ABA Programs at the Esteves School of Education

The Esteves School of Education at Sage offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism to meet the needs of working professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

“Many online programs offer an education, but don’t provide hands-on experience or practicum supervision. At Sage, you can get a rigorous education that covers the concepts and strategies while you fulfill the BCBA practicum requirement. That blend is really important, and there isn’t another program that offers that.”

SARAH RUSSELL, BCBA, SGS ’13

M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism

The Center for Applied Behavior Analysis at Sage

These programs are offered through the Center for Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA), which exists to:

  1. Prepare students to work with persons with autism
  2. Give students the educational and skill competence necessary to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  3. Increase the number of professionals who have behavioral skills

This program is also a NYSED approved licensure-qualifying program that prepares students to apply for a Behavior Analyst licensure in New York.

Classes are delivered completely online, allowing for a multi-media presentation of material, and can be complemented by an optional supervised practicum track. Students are given varied access to proven learning tools for their own growth and improved comprehension: audio-visual presentations by professors, written tools, and active learning experiences, such as fluency drills and practice in data collection.

Sage’s ABA programs follow a “scientist-practitioner” model of training, meaning all instruction is grounded in the scientific approach to studying behavior. Students will learn research design, the importance of empirical evidence, and the focus on experimentation to discern causes of behavior. This knowledge will be coupled with 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.

Studies include: the conceptual underpinnings, as well as the skills necessary, to effect behavioral change; strategies for defining and assessing behaviors; development of measurable instructional goals; antecedent strategies to promote learning; use of consequences to effect positive change; and rules for determining success and mastery. Students will learn procedures and strategies for dealing with language development, abnormal behavioral patterns, and socialization issues. Within the practicum track, students will be evaluated on their ability to apply these skills in clinical settings.

Students will also gain a deep understanding of autism in studying the etiology of the disorder and assessment strategies; how persons with the disorder are affected in all areas of development, including language, learning, socialization, and personal behaviors; and different theoretical explanations of the disorder.

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Faculty

Our faculty is made up of BCBAs who enjoy using our technologies to instruct students at every level.

Lori Finn, Ph.D., BCBA-D,
Chair; Assistant Professor

Infineé Jacobs
Administrative Assistant

Sam Blanco, M.S., LABA, BCBA
Assistant Professor

Cheryl Davis, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA
Practicum Coordinator

Cheryl Ostryn, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Assistant Professor

Sarah Russell, M.S., BCBA
Lecturer

Fast Facts

  • Coursework is delivered completely online.
  • Admission to the ABA programs is rolling. Openings are filled on a first come, first served basis for each fall and spring semester. Applications and all supporting materials are due by the posted deadlines.
  • Each program includes a Behavior Analyst Certification Board Approved Course Sequence that, when combined with optional practicum experiences or independent fieldwork hours, meets eligibility requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

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 re-writing of the APA practice act, only psychologists can perform “behavior analysis” activities (modifying behavior, conducting behavior analysis, etc.). New York psychologists have adopted this practice act; therefore, only licensed psychologists can perform behavior analytic practice, unless one works in a school, clinic, hospital, or other similar institution. 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. Please refer to the FAQ page for a more in-depth explanation of this statement.

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