M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism, or Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Welcome to the Center for Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA) and the M.S. Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism!
Are you interested in working with people diagnosed with autism? Do you want to learn effective strategies that will make a difference to children and adults with this disorder? Then Sage Graduate Schools Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism is for you.
The program follows a "scientist-practitioner" model of training. That means you will become grounded in the scientific approach towards studying behavior. You will learn about research design, the importance of empirical evidence, and the focus on experimentation to discern causes of behavior. This knowledge will be coupled with a thorough training in the only therapeutic approach to the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders that has empirical research to support its effectiveness with this population.
This program is delivered totally via distance learning, utilizing online delivery of classes, as well as clinical supervision delivered by geographically close adjunct supervisors or alternative supervision (e.g., webcam observation).
At this time, the program cycle begins fall semester only.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The goals of the MS program are: (1) to prepare students to work with persons with autism, (2) to give the students the educational and skill competence necessary to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and (3) to increase the number of workers who have behavioral skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is rapidly becoming the most often diagnosed childhood disorder. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a branch of psychology rooted in the application of science to the study of human behavior, is a special therapy that has been shown to be quite effective in reducing the impact of autism spectrum disorders.
Your studies will combine two tracks, plus supervised practice. You will thoroughly study Applied Behavior Analysis, both the conceptual underpinnings as well as the skills necessary to effect behavioral change. You will learn strategies for defining and assessing behaviors, development of instructional goals that are measurable, antecedent strategies to promote learning, use of consequences to effect positive change, and rules for determining success and mastery. You will learn the procedures and strategies for dealing with language development, abnormal behavioral patterns, and socialization issues. Your application of these skills will be evaluated in clinical settings where you will be working with persons with autism and other disorders.
The second major focus of the program involves a deep understanding of autism. You will learn about the etiology of the disorder and assessment strategies. You will understand how persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are affected in all areas of development, including language, learning, socialization, and personal behaviors. Different theoretical explanations of ASD will be covered, as well as different therapeutic approaches towards solving language, learning, and behavioral issues.
Those who complete the master's program in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism are eligible to take the national examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
ABA Admission Procedures
Because of the high demand of the program, the timing of all applications for The Sage ABA program shall be governed by these procedures. The ABA program commences in the fall of each year. Sage is currently accepting into the ABA program each fall forty-four (44) students.
Important Dates for Master's Program Admittance
- By April 15: Each fall applicant to the ABA program is required to apply for and have all necessary documentation including a career goals statement, a resume, two (2) letters of recommendation and official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work.
- April 15 through May 15: Faculty will review and rank only fully completed applications.
- On May 17: Applicants will be notified if accepted.
- By June 1: Applicants must provide deposit and candidate reply form by 11:59 p.m.
- By July 1: Accepted students must register for fall courses.
- On July 2: Applicants accepted but did not register for fall courses will be removed from the acceptance list. Once removed from the acceptance list, applicants must provide in writing a request to be reinstated. Reinstatement will be to the bottom of the waitlist for that year only.
- On July 9: Waitlisted students will be notified in order of rank on waitlist if cohort slots are available.
Students who already possess a masters degree in a related area (such as special education or psychology) and are interested in board certification as a Behavior Analyst, may choose to complete The Sage Colleges ABA Certificate Program, and receive a recommendation to take the examination that leads to BCBA certification.
Important Dates for Certificate Admittance
- November 10 deadline for ABA Certificate Program application.
- By November 20, cohort of twenty-two will be identified and notified of acceptance.
- By December 1, those wishing to reserve a position in the cohort must provide their deposit.
- By December 3, ranked waitlisted students will be informed of acceptance if slots are still available.
- By December 15, the ranked waitlisted students who are accepted must provide their deposit.
- By January 1, all accepted students must register for spring course.
Notice to Applicants & Candidates
Services restricted to New York State licensed professionals, including licensed psychologists, cannot be rendered by program students or graduates unless: (a) they are licensed in New York State to provide such services, or (b) they provide those services in an exempt setting as salaried employees.
Due to the recent re-writing of the APA practice act, now only psychologists can do "behavior analysis" type of activities: modifying behavior, conducting behavior analysis, etc. In New York, the New York psychologists have adopted this practice act, therefore, only licensed psychologists can do behavior analytic practice, unless one works in a school, clinic, hospital, and similar institutions. The New York State Education Department, which approves all graduate programs, requires this disclaimer in our materials. If your state does not adhere to this new definition of psychological practice, then this disclaimer will have no functional relevance to you.
National Accreditation Advantage
Sages School of Education received accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) in October 2001. NCATE accreditation means that graduates are recognized as having completed an Education program that meets the highest standards in the field. Sage graduates should note the NCATE accreditation on their resumes and be prepared to talk about its significance.
- Sage is one of only 28 colleges and universities in New York State to receive prestigious NCATE accreditation. Across the nation, relatively few private colleges can claim this level of excellence in teach education programs.
- The NCATE accreditation process helped articulate what qualities a Sage educator, counselor, or leader possesses: belief in full inclusion, valuing diversity, reflection, and knowledge about best practices. NCATE accreditation is a mark of assurance that teachers, counselors, and leaders educated at Sage are competent, caring, and highly qualified.
- NCATE accreditation means that Sage graduates are better prepared to help their students reach high standards.
- Graduates of NCATE accredited programs can more easily receive certification and teaching jobs in other states; NCATE is recognized throughout the nation.
