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Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA)® Coursework

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

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

  • Program aligned with current ABA and BCBA® standards and practices.
  • Coursework is designed to support eligibility requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination through Pathway 2. Additional requirements, including supervised fieldwork, are required for exam eligibility.
  • Learn behavior assessment, intervention planning and data-driven decision-making strategies.
  • Small class sizes and flexible online evening coursework designed for working professionals.
  • Study under experienced faculty with expertise in behavior analysis and education.
  • Designed for professionals in education, counseling, psychology, special education and related fields.
  • Offered fully online.
  • Click here for a detailed program brochure

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Catalog

Program Director: Azure Pellegrino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Overview

This program includes the required coursework to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam through Pathway 2 eligibility. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements (e.g., supervision) before they can be deemed eligible to take the 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.

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 change for people applying to take the exam on or after January 1, 2027.  The new Behavior Analyst Certification Board's Sixth Edition Test Content Outline items 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 160 hours per month of supervision.  Candidates have the option to register for the number of units they anticipate can be completed in a 16-week semester or 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

Synchronous Online

Required Courses

  • PPP 741 - Basic Principles of Behavior Credits 3
  • PPP 744 - Organizational Behavior Management Credits 3
  • PPP 745 - Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis Credits 3
  • PPP 747 - Behavior Interventions Credits 3
  • PPP 771 - Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3
  • PPS 772 - Issues and Values in Schools and Society Credits 3
  • PPP 773 - Ethics and Professionalism in ABA Credits 3
  • PPP 776 - Behavior Assessment Credits 3
  • PPP 780ABA - Research: Single Subject Design I Credits: 2
  • PPP 781ABA - Research: Single Subject Design II Credits 2
  • PPP 782ABA - Research: Single Subject Design III Credits 2
  • PPP 793B - BCBA Supervised Experiences Credits 1 - 6 *
  • * Students have the option to register to receive remote concentrated BCBA supervision

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one.

Our 40+ 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, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission to the Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA) coursework program, please submit the following items:

  • Completed Application for Admission: Apply at fpu.edu/applygrad
  • Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any postbaccalaureate work.
    • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
    • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
    • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:

      Fresno Pacific University
      Office of the Registrar
      1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
      Fresno, CA 93702
  • Reference Form – One reference is required for the BCBA coursework program. The reference should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
    • After you submit your application, your listed reference will be contacted via email with a link to provide their recommendation.
  • Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals and your experience in the field.

Prerequisite: Students must have a Master’s degree in a related area OR be a candidate for the school counseling/school psychology master’s degree or an approved related master’s program.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

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

2026-27

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$770
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.$800
Business Administration, M.B.A.$810
Kinesiology, M.A.$740
Nursing, M.S.N.$800
Pupil Personnel Services Credential$800
School Counseling, M.A. with PPS$800
School Psychology, M.A. with PPS$800
Social Work, M.S.W.$800
Special Education, M.A.$800
Strategic & Organizational Leadership (LEAD), M.A.$795
Teacher Education$770
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$139
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2025-26

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$770
Teacher Education$770
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$795
KIN$660
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$85
* MBA 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.

**Please note: Students enrolled in the BCBA Coursework program are ineligible to receive Title IV Aid.

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 Calling and Career Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether you're 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 Calling and Career Center