ABA Programs at California State University, Los Angeles

Cal State LA is pioneering behavior analysis education in Southern California. The university offers multiple paths for students interested in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Two strategic campuses—one in University Hills and another in downtown Los Angeles—make education available to over 27,000 students with support from more than 1,700 faculty members.

The university has earned national recognition by knowing how to promote social mobility. Cal State LA ranks number one nationwide for upward mobility of its students. This shows how well it helps graduates advance economically. Students benefit from specialized behavior analysis programs that blend practical skills with academic excellence.

The Psychology Department runs a certificate program with six specialized courses in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program (pending University approval) will conclude with an official ABA certificate on your transcript after graduation. The curriculum prepares you for jobs at agencies throughout California and across the United States. Many students use this program as a stepping stone to graduate-level ABA education.

PSY 4850 stands out as a valuable field experience course in the Psychology Department. Students can complete their practical work at partner agencies in Southern California or join research projects with ABA faculty members. This hands-on experience connects classroom learning with ground application to prepare students for professional practice.

The Division of Special Education and Counseling offers a different path through its postbaccalaureate credit certificate program. School psychologists, counselors, resource specialists, program specialists, and administrators can develop specialized behavior analysis skills. The program prepares Behavior Intervention Case Managers and gives you expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating applied behavior analysis programs in four key areas:

• Behavior management
• Motivation
• Teaching
• Consultation

Students can also prepare for the National Certification Exam in Behavior Analysis to enhance their professional credentials.

The College of Education’s Division of Special Education and Counseling houses a master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program admits approximately 24-30 students annually. Experienced faculty members Dr. Michele Wallace and Dr. Jennifer Weyman guide students through a detailed curriculum.

Students in the master’s program learn both theory and practice of behavior analysis principles. The program targets careers working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various settings. Students can also prepare for doctoral studies in behavior analysis. The curriculum meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) content requirements to help students achieve BCBA certification.

Students should know that the certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis requires current enrollment in a master’s program or prior completion of a master’s degree. Related fields include Psychology, Counseling, School Psychology, Teacher Education, Educational Administration, or Special Education.

Cal State LA proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institution. These federal designations show the university’s commitment to inclusive learning environments.

Applied Behavior Analysis at Cal State LA focuses on learning principles that address socially important issues. The systematic, performance-based, and self-evaluative methodology helps assess and change behaviors that matter. Graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they can use professionally.

Los Angeles offers unique advantages to students. They can access various clinical and research opportunities throughout one of America’s largest metropolitan areas. Working professionals can attend certain programs at the downtown campus while balancing their work and studies.

What ABA programs does California State University offer?

Cal State LA has several Applied Behavior Analysis programs spread across different departments. Students at any stage of their education or career can find suitable options – from certificates to graduate degrees. These programs give complete training in behavior analytic principles and practices.

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program serves as the life-blood of the College of Education’s Department of Special Education and Counseling. This 56-unit program teaches students behavior analysis principles within a counseling framework. Students learn to blend counseling skills with behavior analytic concepts. The Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board has accredited the well-laid-out curriculum. The program features a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) that meets national certification standards.

Classes take place in person on Mondays and Wednesdays. The program takes 24 students each year and follows a cohort model. The core team includes Dr. Michele Wallace (Program Coordinator), Dr. Denice Rios Mojica, and Dr. Jennifer Weyman. They provide thorough instruction in behavior analytic methods.

You need a bachelor’s degree and must meet university graduate admission standards to apply. The program suggests getting experience as a Registered Behavior Technician or Behavior Technician first.

The program’s fieldwork requirements make it unique. Students complete three semesters of fieldwork and clock 750 supervised hours. They receive supervision from both faculty members and on-site supervisors at behavioral clinics, agencies, or schools. Faculty provide four hours of group supervision while workplace supervisors give four hours of individual supervision.

Cal State LA also offers a Master of Science in Counseling with an Applied Behavior Analysis option. This 52-56 unit program shares features with the standalone MS program – ABAI accreditation, a Verified Course Sequence, and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Like the MS program, it accepts 24 students yearly and prepares graduates to work with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The university’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis targets professionals who already have a master’s degree or are working toward one. This 21-unit program welcomes students with master’s degrees in Psychology, Counseling, School Psychology, Teacher Education, Educational Administration, Special Education, or related fields. School psychologists, counselors, and resource specialists learn specialized skills to design and implement ABA programs in various settings.

The certificate program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA from previous degrees. Students must earn at least a B average in all required courses. The curriculum has six core courses:

• COUN 5010 – Experimental Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis
• COUN 5012 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis
• COUN 5014 – Conceptual Analysis of Behavior
• COUN 5016 – Applied Behavior Analysis
• COUN 5018 – Behavioral Assessment and Interventions
• COUN 5910 – Research Methods in Single Subject Design

The university’s Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings is a 21-unit post-baccalaureate program for current practitioners. It follows a Verified Course Sequence that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s content requirements. Students need extra supervision hours to qualify for BCBA certification. About 30 students join this program each year.

The Division of Special Education and Counseling runs a postbaccalaureate credit certificate program. Students learn to become Behavior Intervention Case Managers. The curriculum teaches them to design, implement, and review applied behavior analysis programs in behavior management, motivation, teaching, and consultation. Students also prepare for the National Certification Exam in Behavior Analysis.

The Psychology Department has created an ABA Certificate Program (pending University approval). Students earn their certificate after completing six specific courses. The program covers Groups 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of required coursework. Graduates can work at many agencies throughout California and beyond. PSY 4850 lets students gain experience at Southern California partner agencies or through research with ABA faculty.

The university’s Master of Arts in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders requires fieldwork with students who have autism. Courses include Seminar in Advanced Study in Human Development, Analysis and Application of Verbal Behavior, and Advanced Strategies to Support Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students complete a thesis, final project, or comprehensive exam.

These programs make Cal State LA a leading provider of ABA education in Southern California. Each option shows the university’s steadfast dedication to training qualified behavior analysts who can tackle important behavioral challenges in settings of all types.

Accreditation

Cal State LA’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs build their credibility on strong accreditation credentials. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board has recognized the university’s MS in Counseling with its Applied Behavior Analysis option. This recognition shows the program meets high educational standards in behavior analysis.

The program will stay accredited through December 31, 2025 [link_1], with an extension during the board’s ongoing review. The ABAI Accreditation Board made this decision in 2023 after a full evaluation that extended accreditation for three years. Their assessment found laudable aspects and areas that needed work, showing the program’s steadfast dedication to getting better.

Cal State LA also holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university earned WSCUC accreditation in 1953 and got it reaffirmed in 2019. This recognition proves Cal State LA meets broader educational standards as a public, multi-institution system that gives out federal financial aid.

The ABA program’s accreditation experience shows its growth over time. The ABAI Accreditation Board sent a letter in 2023 that granted re-accreditation but pointed out several areas needing attention. They emphasized two improvements needed by fall 2024:

• Faculty resources – They need to hire a third, full-time core faculty member to help and mentor students better
• Thesis/Equivalent requirements – They must show better proposal and committee processes for thesis/equivalent projects

These points show how much the accreditation body cares about having enough faculty for students and keeping high academic standards. They want a progress report by that proves these improvements happened. This keeps the program accountable between formal reviews.

The board also suggested other areas to work on. These included more research and training opportunities, better course content with advanced concepts and primary literature, and ways to help students do better on certification exams. These ideas match the program’s goal of preparing qualified behavior analysts who can tackle society’s biggest challenges.

ABAI Accreditation Board has created clear steps for accreditation that are the foundations of behavior analysis education programs. Programs must prove eligibility, meet standards, host site visits, and go through accreditation decisions. This process makes sure programs stay relevant and maintain quality.

Students get real benefits from an accredited program. The curriculum meets professional standards, and at Cal State LA, students can take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam within 2.5 years of starting their studies [54, 55].

The program also takes ethics seriously. Cal State LA follows legal and ethical guidelines along with professional standards from both BACB and ABAI. Students learn not just the technical side of behavior analysis but also how to use it ethically.

The university’s Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings has earned recognition as a Verified Course Sequence. This means the behavior-analytic courses meet BACB content requirements, though students need extra supervision to qualify for BCBA certification.

The Psychology Department has proposed an ABA Certificate Program that awaits university approval. Once approved, students who pass six ABA courses will get a certificate on their final transcript.

Cal State LA must meet several requirements to keep its accreditation. They pay annual fees, submit reports, share their accreditation status publicly, and display the Board’s masters-level seal on program websites. They also need to link to student outcome reports on the accreditation board’s website.

These thorough accreditation processes show Cal State LA’s commitment to running high-quality ABA programs that prepare graduates for successful careers in this growing field.

Tuition

Planning your finances carefully is essential if you want to pursue ABA education at California State University, Los Angeles. You need to understand how tuition works to make smart choices about this educational investment.

Cal State LA uses different tuition rates based on where you live. The school charges different amounts to state residents and non-residents, including international students. Your total costs will depend largely on your residency status.

California residents taking graduate courses pay base tuition and required fees of $4,123.12 each semester when enrolled in 6.1 to 12+ units. This adds up to $8,246.24 for a full academic year. Students can expect to pay around $24,738.72 over three years.

Students from outside California pay more. They must pay the base fee of $4,123.12 per semester plus $396.00 for each unit. A typical 12-unit semester costs these students an extra $4,752.00, bringing their total to $8,875.12. This means non-resident students taking 12 units pay about $17,750.24 for a full academic year.

The cost breakdown might look complicated at first, but this table shows what graduate students pay:

*Based on maintaining non-resident status throughout

Non-resident students can apply for California residency after their first year, which could lower their costs. This would bring the three-year program cost to about $34,242.72 instead of the higher amount shown above. International students with F or J visas cannot apply for resident status whatever their time in California.

Students typically have other expenses beyond these basic costs throughout the academic year. The Cost of Attendance includes these extras, but most students don’t actually spend the maximum amount.

Graduate students can expect these total costs for a full academic year:

These numbers include tuition, required fees, and estimated living costs.

Part-time students or those in different program formats might pay different amounts. Some sources indicate the ABA program at Cal State LA costs about $8,000 yearly, which matches the official figures for resident students.

ABA programs across California charge between $368.00 to $1,945.00 per unit. Cal State LA offers better value within this range, especially for California residents.

Your total educational costs depend on:

1. Residency status (California resident vs. non-resident)
2. Program duration and unit load
3. Living arrangements (commuter, on-campus, or off-campus)
4. Potential changes in residency status during your program

Note that tuition and fees might change without notice. You should contact the university’s Student Financial Services department to get the latest detailed information about program costs.

Admissions

The ABA Programs in California State University, Los Angeles have a well-laid-out application timeline. Each program has its own requirements. Students must first get into Cal State LA before they can apply to these specific programs.

The Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program accepts applications once a year for fall admission. Students need to submit their applications by January 15th. Each year, about 24 students join the program as a group. Applying early gives you better chances of getting accepted.

Several factors determine your acceptance into the program. You need a bachelor’s degree and must meet the university’s graduate admission criteria. The program suggests working as a Registered Behavior Technician or Behavior Technician before you apply. This practical experience shows your dedication to the field and makes your application stronger.

Your GPA plays a crucial role in all ABA programs. The master’s program needs a minimum 2.75 GPA from your last 60 semester units. Qualified candidates must take extra tests from the Division and sit for required interviews with the screening committee.

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis has specific requirements:

• You must have a master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, School Psychology, Teacher Education, Educational Administration, Special Education, or related fields (or be studying for one)
• Your master’s or bachelor’s degree must have a minimum 3.0 GPA

Students who get accepted receive both a faculty advisor and join a study group. This setup gives you personal guidance and creates a shared learning environment.

Current Cal State LA students have a different application path. Students already in a graduate program should talk to the department office before applying to certificate programs. The university has a special application process for current students who want more certifications.

New graduate students should get early advice. You can take up to 9 units of prerequisite and open courses before getting official acceptance. This early start helps speed up your education once you’re formally in the program.

The Psychology Department’s ABA Certificate Program (waiting for University approval) needs students to complete six specific Applied Behavior Analysis courses. This certificate shows up on your final transcript and proves your specialized training.

Programs start in fall semester each year. The Division office can tell you the exact deadlines, which change yearly. Some spots might be open for late applications, but there’s no guarantee.

ABA masters programs in California are competitive. Cal State LA looks at both grades and hands-on experience. This ensures students can handle the program’s demands. The ABA cert options give focused alternatives that fit your current education level.

Students learn in a structured way. You take classes in order with your assigned group. This creates a steady learning community throughout your time in the program.

What sets Cal State LA apart?

Cal State LA stands out among ABA masters programs in California with several distinctive qualities that make it an excellent choice for students pursuing behavior analysis education.

The university ranks first nationwide for student upward mobility. This achievement shows how graduates advance economically after completing their degree. Future behavior analysts will find this a clear sign of the program’s ability to launch successful careers.

Cal State LA’s status as a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institution creates a welcoming environment that mirrors California’s population diversity. Students gain valuable experience working with diverse client groups, which proves essential throughout their careers.

The university takes a unique educational approach by blending counseling principles with ABA methods. Students in the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis learn behavior analysis concepts within a counseling framework. They develop a broader skill set than graduates from programs that focus solely on behavioral techniques.

Students receive strong support at Cal State LA. Each student joins a cohort group and works with a dedicated faculty advisor. This mentorship helps them understand complex topics while developing their professional identity under expert guidance.

The practical training at Cal State LA gives students extensive hands-on experience. Students complete 750 supervised hours across three semesters. They receive guidance from both faculty members and on-site supervisors, including 4 hours of group supervision and 4 hours of individual site supervision.

The program maintains small class sizes with about 24 students per cohort in a fully in-person format. Classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays, which works well for professionals. Students build lasting professional networks through this cohort model.

Expert faculty members lead the program. Dr. Michele Wallace serves as Program Coordinator, working with Dr. Denice Rios Mojica and Dr. Jennifer Weyman. These specialists focus exclusively on behavior analysis rather than splitting their expertise across multiple fields.

The program prepares students for national certification and doctoral studies in behavior analysis. Graduates move smoothly into professional practice thanks to this focused preparation.

Los Angeles provides an ideal location for students. Cal State LA graduates find countless opportunities right outside their door in this bustling metropolis. The city location gives access to diverse fieldwork sites, jobs, and professional connections that smaller areas cannot match.

The curriculum balances theory and real-world application effectively. Students master both theoretical concepts and applied behavioral science, which equips them with knowledge and practical skills in behavior change strategies.

Next steps

Are you ready to pursue ABA Programs in California State University, Los Angeles? The application process starts with understanding the timeline and required steps.

The Fall admission applications open on October 1. After applying through Cal State Apply, you should submit all required documents (transcripts, test scores) within 2-3 weeks of your application. Quick submission will give your materials proper review.

Meeting deadlines is vital to success. The university has priority and final deadlines. Your application gets preferential review if you meet the priority deadline and submit supporting documents quickly. Applications after final deadlines are reviewed only if spaces remain.

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program accepts applications until January 15. Experience as a Registered Behavior Technician will strengthen your application before you apply.

After acceptance, your program follows this timeline each semester:

First Year, Fall Semester:

• Secure your fieldwork site for Spring with a BCBA approved for supervision
• Complete the Fieldwork Application by the posted deadline
• Create your BACB portal
• Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss culminating experience options

First Year, Spring Semester:

• If pursuing a thesis, meet with potential ABA faculty to secure a thesis chair
• Complete Advancement to Candidacy
• Secure your fieldwork site for Fall

Second Year:

• Apply for graduation in Fall
• Arrange for comprehensive exam or defend your thesis in Spring
• Submit your final verification form and required documentation

You must complete three semesters of Fieldwork and accumulate 750 supervised hours during your studies. Fall classes begin in August.

The department can answer questions about ABA masters programs in California. Contact them directly to learn the current application procedures for your desired ABA cert pathwa