University of North Dakota
Online & Distance Education
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
®
College of Education & Human Development
Board Certified Behavior Analyst®
(BCBA®, BCBA-D®)
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and BCBADoctoral (BCBA-D) are independent practitioners who
may also work as employees or independent contractors
for an organization. A BCBA conducts descriptive and
systematic behavioral assessments, including functional
analyses and provides behavior analytic interpretations of
the results. They also design and supervise behavior analytic
interventions. BCBAs can effectively develop and implement
appropriate assessments and intervention methods for use
in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases; they’ll seek
the consultation of more experienced practitioners when
necessary. A BCBA teaches others to carry out ethical and
effective behavior analytic interventions based on published
research and designs, and delivers instruction in behavior
analysis. BCBAs supervise the work of Board Certified
Assistant Behavior Analysts and others who implement
behavior analytic interventions (retrieved from bacb.com/
index.php?page=4).
Fast Facts
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Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approved
Courses can be combined with the Autism Spectrum
Disorders Specialization
Course Sequence Can be Completed in 2 Semesters
Online, Asynchronous Course Delivery
In-State Tuition Regardless of Residency
Who Should Apply?
The BCBA coursework is intended for students interested in:
• Obtaining a Master’s of Science in Special Education
• Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and/or
• A cognate in behavior analysis as part of their graduate
studies
How to Apply
Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education Students
For students interested in a Master’s degree, the 18 credits of
behavior analyst coursework can be applied to the M.S. degree
and can include a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The degree can be customized to your needs and interests.
graduateschool.UND.edu/graduate-students/new/applicationinstructions.cfm
Non-Degree Students
Students interested in BCBA coursework without getting a Master’s
degree should apply as non-degree students. Please contact
Dr. Katherine Terras when applying as a non-degree student.
graduateschool.UND.edu/graduate-students/new/non-degree.cfm
How to Register for Classes
Master of Science in Special Education Students
Please see your handbook for registration instructions.
Non-Degree Students
For instructions on how to register after you’ve been accepted,
please visit: education.UND.edu/teaching-and-learning
Contact
Dr. Katherine L. Terras
Associate Professor and BCBA Coordinator
Special Education
Department of Teaching and Learning
701.777.2863
katherine.terras@UND.edu
More
education.UND.edu/BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®, BCBA-D®)
Approved Coursework Sequence
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB) requires 18 credits/270 semester hours of coursework, for a total of 6 graduate level
courses. Coursework is delivered using asynchronous, online instruction. To view a course rotation schedule, visit: education.UND.edu/BCBA
All 6 courses can be completed in 2 semesters, and include the following:
SPED 590 – Concepts & Principles of Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
This course introduces definitions, characteristics, principles, processes and concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).In addition, the
philosophical assumptions and dimensions of the science of applied behavior analysis, including determinism, empiricism, parsimony,
selectionism, pragmatism, and lawfulness of behavior will be addressed. Students will learn to differentiate between environmental and
mentalistic explanations of behavior, and between conceptual, experimental, and applied analyses of behavior.
SPED 590 – Methods & Applications of Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
This course addresses behaviorally-based strategies to establish, strengthen, and weaken target behaviors. Fundamental elements of behavior
change are reviewed, with a focus on selecting evidence-based tactics that utilize basic principles of behavior (reinforcement, punishment,
extinction, and stimulus control), as well as utilizing appropriate parameters and schedules of reinforcement and punishment. Various
procedures combining fundamental behavior principles are reviewed, modeled, practiced, and demonstrated to mastery and fluency.
SPED 590 – Assessment & Behavior Change Systems (4 Credits)
This course will address the process of identifying behaviors targeted for change and the use of behavioral assessment techniques to identify
and analyze behavior-environment relations for the purpose of developing successful, functionally-based intervention strategies. Students will
learn a variety of methods for behavior assessment, interventions, analysis of interventions, experimental analysis, and interpreting outcomes
including the use of practical behaviorally-based assessment tools such as checklists, rating scales, structured observation tools, and curricular
assessments.
SPED 590 – Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the measurement of behavior and the analysis of intervention effect using single-subject experimental design. Procedures for
collection and display of behavioral data are demonstrated, practiced, and examined for reliability, validity, efficiency, and relevance to a variety of
settings, with a focus on educational environments. Individualized measurement procedures are developed and implemented using a variety of singlesubject design formats, and the contribution of single-subject research design to education, clinical practice, and scientific inquiry is examined. Ethical
considerations of experimental analysis are examined.
SPED 590 – Ethical & Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts (3 Credits)
This course introduces ethical and professional considerations relevant in the professional practice of applied behavior analysis as well as the ethical
and disciplinary standards of the profession. Students will become familiar with the ethical and professional conduct and legal issues relevant to
BCBA-level practitioners found in Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior Analysts and Disciplinary and
Ethical Standards and Disciplinary Procedures (2012), as well as the professional conduct consistent with the practice of applied behavior analysis.
SPED 590 – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Across Settings & Populations (2 Credits)
This course will focus on client-centered responsibilities across settings, including identification of the problem and selection and implementation
of interventions based on biological, medical, and environmental variables. The course will also address management of behavioral services and
supervision of those responsible for carrying out behavior change procedures.
College of Education & Human Development
Dr. Katherine L. Terras, Associate Professor &
BCBA Coordinator, Special Education
UND Department of Teaching and Learning
701.777.2863 katherine.terras@UND.edu
education.UND.edu/BCBA
Current as of: 2-12-14
Information is subject to change without notice.