Applied Behavior Analysis

  • Graduate Certificate
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of Human Movement Studies & Special Education
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Next Start Date
August 24, 2026
Accelerated Courses

Why ODU for Applied Behavioral Analysis?

This certificate is designed to instruct teachers and related service providers in applied behavior analysis. You will learn evidence-based strategies to support the academic, social and behavioral needs of students and clients from many backgrounds. Your courses will cover the concepts and principles in behavior analysis, as well as research methods, ethics, assessments and interventions, and more.

This seven-course sequence also meets the educational standards needed to sit for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® examination. To qualify for the BACB Graduate Level Certification, you also need a graduate degree and sufficient supervised fieldwork.

What is a Behavior Analyst? A behavior analyst is an expert in the science of behavior and learning. They conduct assessments to identify an individual's abilities and areas that need improvement, and they design instructional programs to help clients gain and practice new skills while reducing challenging behaviors. With these assessments and interventions, behavior analysts can help individuals become more independent and function effectively in everyday situations.

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Where do Behavior Analysts Work?

Behavior analysts work in a variety of settings including homes, schools, clinics, residential programs, and the community. Our program will prepare you to work with individuals with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders across various environments.

This certificate helps prepare you for roles such as:

  • board certified behavior analyst (BCBA)
  • clinical behavior therapist
  • education behavior and support specialist
  • intensive behavior therapist
  • residential specialist
  • vocational specialist
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Program Information

Total
21 Credit Hours

You will complete a sequence of seven courses beginning in the Fall semester. 

Supervised fieldwork is not required to complete this certificate, but it is required to qualify for the BCBA certification exam. If you reside near ODU's main campus in Norfolk, Virginia, you may be able to complete supervised fieldwork through additional courses with the University. ODU partners with local providers for in-person supervision only, but students outside the area can complete the supervised fieldwork independently.

Explore Courses in the Graduate Catalog

Accelerated Courses

Courses in this program follow an accelerated 8-week format.

Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

This seven-course sequence meets the educational standards needed to sit for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® examination. To qualify for this certification exam, you also need a graduate degree and sufficient supervised fieldwork, which you will complete independently.

If you plan to pursue BCBA certification to practice outside Virginia, we encourage you to contact your state's licensing authority to determine specific requirements. Use our licensure disclosure directory link to find contact information for your state.

If you have questions about how this certificate can help you meet your career goals, please contact us using the form above.

View ODU's state licensure disclosure directory

Learn about state authorization and licensure

Total
21 Credit Hours

You will complete a sequence of seven courses beginning in the Fall semester. 

Supervised fieldwork is not required to complete this certificate, but it is required to qualify for the BCBA certification exam. If you reside near ODU's main campus in Norfolk, Virginia, you may be able to complete supervised fieldwork through additional courses with the University. ODU partners with local providers for in-person supervision only, but students outside the area can complete the supervised fieldwork independently.

Explore Courses in the Graduate Catalog

Accelerated Courses

Courses in this program follow an accelerated 8-week format.

Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

This seven-course sequence meets the educational standards needed to sit for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® examination. To qualify for this certification exam, you also need a graduate degree and sufficient supervised fieldwork, which you will complete independently.

If you plan to pursue BCBA certification to practice outside Virginia, we encourage you to contact your state's licensing authority to determine specific requirements. Use our licensure disclosure directory link to find contact information for your state.

If you have questions about how this certificate can help you meet your career goals, please contact us using the form above.

View ODU's state licensure disclosure directory

Learn about state authorization and licensure

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$486 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$649 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Learn more about our scholarships

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

A specific education is not required, but students with a background in special education, psychology, and counseling are a good fit for this certificate.

To apply, you must either a) have a master’s degree from an accredited university or the equivalent from a foreign institution, or b) be accepted into and currently pursuing a master’s degree offered by an accredited university.

  1. Phase 1: Apply to the program directly by completing this application (PDF) and sending it to the program coordinator, Laura Chezan.
  2. Phase 2: After review, you will be notified whether or not you are accepted to the program.
  3. Phase 3: If accepted to the program, you will then apply to the university as a non-degree seeking student, unless you are already enrolled in a graduate degree at ODU.
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