Applied Behavior Analysis is a science-based approach to understanding behavior and how it can be influenced, making it an essential career field for those interested in creating a positive and impactful change. With the increased demand in ABA professionals, pursuing an ABA degree in New Jersey offers an array of opportunities for aspiring behavior analysts. This blog dives into the significance of understanding ABA and its importance, a list of the top colleges and universities that offer applied behavior analysis degree programs in NJ, and the diverse career opportunities. Whether you’re considering a career in therapy, healthcare, or education, it’s important to fully understand the pivotal role of applied behavior analysis.
Understanding ABA and its Importance
Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific method approach to understanding and modifying certain behaviors. This approach is focused on analyzing and improving behavior through principles of reinforcement and structured learning. This evidence-based methodology is widely applied to help individuals build skills in communication, self-care, academics, and social behavior. Having a career in the ABA field is extremely fulfilling but also versatile, with ABA professionals working in schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practices to support clients with diverse needs.
Overview of Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Programs in NJ
A few colleges and universities in New Jersey offer accredited Applied Behavior Analysis degree programs, from certificate programs to doctoral studies. Whether you’re interested in becoming an RBT, BCaBA, or BCBA, New Jersey’s range of educational institutes provide-high quality training to prepare students to successfully enter the ABA field. Below is a list of accredited Applied Behavior Analysis degree programs in NJ:
- Caldwell University
- Caldwell University offers numerous pathways for those interested in pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis. The university’s ABA department offers a master’s degree, a combined B.S. in psych/M.A. in ABA, a post-baccalaureate certificate in business administration for behavior analysts, a post-master in ABA, and a Ph.D. degree program. Caldwell University’s ABA programs are designed to fulfill the growing demand for ABA professionals with expertise in the areas of developmental services and special education.
- Felician University
- Felician University offers multiple different degrees in the ABA field. The University offers an undergraduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies, and graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies. The university’s behavior and autism studies program aim to prepare students to provide high quality behavior analytic services to a diverse population.
- Georgian Court University
- Georgian Court University located in Lakewood, NJ offers a graduate ABA degree program. Students who complete this program will earn both a Master’s Degree and a Certificate in ABA. The Master’s in ABA offered at GCU offers three tracks of study tailored to the student’s career goals: generalist, school specialist, and autism specialist. The school’s course sequence is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) which allows graduates of this program to be eligible to take the BCBA exam.
- Kean University
- Kean University offers two programs that specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis. They offer a Master of Arts in Special Education option and a Post-Master’s Certificate option. The master’s program is designed for those that are not certified teachers and would like to pursue becoming a BCBA. The certificate program is designed for students that already hold a master’s degree and would like to pursue becoming a BCBA. Kean University’s graduate program provides students with both the master’s degree and coursework required to sit for the BCBA exam.
- Monmouth University
- Monmouth University offers a 39-credit online degree program that combines the core M.S.Ed. Autism track curriculum with seven courses from their Applied Behavior Analysis certificate. This program is a bachelor’s and master’s degree program. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam.
- Rider University
- Rider University has two ABA programs: a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis and a ABA certificate program. The certificate program is intended for undergraduate Rider students that are majoring in either psychology, elementary education, and psychology double majors that minor in special education. Some of the master’s program coursework has been verified by ABAI. Although some of the coursework is verified, applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they are deemed eligible to take the BCaBA or BCBA examination.
- Rowan University
- Rowan University offers an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and three different certificates. The certificate programs offered include a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in ABA, a Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) in Research and Leadership in ABA, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S) in ABA. The master’s program prepares students with the necessary coursework for certification as a BCBA.
- Rutgers University
- Rutgers University has two programs to offer those interested in Applied Behavior Analysis: a certificate in ABA and a master of applied behavior analysis (MABA). The certificate program requires 21 credits to be completed whereas the master’s program is 42 credits. Both ABA programs are designed to prepare students for becoming exceptional behavior analysts that provide only high-quality care by using state-of-the-art evidence-based practices.
- Seton Hall University
- Seton Hall University also offers two different programs in Applied Behavior Analysis. The university offers a certificate program and a Master of Arts program. Both of these programs prepare students to work with individuals that have developmental or behavior disorders and other disabilities in various settings.
Career Opportunities for ABA Graduates
There are a variety of career opportunities for students that graduate with a specialized ABA degree or certificate. With the multiple options of career paths to choose from in applied behavior analysis, those pursuing this field could be a BCaBA, BCBA, RBT, BCBA Supervisor, ABA Paraprofessional, Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), and a Clinical Social Worker. However, to hold a majority of these credentials, the individual must be certified or licensed. You can find ABA professionals mostly in education institutions, clinical settings, private practices, and home-based services.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering becoming an ABA professional, it’s crucial to fully grasp what applied behavior analysis is. New Jersey offers a variety of comprehensive training and preparation for aspiring ABA professionals through some of the state’s top colleges and universities. Those that pursue education through these programs gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge in order to be successful. If you’re looking for an ABA job in New Jersey, check out our current open jobs or send us you resume!