Dr. Lori Bruch, Department Chair
570-941-4308
lori.bruch@scranton.edu
Dr. Vanessa Ann Jensen, Verified Course Sequence Director
570-941-5810
vanessa.jensen@scranton.edu
The Department of Counseling and Human Services offers a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Applied Behavior Analysis which is designed to meet the required competencies for coursework that, together with the supervised practicum hours, enable one to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA) exam. The purpose of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis is to prepare practitioners to contribute to the field of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice. The program includes masters level coursework in the principles of behavior, within-subjects research methodology and direct observation of behavior, applied behavior analysis, conceptual issues, ethics, and behavioral interventions. A minimum of 18 total graduate credits in applied behavior analysis must be attained before the certificate is granted. Specific course work and clinical instruction requirements are subject to modification in accordance with any changing requirements from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Further information will be available in the near future.
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) prepares professional counselors to have a well-rounded understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis, with specific focus on the following specialized expertise and skills: basic behavior analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities, foundational knowledge of ABA, behavior change considerations, assessment, intervention, implementation, management, and supervision. It will also provide them with the necessary coursework to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam in order to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Verified Course Sequence (VCS) in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) 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. A Verified Course Sequence (VCS) is a set of courses that has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards. Completion of a Verified Course Sequence may not grant completion of a degree; a university or institution awards the degree after all institutional requirements are met. Completion of a Verified Course Sequence does not grant approval of an examination application. Each application is reviewed by the BACB and include additional requirements. Completion of a Verified Course Sequence does not award BACB certification. Certificates of completion provided by a program or university are not to be confused with BACB certification (©Copyright 2019 The Association for Behavior Analysis International).
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS INTENSIVE PRACTICUM
125 intensive practicum hours are embedded in each course for a total of 750 intensive practicum hours throughout the program, which meets the practicum requirements of the BACB. No fewer than 10 hours but no more than 30 hours, including supervision hours, may be accrued per week. The intensive practicum hours are offered through the University of Scranton Verified Course Sequence agreement with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Supervisees and supervisors must pass an online, competency-based training module on BACB® experience standards prior to the onset of experience. During the experience period, the supervisor must be a BCBA or BCBA-D in good standing, be a licensed psychologist certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology who was tested in Applied Behavior Analysis, or be an authorized supervisor who is only providing supervision in a verified experience. Supervisors who hold BACB® certification must also meet an ongoing supervision CEU requirement in order to continue providing supervision after meeting the initial supervisor requirements. The supervisor must observe and provide feedback to the supervisee on his/her behavior-analytic activities with a client in the natural environment during each required supervisory period (10% of total hours per week). In person, on-site observation is preferred, however this may be conducted via videoconferencing or similar means. (BACB® Experience Standards, 10/13/17)
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