Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

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:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – Required to practice nationally

• New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) – Required to practice in NY/NJ

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 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– BCBA (BACB) and LBA (NYS).

To apply for BCBA certification, students must complete 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork. Students may fulfill their fieldwork requirements during the course of the program. Students who reside in NY need to be supervised by an LBA in order to earn NY certification.

Students who complete the required fieldwork hours will be eligible to apply for licensure and take the licensing exams following graduation.

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):

1. Coursework (the actual classes)

2. Fieldwork (1500-2000 hours of supervised fieldwork)

3. 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.