Daemen University offers two pathways to becoming a licensed behavior analyst in NYS.
The MS in Behavioral Science and Human Services meets the educational requirements for the board certification exam. Please contact admissions@daemen.edu for more information and advice on the correct pathway for you.
On-Campus and Online Options
On-Campus option with classes on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm or asynchronous Online courses are offered.
On-Campus Program Start Date
- September 5, 2023
Online Program Start Dates
- April 16, 2023 (Application Deadline: March 5, 2023)
- July 2, 2023
- October 15, 2023
Degrees
- Master of Science in ABA
- Advanced Certificate in ABA
Bridge Coursework
- Behavioral Science Bridge Coursework (NYS license qualifying program)
Online Program Option
This accelerated format includes cohorts starting in both fall and spring. Students learn from scientist practitioner faculty with diverse specialty areas and methods of service delivery who have learned from and trained with leaders in the field. Faculty mentors also provide opportunities for research and dissemination through publications and/or presentations at regional, state-wide, and national conferences.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified courses within Daemen’s program toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Program Benefits
- Daemen’s reputable ABA program holds the highest standards of both New York State licensure and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc®.
- Program was one of the first in New York State to be approved for licensure in ABA.
- On-campus evening courses or distance education asynchronous courses accommodate the working professional.
- Faculty have been instrumental in working with professional associations and NYSED to update the laws, rules, and regulations related to ABA and behavioral science.
- Faculty studied with the founders and leaders of the field. They have diverse and extensive experience and pass along exceptional opportunities to students.
- Students practice the development and evaluation of assessment and intervention, including behavior measurement, assessment, change elements, procedures, and systems.
- Students learn ethical and professional practice in working with families, members of the community, and other practitioners.
- Program includes a practicum course where students obtain the required 150 hours of supervised clinical work as required by New York State Education Department for licensure.
- Amherst campus and distance education programs have partnerships with service agencies across many areas of New York, nationally, and internationally for students to gain valuable experience.
- Faculty provide interactive educational opportunities in a student-focused environment and are committed to fostering each student’s academic and professional goals.
- Students have opportunities to develop scientific and professional writing, collaboration, and oral presentation skills necessary to become well-rounded scientist practitioners.
New York State licensed behavior analysts assist those with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, emotional disturbances, or no diagnosis at all, to achieve individually developed goals, learn new skills and improve challenging behavior.
They design, implement, and evaluate environmental stimuli to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior.
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Career Outlook
Graduates work in many settings, including schools, clinics, homes, community organizations, vocational programs, and hospitals.
Popular careers include:
- Licensed behavior analyst
- Board certified behavior analyst®
- Behavior analyst
- Behavior consultant
- Clinical specialist
- Behavior specialist
- Behavior intervention specialist
- Behavioral health specialist
Other professionals who can benefit from an ABA license include:
- Educators
- School administrators
- Psychologists
Francesca D’Arrigo, ’20
ABA, M.S.
Behavior intervention specialist, Junior Consultant, Parent Trainer, Blue Sea Educational Consulting
Sean Lehane, ’19
ABA, M.S.
Program coordinator, Newmeadow Inc., an integrated ABA-focused preschool in upstate, NY
Program Options
- 35 credit program can be completed in two years with on-campus, or 18 months online
- The Master’s Degree Program is identical to the Advanced Certificate Program, with the addition of the 3 credit Research Capstone Course (ABA 740)
- This post-Master’s program is 32 credits and can be completed in two years, or 18 months online
- Candidates must possess a Master's degree (from an accredited college or university) in: Education; Special Education; Psychology; or Applied Behavior Analysis
Demand for behavior analysts is increasing: Over the past 11 years, demand for behavior analysts holding BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased by 4,209%.
This course sequence is designed for prospective students who seek the additional educational requirements needed for NYS licensure. Prospective students must have a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a NYSED Comparative Education Review. For more information visit: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/aba/. Course plan is based on a NYSED comparative education review. There is no degree or certificate from Daemen College at completion of this course sequence.
- NYSED Comparative Education Review
Program Specifics
The practice of designing, implementing and evaluating environmental modifications using behavioral stimuli and consequences to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relationship between environment and behavior.
Visit the NYSED website.
Students interested in applying to the ABA program should submit an application to the graduate admissions office which will be evaluated on the basis of:
Master’s Degree Program
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree (from an accredited college or university) in a related field related to learning or behavioral changes.
Advanced Certificate Program
- Possess a Master’s degree (from an accredited college or university) in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, Psychology, Education, or a field related to learning or behavior change.
Behavioral Science Bridge Coursework
- Possess a Master’s degree or Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and have received a Comparative Education Review from NYSED.
- Please provide a personal statement (up to 300 words) discussing your background and why you want to enroll into the specific graduate program.
All Candidates
- Provide official transcript(s) from all accredited colleges or universities attended indicating the award of a graduate degree.
- Provide evidence of a cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.00.
- Provide a copy of a current resume, including all certifications and licensures.
- Provide two letters of reference: 1 from an academic source and 1 from a volunteer experience/internship/employer. Personal references, including those from clients and their families, will not be accepted.
- Complete and submit an original, well written, 3-4 page typed personal statement that focuses on the following points: (Master’s and Advanced Certificate)
- Your experiences that influenced your interest in the field of applied behavior analysis.
- Your personal qualities that will be useful in working with other professionals and potential clients providing behavior analytic services.
- Your career goals and how an education in applied behavior analysis will help you achieve these goals. Be specific with regard to how you see yourself applying the skills and knowledge you will gain to a specific career and characteristics of clients.
- Describe how your undergraduate/graduate education has prepared you to succeed in a fast-paced, intensive graduate program. Include a description of specific courses that have provided you with the background to apply scientific principles to the study of human behavior
- Discuss why you think it is important to study human behavior from a scientific/behavioral perspective as opposed to a psychoanalytic or cognitive perspective
- Participate in a personal interview with a member of the ABA program faculty
- Please note: To become licensed and certified candidates need to be 21 years old
All Students
- Students enrolled in the Master’s Degree, Advanced Certificate, and the Non-Degree Programs must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.00 scale);
- The Graduate Committee on Academic Standards will be notified if a student falls below a 3.0 grade point average;
- Students who receive a course grade below 3.0 may repeat said course one time; failure to achieve a 3.0 on the second attempt will be grounds for academic dismissal;
- Failure to achieve a 3.0 in two or more courses will be grounds for academic dismissal;
- Students who violate the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance code for Behavior Analysts during their academic coursework or experience hour accrual will be subject to sanctions up to and including academic dismissal;
- Students who have an Incomplete (I) grade in two or more courses may be prevented from registering for additional coursework until the incomplete grades are resolved.
- A student admitted to the program is expected to maintain continuity in the academic program and enroll each semester until all requirements are completed. Typically, a part-time student should complete a minimum of three (3) credits per semester. Full-time students must complete a minimum of nine (9) credits per semester. All requirements for the Master of Science degree must be completed within a period of five years from the student’s enrollment for graduate study. For information on leaves of absence and extensions, consult the Academic Regulations and Standards section in the electronic catalog, Graduate Section, on the Daemen web page or in the Graduate Catalog.
Additional Information about ABA 730
- Students are required to have a Practicum Placement that is legally authorized to provide services that constitute the practice of applied behavior analysis (Education Law, article 167, section 8802) and an appropriate supervisor (Regulations of the Commissioner, subpart 79-17.2). The ABA Practicum Director and/or Coordinator is happy to work with you on finding Practicum Placements.
- US Licensure of Behavior Analysts
- Global Certification of Behavior Analysts
- VCS directory
- New York State registered programs
- Search for programs leading to a professional license
- Scroll to behavior analyst
Scholarships may not be combined; students may only receive one scholarship.
Graduate Merit Scholarship
Thirty percent off the graduate per credit hour tuition rate awarded to accepted ABA students who have earned an undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 or above.
Graduate Alumni Scholarship
Additional scholarships may be available for alumni, please contact your admissions counselor for more information.
Americorps Matching Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to accepted students who have completed an Americorps service commitment. Daemen College will match the 100 percent of the Segal Americorps Education Award or provide a 30 percent tuition scholarship discount for Americorps alumni enrolling in our program.