Applied Behavior Analysis

Tuition per credit hour

$460 for in-state and
$494 for out-of-state residents. See details and other costs

Credit hours

24 required credit hours. Each course is equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as few as 15 months. Explore program requirements

Admissions

Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

Balance your schedule while completing your post-master’s certificate: Our fully online program allows you to complete coursework from wherever you are.
Prepare for a career as Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®): We offer an Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence.
Take advantage of program flexibility: We accommodate working professionals with multiple start dates, flexible course sequencing, and evening class meetings.
Save money with affordable tuition: Out-of-state students are eligible for a reduced e-tuition rate.
Study with experienced faculty: All faculty are BCBA® clinicians with extensive experience working in schools and behavioral health settings.
Make progress toward a future degree: Apply course credits from your certificate toward a USM master’s or doctoral degree.

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BCBA® certification

ABAI has verified our courses meet coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA® examination. Students interested in BCBA® credentialing are also required to complete supervised fieldwork, which can be completed during or after the program. Our graduates have a high first-time pass rate on the BCBA® examination.

View credentialing

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Program requirements

The post-master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares you for a career as a BCBA® in school and behavioral health settings. BCBAs provide systematic, evidence-based services to promote socially significant skill acquisition and address behaviors that interfere with successful functioning.

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Engaged and dedicated faculty

All program faculty are credentialed BCBAs® with extensive clinical experience, and many are dually credentialed as school psychologists. You’ll work one-on-one with a faculty advisor for your course and career planning.

Meet our faculty

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Future degree planning

Interested in earning a graduate degree in Educational or School Psychology in the future? The credits you earn through this certificate program can be applied to each of our MS in Educational Psychology programs or to our PsyD in School Psychology program. Some restrictions may apply.

Explore degree programs

Educational Psychology — Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

Master’s Program (Online)

Educational Psychology — School Psychology Concentration (Blended)

Master’s Program

School Psychology

Doctoral Program

Next Steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadline	Fall term start	Spring term start	Summer term start
Recommended*	June 15	November 15	March 15
Final	August 1	December 15	April 15
International	June 1	October 15	Not available

* Students that apply by the priority deadline are given preference for space in the program.

To be considered for admission to the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program, applicants must possess a minimum of a graduate degree. The degree must have been awarded by an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Students matriculated in a graduate degree program within the University of Maine System may apply for concurrent admission to the certificate program. The certificate of graduate study will be awarded only after graduate degree program requirements have been met.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Essay: A response to the following question: “Why do you seek training in applied behavior analysis?”

Professional Licensure and Certification Notice

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification should be aware that credentialing requirements vary state-to-state. Students may contact their state department of education certification office and/or state licensing boards to determine whether or not their USM program meets credentialing requirements for professional practice in their prospective states of employment. Successful completion of a program of study at the University of Southern Maine does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.

English proficiency test scores

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Where to send application materials

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