Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certificate

Admission Requirements

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
• Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC). Applicants for Summer or Fall Terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the Spring Term must have a COC valid through June 30. View instructions on Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (PDF). Applicants are encouraged to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
• One- to two-page statement of purpose describing goals and intentions in entering the BCBA certificate program

Send official transcripts to:

Watch the Application Tutorial

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Many financial aid options are available to make your BCBA certificate affordable.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree or program includes a network of services and personnel who partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a breakdown of some common fees associated with School of Education programs.

School of Education Fees

View a complete list of university fees.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

School of Education Scholarships

APU also provides information on numerous financial aid options for prospective School of Education students. Learn more about the aid opportunities available.

School of Education Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Education offers an alumni tuition discount for Azusa Pacific alumni starting in a graduate program.

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

Azusa Pacific’s BCBA program comprises 23 units of BACB-approved coursework in behavior analysis. Students in the program explore the theory and applied practice of behavior analysis through classroom learning paired with supervised fieldwork and complementary seminars. Throughout the program, the comprehensive coursework integrates a Christian perspective on professional practice, enabling candidates to strengthen their intrinsic desire to serve others through their calling.

The BCBA certificate is offered at APU’s main campus in Azusa and can be completed in just 10 months, as students complete their fieldwork and classroom studies simultaneously. Students take one unit of fieldwork and three eight-week classes each term (fall and spring), with the courses divided between Fall 1/Fall 2 and Spring 1/Spring 2 sessions. View the Graduate Academic Calendar for more details on upcoming terms and sessions.

Depending on the term and session, students are in class one to two nights per week, with each class lasting less than five hours. Additionally, four required seminars are held on campus that enhance and build on students’ field experiences. View a course schedule below to see how students typically progress through the program.

Azusa Pacific’s BCBA program comprises 23 units of BACB-approved coursework in behavior analysis. Students in the program explore the theory and applied practice of behavior analysis through classroom learning paired with supervised fieldwork and complementary seminars. Throughout the program, the comprehensive coursework integrates a Christian perspective on professional practice, enabling candidates to strengthen their intrinsic desire to serve others through their calling.

The BCBA certificate is offered at APU’s main campus in Azusa and can be completed in just 10 months, as students complete their fieldwork and classroom studies simultaneously. Students take one unit of fieldwork and three eight-week classes each term (fall and spring), with the courses divided between Fall 1/Fall 2 and Spring 1/Spring 2 sessions. View the Graduate Academic Calendar for more details on upcoming terms and sessions.

Depending on the term and session, students are in class one to two nights per week, with each class lasting less than five hours. Additionally, four required seminars are held on campus that enhance and build on students’ field experiences. View the course schedule below to see how students typically progress through the program.

What is ABA Therapy or Treatment?

BCBAs use applied behavior analysis (ABA) to meet the unique needs of each client they serve. ABA is based upon behavioral science and focuses on improving the lives of individuals by teaching them adaptive and appropriate behavior. This evidence-based approach requires comprehensive assessment in which BCBAs observe behavior, collect and analyze data, and carefully develop intervention programs. They are responsible to train behavior technicians, parents, and/or teachers to implement the components of the program, and make modifications to it as needed based upon the ongoing needs of the client.

The goal of applied behavior analysis therapy is to increase useful behaviors while reducing behaviors that are harmful or counterproductive to learning. Individualized treatment is a hallmark of ABA, allowing for greater success with challenging disorders that tend to vary widely from person to person. A certified behavior analyst provides customized interventions that suit each person’s needs, skills, interests, preferences, and family structure.

What is ABA Therapy or Treatment?

Applied behavior analysis therapy is a widely recognized and scientifically validated approach to treating autism spectrum disorders. As a behavioral health treatment for autism, ABA emphasizes modifying an individual’s learning and social environments to address the problems of the disorder.

The use of applied behavior analysis is not exclusive to the treatment of autism only. It is also effective in treating symptoms of other conditions, including dementia, destructive behavior, developmental disabilities, pediatric feeding disorders, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury, and more.

ABA Resources

• BACB
• Autism Speaks — Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

In the BCBA certificate program, in-depth courses cover essential knowledge and skills in applied behavioral analysis, including the measurement and experimental evaluation of behavior, functional behavior assessments, behavior change procedures, and ethical considerations in the field. Students gain the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data at a high level to support behavior interventions for autism, developmental disabilities, and other needs.

The sample course schedule shows how students typically proceed through the BCBA Certificate program, completing it in 10 months.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contacts

• Michael Salce, EdD, LEP, Chair, [email protected]
• Heather Maguire, PsyD, Program Coordinator, [email protected]

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).  

• The Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certificate program is accredited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).