Learn how to conduct thorough behavioral assessments, implement and monitor evidence-based interventions, and consult with parents, caregivers, and school personnel while adhering to the profession's ethical guidelines.
Why study Applied Behavior Analysis?
As a behavior analyst, you can help improve the lives of clients and caregivers through effective behavioral inventions. In markets across the country, the demand for these experts is high. A degree in the field not only prepares you for the important work of client recovery and improvement, but it also, if you choose CSUN, qualifies you to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Many, upon finishing this degree, continue on to doctoral work in related fields. Behavior analysts focus on the direct behavioral outcomes of their interventions. They typically start by identifying current contexts that are responsible for behavioral problems, then design changes to those same contexts to promote better behavior. This cost-competitive degree also lays the groundwork for admission into the nation’s most prestigious ABA doctoral programs.
Why study Applied Behavior Analysis at CSUN?
Sit for the BCBA exam
Qualify, upon graduating, to take the BCBA exam. Ninety-two percent of CSUN's ABA graduates passed the 2019 BCBA Exam on their first attempt, compared to a national average of just 63%.
Gain clinical practice
On-campus and off-site practicum options are arranged for you so you can obtain the required supervised fieldwork hours.
Enter paid positions
Students could be eligible for paid positions with partnering agencies, federal work study, student assistantships, and more. In prior years, more than 80% of our students held at least one paid position.
Prepare for your career
Upon graduating, 90% of our students have jobs in the field of Behavior Analysis.
Learn with a community
CSUN's cohort model lets you progress through the program with the same peer group. With this format, enrollment is guaranteed in all courses, leading to exceptionally high graduation rates.
This program is offered through self-support. Visit Tseng College for more information.
What You'll Learn
Based on a curriculum that addresses the behavioral theory and its real-world application, this two-year program prepares you to step into top positions in the field. You'll receive on-the-ground training in clinical settings arranged by CSUN, with faculty guidance each step of the way.
All courses are taught by doctoral-level faculty and feature BACB® approved content, including curriculum in human development, psychopathology, developmental disabilities (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder), and behaviorism. The program’s course work is designed to promote the progressive development of behavior analytic skills. Upon graduating and successful completion of supervised fieldwork hours, you will be eligible to sit for the BCBA examination.*
Careers & Outcomes
Behavior analysts work with the people who play an active role in the context of a client's behavior, such as family, teachers, caregivers and other health care providers. Behavior analysts typically work directly with the client and caregivers to arrange practice opportunities to promote the desired behavior change.