Online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Coursework

Marian’s fully online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training courses will equip students with the ability to effectively address challenging behaviors. Successful completion of this Verified Course Sequence meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) coursework requirements to sit for an exam to pursue either the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. This program is designed for working professionals who previously completed a bachelor's or master's degree and seek to expand their credentials.

Students enrolled in our online ABA training program acquire behavior analytic knowledge and skills to effectively address socially maladaptive behaviors. ABA students will learn how to identify and implement behavior analytic techniques to increase socially appropriate behaviors, ensuring individuals are able to live, work, and be educated in the least restrictive environments. 

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied behavior analysis is a type of therapy based on scientifically backed theories of learning and behavior. At its core, ABA examines why people behave the way they do in their environment and uses these observations to teach appropriate skills and improve an individual’s quality of life. Designed for both children and adults, applied behavior analysis techniques assist with improving social skills, reading, communication, academic habits, and adaptive learning skills, including personal hygiene, on-the-job behaviors, and fine motor skills.

ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment for individuals with autism. That said ABA can be applied with individuals of varying needs, disabilities, and ages. Behavior Analytic interventions can be implemented with individuals in a variety of settings, (e.g. schools, job sites, residential treatment facilities, and group homes) to improve daily living skills, self-help skills, and vocational skills. Businesses are also utilizing the skills of behavior analysts and hiring them to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity.

Behavior analysts develop treatment plans and behavior support plans, specific to the environment(s) the individual needs support, e.g. in the community. Behavior analysts create individualized plans for each client, that include function-based interventions. Lastly, those closest to the client are also an integral part of the plan, both in creation and implementation.

Additional information about the implementation of ABA:

• ABA principles have helped elderly adults adjust to and manage the effects of memory loss.

• ABA ​techniques can be used to help students improve their language, cognitive, and social skills and reduce aggressive behaviors.

• ​ABA techniques have helped individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Organizational behavior management (OBM) is rooted in ABA.

Online ABA Curriculum

Marian’s online ABA training courses are taught by BCBAs who provide real-world connections to class content. They improve your ability to assess behavior, determine the function of a behavior, identify appropriate interventions, and implement interventions.

Coursework is rigorous and prepares you for a career in the field of applied behavior analysis. Our program includes a unique component: instructors offer WebEx sessions multiple times per course for additional support, teaching, and mentoring.

The curriculum for each course is rooted in the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s fifth edition Task List, the definitive document for conducting an FBA, and is an approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The ABAI has verified Marian’s ABA courses toward the subject requirements needed for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examinations. As a note, applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

The online ABA curriculum consists of seven courses (18 credit hours total) administered over three semesters for students to learn and practice the behavior analytic skills required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Marian’s online ABA coursework includes foundational concepts and philosophical underpinnings, as well as instruction specific to the BACB’s Code of Ethics. Courses also include advanced behavior analytic concepts and principles and application of interventions, as well as personnel training and development.

Obtaining ABA certification is an option for those with a desire to further their career. Whether or not you wish to pursue your BCBA credential, the online ABA training courses from Marian will provide you with knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of behavior analysis you need to advance your career.

• SPD 650: Behavior Analytic Concepts and Principles
• SPD 652: Advanced Behavior Analytic Concepts and Principles
• SPD 654: Behavior Assessment and Change
• SPD 656: Ethical Practice of Behavior Analysts
• SPD 658: Verbal Behavior Foundations and Application
• SPD 660: Experimental Design and Data Analysis
• SPD 662: Personnel Development and Management

Applied Behavior Analysis Content Area and Required Hours

Deochand, Neil and Fuqua, R. Wayne. "BACB Certification Trends: State of the States (1999 to 2014)." Association for Behavior Analysis International 2016, March 28, 2016, p. 247.

Careers Utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Principles

Marian’s online ABA courses strengthen the preparation of future teachers and professionals that work directly with students and individuals who require additional support to develop socially appropriate behaviors in various social settings. ABA certification is an option for those with a desire to further their careers. Behavior analysts are able to support individuals exhibiting challenging behavior and/or are working to acquire new skills into their repertoire.

Thinking about earning ABA certification? Consider your options:

• For pursuing BCBA certification, candidates should have earned an advanced degree, completed relevant VCS-approved training courses, and worked a number of supervised clinical hours.
• BCaBA certification is an undergraduate-level behavior analysis certificate, and while individuals holding this distinction cannot practice independently, they can work under the supervision of a BCBA and monitor Registered Behavior Technicians. To pursue BCaBA certification, individuals should have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, VCS-approved ABA coursework, and a certain amount of supervised practical experience.

Individuals holding a BCaBC or BCBA may seek full-time employment in that role. That said, there are many other professions where this credential can complement what you are already doing: This includes educators, social workers, and even mental health professionals.

Regardless of your current field, an understanding of ABA principles benefits many professionals. This is evident when looking at job postings in the field of ABA. Job postings for professionals with the BCBA certification have doubled between 2012 and 2014, and the need is present in almost every state (Burning Glass Technologies, 2015).

Online ABA Program Start Dates and Length

Apply to Marian's Online ABA Training Program

Marian’s online ABA courses begin three times a year: during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Course completion is three to four semesters. New students may start in January, May, or August.

Candidates interested in Marian’s online ABA program must have previously completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Visit the Business Office "tuition rates for 2020-21" page for tuition rates.