Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Completing coursework and field experience in ABA at the undergraduate level can lead to certification that is highly sought after by employers looking for direct service staff for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Individuals with bachelor’s-level training often work directly with individuals to implement intervention plans (e.g., use strategies to increase social, communication, academic skills; decrease problem behavior) in various settings (e.g., clinic, home, school), gather data, and assist with maintaining records. In this role, they work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, which is a master’s-level certification.
Coursework for the ABA Concentration
Students may declare ABA as their concentration. The concentration shows that you have more in-depth knowledge about an area of psychology. To complete the concentration, you must take at least four of the following courses, two of which are required.
Required:
- PSYC 4570: Behavior Analysis and Intervention
- PSYC 4020: Learning
Plus two of the following:
- PSYC 3150: Small-n Research Methods
- PSYC 4030: Conceptual Analysis of Behavior
- PSYC 4414: Laboratory in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PSYC 4810: Practice and Ethics in Behavior Analysis
What if I am interested in certifications in ABA?
Two certifications that can potentially be earned that would set you apart from others when looking for work in this area.
- Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®)
- This is “a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and close supervision of an RBT Supervisor and/or an RBT Requirements Coordinator, who are responsible for all work RBTs perform” (BACB, 2020).
- The content for this certification will be covered in PSYC 4570 - Behavior Analysis and Intervention. You will also need to complete a competency assessment and pass an exam to receive this credential. For more information about the BCaBA certification, visit the BACB website.
- This is “a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and close supervision of an RBT Supervisor and/or an RBT Requirements Coordinator, who are responsible for all work RBTs perform” (BACB, 2020).
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®)
- This is “an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCaBA level provide behavior analysis services under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). BCaBAs may supervise the work of Registered Behavior Technicians.” (BACB, 2020).
- To get this certification, you will need to take all of six of the courses listed below, complete fieldwork*, obtain your undergraduate degree, and pass an exam. For more information about the BCaBA certification, visit the BACB website.
1. PSYC 4570 Behavior Analysis and Intervention
2. PSYC 4020 Learning
3. PSYC 3150 Small-n Research Methods
4. PSYC 4030 Conceptual Analysis of Behavior
5. PSYC 4414 Laboratory in Applied Behavior Analysis
6. PSYC 4810 Practice and Ethics in Behavior Analysis
*Students interested in completing fieldwork should enroll in PSYC 4980 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis
Potential Benefits of taking the courses:
- Flexibility of online asynchronous courses
- Potential for certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) depending on the number of courses and field experience completed
Effective January 1, 2026, students completing their coursework at UNO will apply under Pathway 2 - Coursework Requirements. The UNO courses above meet the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCaBA Pathway 2 eligibility route.
Students will need the Pathway 2 Program Contact, Dr. Sara Kupzyk, to review and provide an attestation for courses completed. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements to qualify to take the BCaBA exam (e.g., fieldwork).
For questions about the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration, contact Dr. Sara Kupzyk