Verified Course Sequence

Typical Length 18 months

Delivery Online

As of December 2022, the BCBA-Track will be temporarily discontinuing enrollment as we transition to pursuing new accreditation requirements. To learn more about these new requirements, please refer to the March 2022 BACB newsletter: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/mar2022_Newsletter/. Our goal is to reinstate this program for Summer 2025 admissions, depending on when final accreditation approvals are received. Please complete our program interest form to be notified of enrollment updates.

Spring 2023 was the final admission period for the current program offering. New candidates interested in pursuing the BCBA-Track pathway during this pause in our admissions can visit the Verified Course Sequence directory for alternative program options: https://www.abainternational.org/vcs/directory.aspx

All current UH Mānoa ABA coursework is aligned to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) 5th Edition Task List requirements.

The BCBA®-Track Verified Course Sequence is for students who already have their master’s degree and are interested in pursuing certification in behavior analysis. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

 

Who should consider this program?

This program is for those who have, or are currently in pursuit of, a master degree and are interested in pursuing certification in behavior analysis. Candidates may be working in the field as practitioners from a variety of fields; examples include but are not limited to:

  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT)
  • Skills Trainers
  • Special Education Teachers
  • General Education Teachers
  • District Autism Resource Teachers
  • Autism Consulting Teachers
  • Behavioral Health Specialists

Candidates enrolled in the BCBA®-track program will need access to employment or volunteer experiences in the field working directly with individuals warranting ABA supports to be able to carry out applied projects.

This program does NOT lead to initial teacher licensure.

Common Careers

Graduates of this program typically work for the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) or other agencies providing behavior analytic services.

  • BCBA (HIDOE or agencies)
  • Special Education Teachers
  • General Education Teachers
  • District Resource Teachers
  • Autism Consulting Teachers
Admission Requirements

Eligibility

To be eligible as a non-degree seeking (unclassified) student to take the BCBA®-Track Verified Course Sequence, candidates must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate degree from a qualifying institution. There is no minimum GPA requirement or formal application process necessary, however applicants must submit transcripts to the ABA program coordinator for review prior to beginning any coursework.

If you do not currently have a graduate degree, please refer to the Master in Special Education, BCBA®-Track program information and follow the guidelines for deadlines and how to apply.

Enrollment

This program is not currently accepting new students.

Delivery & Format

ONLINE PROGRAM (online, synchronous)

All courses in the BCBA®-Track program are offered online and include synchronous online class sessions in the early evenings on weekdays, typically 4:30pm-7:00pm HST.

Tuition & Funding

BCBA® – Track, Verified Course Sequence (21 credits, based on 2020-2023 tuition rates):

  • Approximately $13,650 (RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT)
  • see Outreach website for more info.

University fieldwork/supervision options may also be available for an additional cost (3 credits/semester, $650/credit).

Funding Opportunity

Non-degree seeking (unclassified) students pursuing BCBA®-Track Verified Course Sequence are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

Departmental Stipends*: The UH Mānoa Department of Special Education may offer the opportunity to receive up to $6,000 in merit-based stipends to selected applicants, based on available funds. No service payback is required. Application to apply for this funding would be provided upon acceptance into the program.

*Due to the current pandemic and UH budget concerns, merit-based stipends are not currently available.

Coursework

Those pursuing the BCBA®-Track Verified Course Sequence would complete the series of 7 courses (3 credits each):

  • SPED 603: Principles of Behavior
  • SPED 614: Assessment & Instruction – Severe/Autism
  • SPED 630: Positive Behavior Support
  • SPED 632: Language/Communication Intervention – Communication Disorders/Autism
  • SPED 641h: Seminar on Single-Case Research in Special Education
  • SPED 671: Advanced Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (Prerequisite: SPED 603)
  • SPED 673: Ethics & Professional Conduct

Sample Course Schedule, Based on Semester Start

Fall Spring Sum Fall Spring Sum Fall
Fall Admit 603
614
630
671
673
641H
632
Spring Admit 603 673
641H
614
632
630
671
Summer Admit 673 603
614
671
630
641H 632
Fieldwork Experience

Candidates may not begin accumulating experience hours until they have started the BCBA®-Track. Candidates must earn the required number of hours within a span of 5 years. The candidate is responsible for gathering/maintaining evidence of their experience hours with their supervisor.

Candidates may acquire fieldwork supervision independently from university. Alternatively, UH Mānoa can provide ABA fieldwork through additional credits to Hawaii residents. Students who opt to pursue fieldwork through UH Mānoa must enroll in SPED 678 (ABA Fieldwork) for up to twelve additional credits (4 semesters). Practicum opportunities through UH Mānoa are only an option for candidates enrolled in coursework and SPED 678 is subject to availability.

Advising & Faculty

ABA Program Coordinator

Photo of Jennifer Ninci

Jennifer Ninci

Associate Professor