Verified Course Sequence
As of December 2022, the BCaBA-Track will be discontinuing enrollment. Spring 2023 was the final admission period for this program. Candidates interested in pursuing this pathway 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.
This program is for students who are interested in pursuing certification in behavior analysis at the undergraduate level. Candidates can pursue coursework while enrolled in, or after having completed, a bachelor degree program. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
BCaBA® Certification is a national certification, administered by the BACB®, not UH Mānoa. Individuals who practice applied behavior analysis with the BCaBA® credential are required to be supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA-D®). A BCaBA® may supervise the practice of Registered Behavior Technicians as well as others on how to implement applied behavior analysis interventions.
Candidates must stay aware of all current requirements and upcoming changed in requirements for certification: https://www.bacb.com
Who should consider this program?
These programs are for those who are interested in pursuing certification in behavior analysis, including:
- Undergraduate students/graduates in any field
- Psychology majors
- Education majors
- Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT)
- Skills Trainers
- Special Education Teachers
- General Education Teachers
Candidates enrolled in the BCaBA®-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.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility
- Enrolled in*, or completed Bachelor’s Degree
- Transcripts
To be eligible as an unclassified student to take the BCaBA®-Track Verified Course Sequence, candidates must be enrolled in, or have completed, a Bachelor Degree from an accredited 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.
*For students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, please consult with your advisor to determine how the two undergraduate level courses (SPED 446 and SPED 462) could potentially fit into your current plan of study. The remaining three graduate level courses may be taken during or after completion of your degree program.
Enrollment
This program is no longer admitting new students.
Tuition & Funding
Tuition, see Outreach website for more info.
- BCaBA® – Track, Verified Course Sequence (15 credits, Based on 2020-2023 tuition rates)
- Undergraduate Tuition (6 credits, $471/credit) = $2,826
- Graduate Tuition (9 credits, $650/credit) = $5,850
- Total: Approximately $8,676 (RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT)
University fieldwork/supervision options may also be available for an additional cost (3 credits/semester, $471/credit).
Candidates who are pursuing the BCaBA®-Track concurrently with their degree may seek out financial aid and/or scholarships. For non-degree (unclassified) candidates, no other known source of funding is available for pursuing the BCaBA®-Track.
Coursework
Those pursuing the BCaBA®-Track would complete a series of 5 courses (3 credits each):
- SPED 446: Introductory Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis (summer)
- SPED 462: Assessment, Planning, & Instruction – Severe/Autism (spring)
- SPED 603*: Principles of Behavior (fall or spring)
- SPED 630*: Positive Behavioral Support – Severe Disabilities and Autism (fall)
- SPED 632*: Language/Communication Intervention-Communication Disorders/Autism (fall)
*Graduate-level coursework
Sample Course Schedule, Based on Semester Start
Program coursework typically takes 1 year to 1.5 years to complete.
These courses may be taken as part of one’s degree/minor requirements or independently for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. According to the BACB®, candidates must pass approved courses with a C or higher to be eligible to sit for the examination.
Fieldwork Experience
Candidates may not begin accumulating experience hours until they have started the BCaBA®-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. Students who opt to pursue fieldwork through UH Mānoa must enroll in SPED 478 (ABA Fieldwork) for up to nine additional credits (3 semesters). Supervision opportunities through UH Mānoa are only an option for candidates enrolled in coursework and is subject to availability.
