has become significantly more simple. There are 3 steps to earning one’s BCBA (national certification). These steps are:
- Coursework (the actual classes)
- Fieldwork (the 2000 hours of supervised fieldwork)
- Passing the BCBA exam
Upon completion of these 3 steps, one can apply for their BCBA. After the student receives their BCBA, they can then send that to NYS and receive their NYS LBA with no additional requirements necessary.
There are numerous agencies and fieldwork opportunities available throughout the tri-state area. Students are free to arrange their own fieldwork positions in the agency of their choice provided they will receive proper supervision.
For students who wish to avail themselves of our resources, Sara Schenirer/ Manhattanville partners with many excellent agencies in which students will receive optimal supervision and training. Some of these include Proud Moments, Encore, Triumph, and more. We are happy to help arrange fieldwork opportunities with these agencies.
Yes. In the field of ABA, fieldwork is akin to an actual job. Students work as behavior technicians (also referred to as ‘paras’) while receiving generous compensation in addition to fulfilling their fieldwork requirements and getting solid training in the field.
There is no problem for students who opt to complete their hours at a slower pace. Students can receive their Advanced Certificate even if their hours are not complete. Students who have not completed their hours by the end of their program can simply continue their hours until they are finished. Once they have fulfilled their requirements, they can sit for their BCBA exam and complete the certification and licensing processes.
Ours is the only program offered exclusively to men who aspire to careers in ABA and was carefully, caringly designed with all their needs in mind. We pride ourselves on the high-quality educational partners with whom we work, who offer accredited degrees, an uncompromised environment, and first-rate faculty.
Most of all, we provide exceptional warmth and support to every single student at The Men’s Division at Sara Schenirer. For students and parents alike, the world of college and degrees can be confusing, costly, and difficult to navigate. We work diligently to offer personal guidance to each student and help ensure their success and timely graduation.
Candidates must possess a graduate degree (from an accredited college or university) in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or a related field that specifically addresses learning or behavioral changes.
If you don’t yet have a Master’s degree in the field of education, special education, or psychology, you can choose Sara Schenirer’s 37-credit Master’s in Professional Studies in ABA instead of the Advanced Certificate in ABA. The M.P.S. also leads to NYS licensure but requires an additional course and a higher tuition rate. Details on the MPS in ABA are available here.
All courses are offered Live-Online.
Classes are offered one/ two times per week on Sundays and weeknights.
The cost for this degree is $19,700.
Please note: The listed tuition costs are accurate as of the time of writing, but are not guaranteed. Please ask our advisor for updated pricing.
Financial Aid for the Advanced Certificate program is not available. However, students will receive compensation from the supervising agency for their supervision hours.
New cohorts begin each Fall (September).
To request an application, please submit this form.
When completing the application, you will also be requested to supply:
- Graduate Transcript(s)
- Resume
- Essay
- Personal Photograph
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Non-refundable Application Fee
Even if you do not have these available at the time of application, we recommend submitting your application immediately and submitting the requested documents as they become available.
Once your application is submitted with all the required documents, an interview will be scheduled to continue the admissions process.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office 718-633-8557 ext. 50 or email [email protected], and as always, we will be happy to assist you further.
Course Listing
EDU 5640
ABA: Concept & Principles
EDU 5641
Ethical & Professional Conduct
EDU 5642
Measurement & Single Experimental Design
EDUC 5643
Developing & Increasing Behaviors
EDU 5644
Functional Behavioral Assessment
EDU 5645
Advanced Topics in ABA
EDU 564X
History & Philosophy of Behaviorism
EDU 5647
Verbal Behavior
EDU 5648
Advanced Practicum in ABA I
EDU 5653
Trends & Issues in ABA Research Hybrid Course
EDU 5573
Organizational Behavior Management
Career Paths
An LBA/BCBA enjoys a wide variety of career opportunities including consultant or full-time behavior analyst to school districts, clinical director of an agency, private program, or other organization that supports people with Autism, Home Program Team Leader in an agency that provides ABA therapy, Clinical Supervisor/Manager, Insurance Care Advocate for an insurance company, Parent/Staff Trainer, and Group Home Supervisor/Residential Facility Supervisor/Day Treatment Program Supervisor.
