College / University Coursework for Credit

In order to provide a comprehensive training program, training must include university / college coursework offered for credit. There are a number of institutes of higher education throughout the state offering courses and programs designed to advance personnel development and knowledge regarding autism spectrum disorders. The VCU-ACE provides a comprehensive list of coursework in autism spectrum disorders and effective intervention practices including applied behavior analysis.

Areas of coursework ABA Coursework ASD Coursework

Coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the systematic application of the principles derived from Behavior Analysis to the solution of learning problems of social significance. There are requirements for a professional to provide services in ABA that are recognized throughout the country. Formal credentialing of professional behavior analysts by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) can provide safeguards for individuals with ASD and ensure a level of knowledge, expertise, and proficiency to help a professional implement programs based on ABA with fidelity. This requires the person to gain Certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Standards for certification as a BCBA include a Master's degree, graduate-level coursework in specific behavior analytic content areas, supervised experience in designing and implementing applied behavior analysis interventions, and a passing score on the professionally-developed BCBA examination. In addition to certification as a BCBA, there is also a lower level of certification available. The Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst™ (BCaBA®) is for individuals who do not have a Master's degree. Requirements include a bachelor's degree, undergraduate coursework in behavior analysis, supervised experience in implementing applied behavior analysis interventions, and a passing score on the BCaBA examination. (For more information on the Board and the examination, please visit the Board's website.)

Currently, there are 2 institutes of higher education in the state of Virginia offering coursework in ABA:

George Mason University

Applied Behavior Analysis Minor (For those interested in BCaBA coursework)

This minor provides undergraduate students or those who hold bachelor's degrees with the coursework and experience required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) examination. To obtain the hours required for the supervised experience, GMU offers courses in the form of a practicum for students wishing to complete supervision hours through coursework.

Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate (For those interested in BCBA coursework)

This certificate program is designed to prepare students to become competent practitioners of behavior analysis, and contributors to the discipline. It is approved to meet course requirements for participants to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. This program also provides courses in the form of a practicum for students wishing to complete supervision hours through coursework.

James Madison University

Behavior Analysis Concentration (For those interested in BCaBA coursework)

The Behavior Analysis Concentration is a sequence of courses that provides undergraduate psychology students the opportunity to focus their studies toward issues in behavior analysis. It includes the coursework required for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) examination.

The Psychological Sciences Masters Program (For those interested in BCBA coursework)

The Psychological Sciences Masters Program has a course option sequence within the Behavior AnalysisConcentration, which includes all coursework and practica that is required for eligibility to apply for examination to qualify as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Coursework in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Comprehensive certificate programs in ASD are now offered at a number of colleges and universities throughout Virginia. Certificate programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate level providing valuable options for both professionals and paraprofessionals.

The Virginia Autism Council (VAC) has created a protocol to recognize and promote those Certificate programs that are in alignment with the Skill Competencies for Paraprofessionals and Professionals Serving Individuals with Autism across the Lifespan. Courses created using the Competencies provide information critical to supporting individuals with ASD. Only those programs that have been recognized by VAC (programs that are determined to be in alignment with the Virginia Skill Competencies) are provided in the College and University Certificate Programs in ASD chart. This chart provides information about each Certificate program and includes a description, level of instruction (undergraduate or graduate level), format of instruction (face-to-face or online) as well as the required courses. Participants can view the chart to determine which program may be a good fit based on individual need. Additionally, direct links to the colleges/universities are listed below.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. There are other courses offered in Virginia and students are encouraged to check with local colleges and universities for additional listings and information.

Please click here to view the College and University Certificate Programs in ASD chart.

 

The Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Severe Disabilities

The Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Severe Disabilities is comprised of five state approved teacher preparation programs in severe disabilities (SD), including George Mason University, Norfolk State University, Radford University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University. The consortium's primary goal is to prepare teachers across the state to be highly skilled at working with learners with SD. The program is designed to increase the number of fully endorsed teachers by providing training to new full-time pre-service personnel and to accelerate the training for those already teaching on conditional licenses.

A common licensing curriculum, which includes 33 graduate credit hours of coursework and field experiences, has been developed across participating universities. Each class uses video conferencing technology to establish real-time, interactive, multipoint conference instruction among the five university sites.

Individuals interested in applying to the Severe Disabilities (SD) Consortium must meet the admission requirements of their selected university. Furthermore, individuals need to complete the SD Consortium application and submit it to the SD faculty member at their university. The SD Consortium is supported by grants from the Virginia Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. Every semester, the Consortium awards a limited number of tuition stipends to qualified applicants.

Please note that application procedures vary for each university. However, all applicants must have passed Praxis I or the SAT/ACT equivalent for admission into the SD Consortium. For more information, visit the Consortium website.

 

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