Applied Behavior Analysis and the BCaBA

The BCaBA is a credential for those with a bachelor's degree who work, or would like to work, in fields where the research-based principles of learning are applied to improve socially significant behavior. Wherever there's a need for new behaviors, to increase or reduce existing behaviors, or to teach specificbehaviors in specific situations, applied behavioranalysis is often the most effective approach. Appliedbehavior analysts provide services to individuals and groups in all kinds of settings including families, schools, business and industry, hospitals, group homes, mental health agencies, and wherever intensive behavioraltraining or consultation are required. It's also the best type of training for people who work with animals. And for those who wish to pursue an advanced degree, training in behavior analysis provides exceptional preparation.

Employment prospects for applied behavior analysts are excellent. The demand is high and the supply is low. As an example, applied behavior analysis has proven to be the most effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism. In the U.S. today there are as many as 425,000 cases among children under 18. But because there are only about 2,000 certified behavior analysts nationwide, many children diagnosed with autism are treated by people with insufficient training or none at all. This supply/demand imbalance means that appliedbehavior analysts are often paid more than other treatment providers with comparable levels of training.

In most situations a BCaBA works under supervision by a masters-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, a BCaBA may conduct descriptive behavioralassessments, interpret results, design and oversee interventions in cases similar to those encountered during training, teach others to carry out interventions, and assist a BCBA with the design and delivery of instruction in behavior analysis.

Requirements for the BCaBA

Candidates for the BCaBA must complete three courses in the principles and applications of behavior analysis. The table below shows the availability of the three required courses in the Houston area. Additional requirements include 1000 hours of supervised fieldwork and passing the qualifying examination. In other words, simply passing the courses does NOT allow a student to claim the BCaBA credential! More information is available from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

The required courses at UHCL and UHD

These courses are not restricted to students seekingBCaBA certification. If you're simply interested in learning more about the principles of behavior and their applications, you may register for these courses. We strongly encourage students to take the courses in sequence; however, some students may opt to take Learning Principles and Applied Behavior Analysis I in the same semester.

If you're interested in taking these courses...

Students who are currently enrolled at the university offering the desired course are probably familiar with procedures to register for the course.

Students who are not currently enrolled at the university offering the desired course must be admitted to that university and then must register for the course. Various admissions options are available, depending on one's current circumstances and intentions. Following is more information about each university's procedures:

UHCL
On the Admissions web page, click on Apply Now, then on Apply Online Now! Complete the online application, indicating your interest in the undergraduate program and whether you intend to be a transient student(currently enrolled elsewhere, planning to transfer UHCL credit back to the home institution) or a non-degree seeking undergraduate student. You must submit transcripts of previous college work before registering for courses, so the application must be completed early enough for transcripts to arrive at UHCL.

Questions about admission and registration: Email Ann Hinojosa at hinojosaATuhcl.edu (replace AT with @)

Questions about courses and BCaBA program: Email Dr. Jennifer Fritz at fritzjATuhcl.edu (replace AT with @)

UHD
Contact Dr. Pat Williams by email at williamspATuhd.edu (replace AT with @) or telephone (713-221-8982).