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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Coursework

School of Education

In this program, you will complete a series of graduate-level classes approved by the School of Education and the Fresno Pacific University Graduate committee. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Coursework will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors and teach individuals when to use specific behaviors in specific instances. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization, school, or school-community.

Successful completion of all coursework and supervision hours prepares a candidate to sit for the BCBA Examination.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure.

Program Highlights

  • Small class sizes
  • Evening classes

Catalog

Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Overview

In this program, you will complete a series of graduate-level classes approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and the Fresno Pacific University Graduate committee. Coursework will prepare you to assist people to learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors and teach individuals when to use specific behaviors in specific instances. The scope of these services ranges from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual to changing the behavior of an entire organization, school or school-community. Successful completion of all coursework and supervision hours prepares a candidate to sit for the BCBA Examination. 

Career Opportunities

This program is especially valuable for individuals pursuing their master's in school counseling, school psychology and special education because of the increasing demand in schools for expertise in developing systematic individual behavior support plans. There is also an increasing demand for BCBA certificate holders in the private sector working with adults and children.

Accreditation

Behavior Analyst Certification Board 

7950 Shaffer Parkway Littleton, CO 80127, USA

Admissions Requirements

  • Application form and fee
  • One current reference form
  • Statement of Intent
  • Official transcripts verifying BA/BS degree
  • Orientation interview with BCBA enrollment advisor

Prerequisites

  • Master's degree in related area
  • or be a candidate for the school counseling/school psychology master's degree or an approved related master's program

Standards

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) standards changed beginning in the Fall of 2021.  The new Behavior Analyst Certification Board's Fifth Edition standards requirements are reflected in the courses listed below.

Fieldwork

BCBA Supervised Fieldwork and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork:

There are two types of fieldwork experiences that qualify for the requirements of the BACB.  Candidates may complete a combination of supervised fieldwork  and concentrated supervised fieldwork.  Or candidates may complete all the required hours in a single type of fieldwork.  Supervised fieldwork requires a total of 2000 hours of fieldwork.  Concentrated supervised fieldwork requires a total of 1500 hours of fieldwork.  Both types of fieldwork must have a minimum of 20 hours per month with a maximum of 130 hours per month of supervision.  Candidates register for the number of units they anticipate can be completed in an 8-week session of a semester.  The supervisory period is one calendar month.  Candidates register for the BCBA Supervised Fieldwork class (PPP 793B) multiple times until the required number of hours has been completed.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, Main Campus Fresno, and Merced

Required Courses

  • PPP 770 - Introduction Concepts and Principles ABA Credits 1
  • PPP 771 - Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3
  • PPP 772 - Advanced Concepts and Principles of ABA Credits 3
  • PPP 773 - Ethics and Professionalism in ABA Credits 3
  • PPP 774 - Personnel and Supervision and Management Credits 2
  • PPP 775 - Philosophical Underpinnings of ABA Credits 2
  • PPP 776 - Behavior Assessment Credits 3
  • PPP 777 - Behavior Change Procedures Credits 2
  • PPP 778 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions I Credits 1
  • PPP 779 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions II Credits 1
  • PPP 793B - BCBA Supervised Experiences Credits 1 - 10

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 45+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit one reference form.
    These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Include statement of intent.
    You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Mail your sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s office or email to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

Print Next Step Checklist

Program Requirements

  • PD interview with Program Director

Prerequisites

  • Master’s degree in school counseling, school psychology or a related area*
  • or Advancement to candidacy for the school counseling/school psychology dual credential or master’s program*

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$750
Teacher Education$750
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$775
KIN$610
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$70
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2023-24

Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

View Graduate Private Scholarships

Career Opportunities

This program is especially valuable for individuals pursuing their master's in school counseling, school psychology and special education because of their increasing demand in schools  for expertise in developing systematic individual behavior support plans. There is also an increasing demand for BCBA credential holders in the private sector working with adults and children.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center