ABA Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University
Columbia University’s Teachers College offers a premier Applied Behavior Analysis program that focuses on scientific teaching methods. This 50-year-old program at Columbia’s Graduate School of Education champions evidence-based instructional practices that accelerate educational progress for all children.
The program believes education should serve the needs of students and families first. Students and families get access to livable lifestyles through behavioral sciences in educational settings. The program helps students make measurable improvements in several areas: enjoying learning, academic literacy, problem-solving abilities, and self-management skills.
The program’s scientific educational model sets it apart. Teachers use scientific procedures to match proven practices with each student’s unique learning and language development needs. This personalized approach helps educators work with different learning requirements effectively.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has recognized the program’s excellence. ABAI renewed accreditation for both the PhD in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis and MA in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Applied Behavior Analysis programs for five years in 2025. The board found that both programs meet established standards without serious issues.
The curriculum focuses on speeding up children’s language development. This addresses a core challenge for English language learners, minority children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and children with autism spectrum diagnoses. Recent research has revealed promising new approaches to tackle these challenges.
The Teaching as Applied Behavior Analysis Program prepares graduates to become dually certified in general and special education from birth to Grade 6 in New York State. Students can ask for certification in other states based on specific requirements and interstate reciprocal agreements. The program also prepares graduates for the New York State ABA licensure exam.
The program’s materials match National Common Core and New York State Curricular Guidelines, along with English Excellence in Education Standards. These standards create functional repertoires in four main areas: academic literacy, self-management, problem-solving, and developing an enlarged community of interests.
Public schools and graduate programs actively seek the program’s graduates. Their expertise in providing effective instruction for all students, especially those from diverse populations needing specialized approaches, makes them valuable educators.
Teachers learn to measure and display their students’ responses to instruction graphically. This informed approach allows them to create truly personalized teaching strategies in classrooms with diverse learning needs.
What ABA programs does Teachers College, Columbia University offer?
Teachers College at Columbia University provides three ABA-focused academic paths that help professionals develop skills in evidence-based behavioral interventions. Each program meets specific career goals while upholding scientific standards.
The Master of Arts in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Applied Behavior Analysis needs 47 credit points. Students who complete this detailed master’s program can earn four credentials: New York State dual certification as a regular and special education teacher (birth to grade 6), New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst status, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, and recognition from the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. Students spend two years completing required internships in model schools and classrooms where they practice teaching as applied behavior analysis. PhD students or graduates who are certified teachers mentor these hands-on experiences. Students receive supervision from qualified BCBAs/LBAs throughout their studies.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis requires 75 credit points. This program focuses on original research that contributes to applied and basic science. Students conduct research throughout their program and complete a dissertation that matches the program’s mission. Research topics include effective classroom practices, language/verbal development interventions, observational learning, and scientific approaches to education systems. The Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board has accredited this doctoral degree through December 31, 2030.
The Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis takes 24 credit points and students can finish it within one calendar year. While applications are closed for the 2026 cycle, this certificate meets coursework requirements for both New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst licensure and Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. Students can start the program in any academic term – Fall, Spring, or Summer. Students must complete 10-15 hours weekly at an approved site during practicum semesters, totaling at least 150 hours over 15 weeks. The curriculum includes ABA I: Concepts and Principles, ABA II: Foundational Concepts, Research Methods, Curricular Operations, Record-Keeping, Working with Families, Professional and Ethical Issues, and a Practicum.
Teachers College prepares students thoroughly for teaching and clinical roles using applied behavior analysis methods.
Accreditation
Teachers College’s Master’s and Doctoral programs in Applied Behavior Analysis have earned full accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. This recognition shows these programs’ steadfast dedication to excellence in behavior analysis training.
The ABAI Accreditation Board plays a vital role by setting and implementing strict standards for behavior analysis educational programs. The board assesses programs through detailed reviews and recognizes those that excel.
The ABAI Accreditation Board renewed accreditation for both programs in 2025 – the PhD in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis and MA in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Applied Behavior Analysis. Both programs met the standards without major issues after a complete evaluation. The programs will remain accredited through December 31, 2030.
Students pursuing ABA credentials gain substantial benefits from this accreditation. ABAI-Accredited Programs have met the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) requirements since January 1, 2022, through Pathway 1 for BCBA® and BCaBA® certification applications. Students from these programs face fewer obstacles when applying for professional certification.
The programs must meet specific requirements during their accreditation period. They need to pay annual fees and follow the board’s policies. The programs must also share their accreditation status and display the board’s master’s-level accreditation seal on their website.
Several key dates mark the accreditation timeline. Programs must submit annual reports and fees by April 1 each year from 2026 to 2030. The deadline for re-accreditation materials, including updated self-studies, fees, and annual reports, is April 1, 2030. A site visit must happen between January 1 and September 30, 2030.
ABAI accreditation confirms the quality of Teachers College’s ABA programs. NYC students looking for quality ABA programs can trust that these programs meet industry standards. Graduates will have the expertise needed to practice applied behavior analysis professionally.
Tuition
The cost of your ABA education at Teachers College comes with several financial elements you should know about. Students pay $2,131 per credit hour. This rate stays the same whether you live in-state or out-of-state, and it applies equally to Master’s and Doctoral students in Applied Behavior Analysis programs.
Your educational investment goes beyond tuition. The College Fee of $528 per term applies to everyone with no exceptions. On top of that, it has health-related expenses. The Columbia Health Fee runs $217 for part-time or $723 for full-time students. Student Health Insurance varies by semester at $2,544 for Fall 2025 and $4,134 for Spring 2026.
To cite an instance, a 9-credit enrollment in Fall 2025 would cost:
- Tuition: $19,179
- Mandatory College Fee: $528
- Health Fee: $723
- Health Insurance: $2,544
- Total: $22,974
The same credit load in Spring 2026 would reach $24,564 because of higher health insurance rates that cover a longer period. A Summer 2026 enrollment with 9 credits would total $19,707, not counting health services for continuing students.
Teachers College’s ABA master’s program stands among the higher-priced options nationwide. A 30-credit program costs about $57,750 in total tuition.
Students should budget for these one-time fees:
- Application fee: $75 (non-refundable)
- Transcript fee: $35 (charged first term)
- Tuition deposit: $300 (non-refundable but applies to tuition)
Qualified students can access various financial aid options. Graduate students should submit aid applications by January 15, while doctoral students need to apply by December 15. Your FAFSA submission helps determine eligibility for federal student loans, work-study opportunities, and the TEACH grant. Teachers College distributes more than $9 million in scholarships each year to new and returning students.
A complete financial plan should account for direct expenses that appear on your Teachers College bill and indirect costs like books, living expenses, and transportation.
Admissions
You need to know the specific application requirements and deadlines to get into ABA programs at Teachers College. The college has several different pathways with their own admission criteria.
The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Dual Certification program accepts students only for fall entry. Students must complete 47 credits. The program has a priority deadline of January 15, and a final deadline of July 1. This schedule lets admission committees review applications completely before the academic year starts.
The Doctor of Philosophy program lets students start in summer or fall. Both terms need 75 credits for completion. Students should apply by the priority deadline of December 1. The final deadlines are June 1 for summer entry and July 1 for fall enrollment. Doctoral candidates must have a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from a CABAS-affiliated university.
The Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program won’t accept applications for the 2026 cycle. This certificate usually needs applicants to have a Master’s degree in related fields like education or psychology.
Every ABA program at Teachers College needs these application materials:
- Online degree application with statement of purpose and resume
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate coursework
- Two letters of recommendation
- $75 non-refundable application fee
Doctoral applicants need to submit an academic writing sample too. Students whose native language isn’t English must show results from an accepted English proficiency exam.
The college reviews applications as they come in, based on space availability. These programs often fill up before the deadlines, so applying early gives you better chances.
What sets Teachers College apart?
Teachers College at Columbia University stands out in the ABA field because of its scientific methodology and several key advantages.
The program offers exceptional value through its dual certification model. Students earn both regular and special education teaching credentials along with behavior analyst qualifications. This complete preparation creates versatile professionals who can address diverse educational needs across settings. Most single-focus programs don’t match this integrated approach that opens multiple professional paths.
The program’s excellence stems from its faculty expertise. Students work among leading researchers who advance behavioral science applications in educational contexts. Through close mentorship, you learn from 20-year old professionals who actively shape the field’s future.
The CABAS® (Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling) foundation adds another unique strength. This teaching system uses precision teaching methods and continuous measurement. Your educational decisions will be informed rather than intuition-based. You’ll become skilled at designing individually-tailored interventions backed by evidence.
Research at Teachers College goes beyond traditional boundaries. The program focuses on effective classroom practices, language development interventions, observational learning, and systems-wide educational approaches. These experiences prepare you to lead educational breakthroughs.
NYC’s location provides exceptional practicum opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll gain experience in urban educational settings with diverse populations and varying needs – a great way to get ready for professional challenges.
The program tackles fundamental challenges through its focus on accelerating language development. This helps English language learners, minority children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and children with autism spectrum diagnoses. Recent research has revealed exciting new approaches in this specialized area.
Ethical practice pervades every aspect of training. Beyond technical skills, you’ll develop professional judgment that arranges with field standards and cultural sensitivity needed to work effectively.
Teachers College’s scientific rigor, multiple credentials, research emphasis, and urban setting create an educational experience that reshapes both practitioners and the field itself. This makes it an ideal choice to learn about aba training for teachers within aba programs nyc.
Next steps
Want to start your education in ABA Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University? Here’s what you need to know about the application process.
You must submit all applications through the online portal. The non-refundable application fee is $75.00. You can only submit one active application during each admissions cycle.
Students must track their experience hours after admission. This documentation plays a vital role in earning professional credentials. You should understand both Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) requirements, especially about supervised experience.
Make sure to check the official requirements before completing your program at:
- New York State LBA: https://www.op.nysed.gov/licensed-behavior-analysts
- BCBA: https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
Teachers College provides various financial aid options to help fund your degree. The college gives over $9 million in scholarships to students each year.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive an eight-digit TC ID number. Use this number when you submit materials or ask about your application status.
Teachers College provides scientifically-based education that will help you make a difference in educational settings. Take this important step to advance your career in applied behavior analysis when you’re ready.