Department of Applied Psychology
 

Applied Behavior Analysis (Plus One/Certificate/MS/CAGS)

Program Overview

Since 1976, Northeastern University has provided quality graduate instruction in applied behavior analysis. Our graduate programs which include Master of Science, CAGS, and Certificate Program, are designed to develop teaching and intervention skills based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Hundreds of our graduates have gone on to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts, working to improve the lives of clients and consumers all over the world. According to The Behavior Analyst Today (2004), Northeastern University was named a “Top 25 Most Prolific Research Institution” in applied behavior analysis. To learn more, contact Dr. Laura Dudley, Director of Applied Behavior Analysis Programs at [email protected].

ABAI VCS PROGRAM 2019 White Background

Providing 40 Years of Instruction in Applied Behavior Analysis

 An online program since 2013

Fully Online Program

Verified Course Sequence by the BACB

40 year history of instruction in ABA

Optional Intensive Practicum

Highest published pass rate on the BCBA exam for a distance program in 2017, according to the BACB.

Northeastern’s master’s program in Applied Behavioral Analysis was recently ranked among the top ABA programs in the country.

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Programs

MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

The Northeastern University Master of Science Program in Applied Behavior Analysis, widely known as “The MABA Program,” was founded in 1976. The Masters Program extends the student’s knowledge beyond basic behavioral principles and procedures to more advanced concepts. While retaining a practitioner focus, this program gives students in-depth knowledge of topics such as conditioned reinforcement, motivational influences on behavior, and errorless teaching procedures. With this background, program graduates are prepared to address the most complex behavior problems and learning challenges.

Course content is based on the BACB Fifth Edition Task List and prepares students to take the BCBA exam. Students complete 7 core courses, plus an additional 3 courses that extend the student’s familiarity with clinical procedures and with the research supporting their use. Students may elect to complete their supervised experience hours by taking Intensive Practicum I and Intensive Practicum II in addition to the 10 required courses.

Courses are delivered in an online format. Students attend lectures virtually and view supplementary material on their own schedules, taking advantage of technological advances that promote student learning and increase student-to-instructor and student-to-student communication.

A professional portfolio is the capstone for the Master of Science program. The Professional Portfolio is compiled of competencies students have achieved while in the program. Evidence is gathered from projects that students conduct as part of their coursework, including preference assessments, functional analyses, and intervention programs.

Applicants to the Master of Science Program must either possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or demonstrate work experience with individuals with special needs. All applicants are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Northeastern University Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for the student who already possesses a Masters Degree, and who is seeking to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Course content is based on the BACB Fifth Edition Task List and prepares students to take the BCBA exam. The Certificate Program consists of 7 core courses taken across 3 semesters (21 credits). Students may elect to complete their supervised experience hours by taking intensive practicum courses in addition to the 7 core courses.

Courses are delivered in an online format. Students attend lectures virtually and view supplementary material on their own schedules, taking advantage of technological advances that promote student learning and increase student-to-instructor and student-to-student communication.

Applicants to the Certificate Program must possess a Masters Degree. Related work experience with individuals with special needs is a plus. All applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0.

CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED GRADUATE STUDIES (CAGS)

Northeastern University’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) is offered to the student who already possesses a Masters degree and who seeks to develop a specific area of clinical expertise while completing the necessary coursework to become a BCBA.

Students complete 7 core courses in applied behavior analysis, plus an additional 3 courses that focus on a related concentration area, such as Early Intervention, Public Policy, or Autism. Students may elect to complete their supervised experience hours by taking intensive practicum courses in addition to the 10 required courses.

Courses are delivered in an online format. Students attend lectures virtually and view supplementary material on their own schedules, taking advantage of technological advances that promote student learning and increase student-to-instructor and student-to-student communication.

Applicants to the CAGS Program must possess a Masters Degree. Related work experience with individuals with special needs is a plus. All applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0.

PLUSONE PROGRAM

The PlusOne Program in ABA is an accelerated Master’s program between the Department of Psychology (College of Science) and the Department of Applied Psychology (Bouvé College of Health Sciences) that allows students to earn an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis three semesters after the BS in Psychology from Northeastern.

Undergraduate students who pursue the PlusOne in ABA may take up to five graduate courses in ABA which double count towards their requirements for the BS degree and their requirements for the MS degree.

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Curriculum

All Northeastern University graduate programs in applied behavior analysis are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA exam. Courses are provided online and make use of cutting-edge technology, such as Wimba Classrooms, Tegrity Lecture Capture, BlueJeans Video Conferencing, and more. These features permit flexible schedules while creating opportunities for increased interactions between students and instructors. BACB VCS pass rates can be found at: BCBA-Pass-Rates

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Research Design and Methods

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1

Fall Year 2
CAEP 6335 Applied Programming 2
CAEP 6332 Advanced Learning 2

Spring Year 2
CAEP 6324 Programmed Learning
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Curriculum subject to change

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Research & Design Methods

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1

Spring Year 2
CAEP 6335 Applied Programming 2
CAEP 6332 Advanced Learning 2

Summer Year 2
CAEP 6324 Programmed Learning
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Curriculum subject to change

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Research & Design Methods

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Fall Year 2
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1
Foundations in Specialization Area

Spring Year 2
Continuation of Specialization Area
Continuation of Specialization Area

Curriculum subject to change

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Research & Design Methods

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1

Spring Year 2
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry
Foundations in Specialization Area

Summer Year 2
Continuation of Specialization Area
Continuation of Specialization Area

Curriculum subject to change

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Research & Design Methods

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Curriculum subject to change

Spring Year 1
CAEP 6326 Behavioral Concepts & Principles
CAEP 6329 Service Administration

Summer Year 1
CAEP 6327 Behavior Assessment
CAEP 6328 Research & Design Methods
CAEP 6336 Systematic Inquiry

Fall Year 1
CAEP 6334 Applied Programming 1
CAEP 6331 Advanced Learning 1

Curriculum subject to change

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Faculty

LD Photo 700

Laura Dudley, PhD, BCBA-D
Program Director                 Associate Clinical Professor
617.373.5150
[email protected]

Nicole Davis

Nicole Davis, PhD, BCBA
Director of Supervision               Assistant Clinical Professor
617.373.5150
[email protected]

Part-time Lecturers

Paula Braga-Kenyon, PhD, BCBA-D
Shawn Kenyon, PhD, BCBA
Amanda Laprime, PhD, BCBA-D
Hanna Rue, PhD, BCBA-D
Ashley Williams, PhD, BCBA

Admissions

Applicants to the Master of Science program must possess a Bachelors Degree. Applicants to the Certificate or CAGS program must possess a Masters Degree. Related work experience with individuals with special needs is a plus. All applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0. To apply, click on the “Apply Now” button.

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Admissions Checklist

Completed Application Form

Statement of Purpose

3 Letters of Recommendation

Official Transcripts

  • Life can be quite chaotic taking classes, while balancing a career and family.  I needed a masters program that fit into my life that didn’t take away from the things that were important to me.  That is why I chose Northeastern University’s MABA program.  The online format afforded me the time to reach my goals academically, continue on my career path, and spend quality time with my family.  I would recommend Northeastern’s MABA program to anyone, but particularly those balancing a family and career.

    Carmen Susman, MS ’17

  • The structure of Northeastern’s on-line program facilitated rich, informative, and engaging interactions between classmates and professors. The discussion board, live online discussions, and virtual lectures, are a few of the tools that allowed for the establishment of enduring professional relationships. Professors provided timely and relevant feedback to all students and were available for consultation and assistance as needed. Northeastern’s MABA program left me well prepared to sit for the board examination and improved my professional practice. Thank you Northeastern, Dr. Dudley, all my professors, and my classmates.

    Pamela Fasciani, MS ’16, BCBA

  • Northeastern's ABA program consists of rigorous and dynamic classes with professors who adapt to the resources of the students. The program allowed me to concurrently pursue my school psychology degree while I completed my BCBA training, and this was largely due to the fact that many of the classes were available online via a remote classroom. Although I am now a school-based BCBA, I valued problem-solving and collaborating with classmates who worked in different settings. From the intensive Learning Principles course that allowed me to develop a firm understanding of basic ABA principles to the Systematic Inquiry and Practicum courses that required independent presentations and defense of programming decisions and data interpretation,  Northeastern's program prepared me to take the BCBA exam with confidence in the breadth and depth of my knowledge and skills. 

    Diana Stoianov, MS ’16, BCBA

  • I researched a number of programs in ABA when I was applying to graduate school. Northeastern's program struck me as very impressive. When I first met with Professor Dudley to get more information about the program, I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. While Northeastern is a fairly large school, the focus they put on each individual in their program is second to none. I remember receiving an email from Professor Dudley midway through my first semester, asking if we could meet to check in and see how I was progressing. I never expected that at the graduate level, let alone at a school as large as Northeastern. Another aspect that I love about Northeastern is the intensive practicum they offer. The instructors in intensive practicum push you to learn as much as you can; they are supportive and they go above and beyond to get you to where you need to be.

    Ben Ficociello ‘17

Other Information

Learning Partnership

Learning Partnership Program

The Northeastern University Applied Behavior Analysis Programs are based on learning communities that include students, instructors, and members of the educational or human services organizations in which students work. Partnerships are formed between Northeastern University and students’ workplaces that integrate work supervision into the education process. Each partnership is individually designed based on workplace resources.

Students may achieve their supervised experience hours by completing Independent Fieldwork at their place of work, with supervision by an onsite BCBA. Alternatively, students may elect to take Intensive Practicum I and Intensive Practicum II, receiving supervision by an NU faculty member. In either case, Northeastern University works closely with the student’s workplace, tailoring project requirements to incorporate students’ work responsibilities and teaching competencies that address immediate workplace needs. For more information about BACB requirements regarding supervision hour requirements, please visit www.bacb.com.

Each partner program may select an employee to serve on the Northeastern University ABA Programs Professional Advisory Board. This board provides an on-going source of information regarding the Northeastern ABA programs and informs course content, design, and revision. Organizations interested in participating in the Learning Partnership may contact Dr. Laura Dudley for more information: [email protected].

Professional Portfolio

Professional Portfolio

The Professional Portfolio is the capstone for the Applied Behavior Analysis Programs at Northeastern University. This portfolio documents the student’s behavioral competency in critical clinical skills. These skills include:

Intake Assessment Functional Analysis Task Analysis
Preference Assessment Antecedent Intervention Discrimination Training
Reinforcer Assessment Consequence Intervention Literature Review

 

Each student completes projects associated with the above clinical skills, and each project culminates in professional documents to be included in the student’s Professional Portfolio. A faculty member reviews and signs each project in the Professional Portfolio. The faculty member’s signature indicates that the student has achieved the faculty-established standards for the project. Graduates are encouraged to use their Professional Portfolio when applying for employment.

Students interested in research may combine two or three of the Professional Portfolio items into a research project. For example, the student may complete a literature review on stereotypic behavior, then conduct a functional analysis and intervention with a participant who exhibits that behavior. The research project is then prepared in journal format for inclusion in the Professional Portfolio.

A Sampling of our Alumni
Jan Allar, M.S., BCBA Behavior Consultant, William Beaumont Hospital (Detroit, MI)
C. Brooke Allen, M.S., BCBA Behavior Analyst, Behavior Based Learning, LLC (Springfield, MO)
Ellen Attaliades, M.S., BCBA Chief Executive Officer, The Edinburg Center (Lexington, MA)
Tom Barnes, PhD School Psychologist, Council Rock School District (Newtown, PA)
Joseph Bartholomew, M.S., BCBA Supervisor of Autism Programs, Boston Public Schools (Boston, MA)
Casey Bethay, M.S., BCBA Behavior Specialist, The Ivymount School (Baltimore, MD)
Nick Chappell, M.S., BCBA President and Founder, Verbal Beginnings, LLC (Ellicott City, MD)
Rishi Chelminski, M.S., BCBA Director of Behavioral Services, Services for the Underserved (New York, NY)
Ruth DeBar, PhD, BCBA-D Associate Professor, Caldwell College (Caldwell, NJ)
William Dube, PhD, BCBA Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, UMass Medical School (Worcester, MA)
Gesell Gavidia-Layton, M.S., BCBA Program Director, Behavior Analysis, Inc. (Davie, FL)
Lenwood Gibson, PhD, BCBA Assistant Professor, Queens College (New York, NY)
D. Daniel Gould, PhD, BCBA-D Chief Clinical Officer- UAE, The New England Center for Children (UAE)
Richard Graff, PhD, BCBA-D Clinical Director, The New England Center for Children (Southboro, MA)
Jamie Granatino, M.S., BCBA Regional Coordinator, Early Autism Project (Tampa, FL)
Megan Hafen, PhD, BCBA Clinical Director, Addison Behavioral Resources (Los Angeles, CA)
Brandon Herscovitch, PhD, BCBA-D Executive Director, ABACS, LLC (Woburn, MA)
Arianne Kindle, M.S., BCBA Director, Kindle Behavior Consultants (Burlington, MA)
Elisabeth Kinney, M.S., BCBA Behavior Analyst, Behavioral Learning and Leadership (Hallowell, ME)
Candace Colon Kwedor, PhD, BCBA Senior Clinical Director, The May Institute (Randolph, MA)
Joseph Lambert, PhD, BCBA Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Jill Larsen, M.A., BCBA Executive Director, The Futures Clinic, Inc. (Beverly, MA)
Russell Maguire, PhD, BCBA-D Assistant Professor and Chair, Simmons College (Boston, MA)
Kimberly Mitchell, M.S., BCBA Clinical Director, The COR Behavioral Group (New York, NY)
Pamela Olsen, MS.Ed., BCBA Program Director- Abu Dhabi, The New England Center for Children (UAE)
Becky Parenteau, M.S., BCBA Clinical Director, Alaska Center for Autism (Eagle River, AK)
Jill Parkin, M.A., BCBA Special Education Coordinator, Arlington Public Schools (Arlington, MA)
Sacha Pence, PhD, BCBA Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Auburn University (Auburn, AL)
Griffin Rooker, PhD, BCBA Research Scientist, Neurobehavioral Unit, The Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore, MD)
Flint Simonsen, PhD, BCBA Associate Professor of Special Education, Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA)
Mary Tinsley, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor, Jigsaw Junction (Seattle, WA)
Nicholas Vanselow, PhD, BCBA-D Assistant Professor, Graduate Program Director, Salve Regina University (Newport, RI)
Joseph Vedora, EdD, BCBA-D Vice President of Behavioral Services, The Evergreen Center (Milford, MA)
Preeyavata Wanapun, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor, Easter Seals of Southern California (Chino Hills, CA)
Julius Warindu, PhD, BCBA-D Clinical Director, New England Behavioral Services (Attleboro, MA)
Brittany Wolfson, M.S., BCBA Organizational Behavioral Health Specialist, People’s Care (Los Angeles, CA)
FAQs

What is the difference between the Master’s Program, the Certificate Program, and the CAGS Program?
Our Master of Science in ABA (MABA) Program is open to applicants who possess a Bachelor’s degree. This program is comprised of 10 courses. Students typically take 2 courses at a time and are thus able to complete the required coursework across 5 semesters. The Certificate Program is open to applicants who possess a Master’s Degree. This program includes 7 courses taken across 3 or 4 semesters. The CAGS Program is also open to applicants who possess a Master’s Degree. This program includes the 7 core courses that make up the Certificate Program, plus an additional 3 courses in a related area such as Early Intervention, Public Policy, etc.

Are all courses provided online?
Yes, all of our courses are provided exclusively in an online format.

Do students have to log in at a certain time each week to participate in online classes, or can students participate on their own schedule?
Our courses are asynchronous. That is, students are not required to log in at a specific time each week to participate. Rather, course materials are made available each week, and students are expected to complete required readings, view lecture materials, and complete assignments and discussion requirements by the end of the week. Some of our courses do include optional synchronous video discussions during select weeks of the semester.

How many students are in each class?
Classes have up to 19 students.

Are there opportunities to interact with other students and with faculty members?
There are many opportunities to interact with other students and with faculty members within our courses. Weekly discussions, projects, presentations, and other assignments allow for students to interact with one another and with the instructor on a weekly basis. Our courses make use of cutting edge technology such as Tegrity Lecture Capture and BlueJeans Video Conferencing to optimize communication between students and instructors.

How do students accrue supervised experience hours required to sit for the BCBA exam?
Students may either achieve their supervised experience hours under the supervision of a BCBA at their place of work, under the category of Independent Fieldwork, or they may achieve their experience hours under the supervision of an NU faculty member, by taking our elective Intensive Practicum courses. One semester of Intensive Practicum provides students with up to 375 supervised experience hours. (See the BACB Experience Standards here)

When do students take the Intensive Practicum courses if they elect to do so?
Students may take the Intensive Practicum courses at any point after their first semester in the program, alongside their other coursework. Alternatively, students may take the Intensive Practicum courses after they have completed their other coursework.

I have completed previous coursework in ABA. Can I transfer those credits to Northeastern’s ABA Program?
In some cases, students may transfer credits from a previous institution, but only if those courses align closely with our own. Students may transfer up to 3 graduate level courses (9 credit hours), provided they received a 3.0 or better in those courses, provided the coursework was completed within the last 5 years, and provided the course did not lead to a terminal degree (e.g., a Master’s degree). It is important to note that our program is a verified course sequence (VCS); when students transfer coursework from a previous institution, they are no longer following an approved course sequence. Students who transfer coursework will need to submit evidence of all coursework to the BACB in order to sit for the BCBA. It is ultimately up to the BACB to determine if students have completed all of the necessary coursework prior to sitting for the BCBA exam. In order to transfer credits, students must first apply to the program. Once accepted and enrolled, students complete a Petition to Transfer Credits form which must be approved by the Program Director and the Bouve Graduate Office.

Are the GREs required to apply?
We do not require GREs for admission to our programs.

When do students start in the program?
We enroll students in the fall and in the spring. The deadline to apply for the fall is 8/1, and the deadline to apply for the spring is 12/1.

How much does tuition cost?
As of the spring 2019 semester, tuition was 1140 dollars per credit hour. Each course is comprised of 3 credit hours.

Is the tuition rate different for out-of-state students?
Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Is financial aid available?
Students may take advantage of financial aid opportunities. For more information about financial aid, please visit: https://studentfinance.northeastern.edu/applying-for-aid/graduate/

What do students do after graduation?
Most of our graduates plan to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts after completing our program. Many of our graduates work in schools or private agencies, providing oversight of behavioral and educational programming for individuals with autism and related disabilities. Many of our graduates also work in research or in academia. See our website for a sampling of our alumni and where they work.

Who are the ABA program faculty?
Laura Dudley, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA (Program Director)
[email protected]
Nicole Davis, PhD, BCBA, LABA (Director of Supervision)
[email protected]
Paula Braga-Kenyon, PhD, BCBA-D
[email protected]
Shawn Kenyon, PhD, BCBA
[email protected]
Amanda Laprime, PhD, BCBA, LABA
[email protected]
Ashley Williams, PhD, BCBA, LABA
[email protected]
Rob Volpe, PhD (Department Chair)
[email protected]