Overview
The demand for professionals with expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis is growing. Individuals with special needs require specific and optimized learning environments created by qualified professionals to aid in their growth and skill development. This certificate program prepares professionals to follow best practices for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in a variety of settings. Courses are taught fully online by our experienced CU Denver BCBA instructors. ABA certificate completers may use CU Denver’s coursework to meet the Association for Behavior Analysis International coursework requirements to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Offered By:
School of Education and Human Development
Tuition:
Cost Per Credit:
$464*
Continuing Professional Education program - Fees are $14/credit.
Cost Per Credit:
$464*
Continuing Professional Education program - Fees are $14/credit.
Application Deadline:
Credit Hours:
21
Program Details
Enhance your ability to work with individuals with special learning and behavior needs by earning your post baccalaureate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the University of Colorado Denver. Students will build competencies in the science of ABA and advance their skills in working with individuals with special needs.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the CU Denver course sequence toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. For more information on these requirements, please visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®’s website.
Students seeking their BCBA certification will need to accrue their BCBA supervised field experience hours independently.
Coursework also counts toward an optional MA in Special Education at CU Denver. If you already have earned a master’s degree, this certificate will help you to advance or diversify in your field.
Tuition and Fees
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types.
Tuition and fees are approved by the Colorado Board of Regents and may change from those shown. Graduate student tuition rates are calculated per credit hour, and are assessed by course based on the graduate student tuition rates determined by each school and college.
Timeline
ABA certificate students will complete a seven-course sequence of 3-credit hour, fully online courses, taught by experienced BCBA instructors. Students may be able to complete CU Denver’s ABA certificate online in four semesters. Accruing BCBA supervised fieldwork may take longer.
The seven courses (SPED 5450, SPED 5470, SPED 5471, SPED 5480, SPED 5481, SPED 5490, and SPED 5491) will be offered in sequence.
Cohorts that begin with the first course (SPED 5450) start Summer 2025, Spring 2026, and Fall 2026.
Students seeking BCBA certification are responsible for understanding any changes to certification requirements that may occur during the course of their program.
Admissions
Candidates must hold a graduate degree (master’s degree or higher) from an accredited institution.
Applicants are required to submit:
- ABA Certificate application
- Current resume/CV
- Graduate degree-conferred transcripts
- Personal statement
Please note the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) global certification policies. Specific information regarding this policy can be found on the BACB’s website at https://www.bacb.com/global-certification/.
| Example Courses |
|---|
| SPED 5450 — Introduction to ABA and Terminology This course will introduce the history and basics of ABA with a focus on its related terminology. In addition, ABA benefits will be discussed, and emphasis placed on ethical considerations required for practicing ABA as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. |
| SPED 5470 — ABA Data This course will introduce how to collect and interpret different types of data, and the importance of making data-driven decisions for behavior change procedures based on functional relationships. Prereq: SPED 5450. |
| SPED 5481 — Introduction to Organizational Behavior Management This course will provide an overview of contemporary research and practice in the field of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) in organizational settings, including but not limited to health care, behavioral health, clinical, and educational settings. Students will be introduced to the foundations of OBM during this class. Prereq: SPED 5450, 5470. |