Capella University ABA Programs

Capella University has a well-laid-out path to help you become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) through its online applied behavior analysis programs. Strategic Education, Inc. owns Capella and runs it as part of its broader educational services.

The Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation will give a solid stamp of quality to Capella’s faculty, curriculum, student services, and fiscal stability. This recognition shows that Capella meets high educational standards in all its programs, including behavior analysis.

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program blends advanced psychology coursework with key knowledge areas in behavior analysis. Students learn about:

• Ethical and professional conduct
• Behavior analysis concepts, principles, and research methods
• Applied behavior analysis techniques and implementation
• Assessment and intervention development skills

Students can customize their education through specialized tracks based on their career goals. The Autism Spectrum Disorder specialization teaches students to spot symptoms, explain diagnosis criteria, and review treatment options for ASD. The Behavior Analysis in Education specialization gives you skills for K-12 settings, including student assessment, intervention planning, and teacher training.

Capella’s faculty members bring top credentials and real-world expertise to the classroom. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board helps shape quality curriculum development. These experts know what working adults need while pursuing degrees and stay committed to helping students through expert feedback and guidance.

Students get help from enrollment specialists who customize their program based on specific goals and experiences. Academic coaches and faculty provide ongoing support to keep students on track with program requirements and certification exam preparation.

Note that while Capella’s programs meet BCBA certification requirements, state regulations for professional licensure differ. The university can’t guarantee licensure or certification, and some states don’t offer all programs due to regulations. Students must check and follow their state’s specific requirements.

What ABA programs does Capella University offer?

Capella University helps students build careers in applied behavior analysis. Their complete program selection ranges from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Each program helps students achieve their career goals in behavior analysis.

The PhD in Behavior Analysis takes your existing BCBA certification to the next level and prepares you for leadership roles in academic, research, or clinical settings. You need 93 total credits to complete this doctoral program, which includes eleven core courses, three elective courses, and dissertation work. Students who finish the program with a behavior-analytic dissertation can apply for the doctoral designation as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D).

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis comes with three unique specializations:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder – This 60-credit program blends essential behavior analysis knowledge with specialized training to work with individuals on the autism spectrum. You will learn to conduct behavioral assessments, create interventions, and supervise other analysts.
• Behavior Analysis in Education – This 60-credit specialization gives you advanced skills to excel in K-12 educational settings and universities. You will learn teaching strategies using behavior analysis and how to implement ABA techniques in educational environments.
• Organizational Behavior Management – This specialization teaches you to use behavior analysis principles in workplace settings to boost performance and productivity.

Students starting their ABA career can choose the Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. This 180-credit program includes general education courses, core psychology courses, electives, specialization courses, and capstone projects. After graduation, you can pursue BCaBA certification under Pathway 2.

Students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can take the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis to become eligible for the BCBA exam. This 40-credit program features eight courses that cover philosophical foundations, advanced concepts, and practical applications of behavior analysis.

Every program’s curriculum matches the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for BCBA or BCaBA certification through the Pathway 2 eligibility route. Students get exam-readiness resources and structured learning activities to build competence and confidence for certification examinations.

Accreditation

Accreditation plays a vital role in determining the quality of BCBA preparation programs. Since 1997, Capella University has had institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This recognition shows that Capella meets and goes beyond the strict quality standards of education.

The HLC stands among 19 institutional accreditors that both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize. This recognition puts Capella in an elite group of schools that can offer federal financial aid programs and ensures your credits will transfer to other accredited institutions.

Looking at different types of accreditation will help you evaluate ABA programs better. Accreditation comes in two main forms:

1. Institutional accreditation – Looks at the university as a whole and confirms its quality
2. Specialized accreditation – Focuses on specific programs, departments or schools

Capella has earned specialized accreditations in a variety of fields including business, counseling, education, nursing, psychology, social work, and information technology. These extra credentials show the university’s dedication to excellence in all its programs.

Students pursuing behavior analysis will find that Capella’s competency-based curriculum meets all behavior-analytic coursework requirements for BCBA or BCaBA certification through the Pathway 2 eligibility route. The program arranges its coursework to prepare you for certification exams, though you’ll need to meet other eligibility requirements too.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board sets the standards for behavior analysis education programs, and effective January 2022, ABAI-accredited programs satisfy the BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 certification. Capella is currently not listed on the ABAI website under their accredited programs list, and does not appear to have any accreditation pending. Be sure to check with your state to see if their programs meet the qualifications for certification.

Students should know that accreditation affects several key areas:

• How employers view and hire graduates
• Membership in professional associations
• Credit transfers to other schools
• Access to financial aid programs

The Higher Learning Commission regularly checks to make sure Capella meets quality standards in all its programs. This oversight ensures your education follows all federal and state rules while maintaining high academic standards. Through this thorough process, Capella shows its dedication to providing education that meets all recognized standards for behavioral analysis training.

Tuition

You need to know the financial investment for your BCBA education before selecting a program. Capella University makes its tuition and fee structure clear for all applied behavior analysis programs.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis costs $525 per credit with the same $160 resource kit fee. The program needs 40 quarter credits, which brings the total to $21,000 without transfer credits. Students usually complete their studies in 18 months.

Both programs use Capella’s GuidedPath learning format on a quarterly system. Students take 1-3 courses during each 10-week quarter. You pay only for the courses you take each quarter, so costs change based on your course load.

The published estimates show base costs. Your actual costs might vary based on:

• Your program specialization
• Number of transfer credits accepted
• Applicable tuition discounts
• Additional expenses beyond tuition

The resource kit gives you technology access, student well-being resources, and course materials. You should also plan for books, supplies, equipment, and possible practicum-related expenses not covered by base tuition.

Capella helps students understand their payment options. The university provides flexible payment plans and scholarship opportunities. Federal financial aid, employer tuition assistance, and military benefits can help cover educational costs.

Capella’s per-credit rate sits in the mid-range compared to other institutions with ABA programs. Online ABA master’s programs typically cost between $420 and $795 per credit. This puts Capella’s $525 rate at a competitive level among similar schools.

An enrollment specialist can guide you through program costs and help you find scholarships and discounts before you enroll. Capella’s Net Price Calculator lets you estimate your financial aid and total costs based on your situation.

Admissions

Capella University’s BCBA programs have specific admission requirements that change based on degree level. The good news is that you won’t need to pay any application fee for these programs.

The Bachelor’s in Psychology with Applied Behavior Analysis specialization needs these documents:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Transcript of any reported GED
• At least 4.5 credits eligible for transfer
• Valid, government-issued photo identification

Students under 24 years old might need their high school transcripts to prove graduation. The university doesn’t ask for SAT and ACT scores for undergraduate admission right now.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis programs share similar core requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency or internationally recognized institution
• Official transcripts with a minimum 2.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Valid, government-issued photo identification

You don’t need GRE or GMAT scores to apply for either program.

International students must meet extra requirements, whatever their citizenship or where they live now. You’ll need to show English proficiency through acceptable test scores. A transcript evaluation service must also verify your previous academic credentials.

The admission process has four main steps. You start by submitting your online application. Then you work out your financing options and check if you need financial aid. The university offers scholarship opportunities you can explore next. New students wrap up by attending orientation to learn about available resources.

The university expects all applicants to be fluent in English – reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Applications move quickly through the system, and you’ll usually get your admission decision within two weeks.

Keep in mind that Capella University can’t accept applications for the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis or Graduate Certificate programs from New York residents who want professional licensure in that state[142]. Students who move to restricted states might face limits on site-based learning, residency requirements, and professional certification eligibility.

Capella’s enrollment specialists can help answer your program questions and guide you based on your career goals.

What sets Capella University apart?

Expert faculty and customized support are the life-blood of Capella University’s BCBA programs. Faculty members hold top credentials and bring hands-on expertise to their fields. Students learn theoretical knowledge and apply it practically.

During your time here, you’ll benefit from Capella’s detailed support system. The university’s enrollment specialists help tailor programs to your specific goals. Academic coaches provide ongoing guidance, while faculty connect with students through expert feedback. The university understands the unique needs of working adults pursuing advanced degrees.

Capella uses a distinctive competency-based learning approach instead of traditional testing methods. Students demonstrate specific skills through assessments. Each course serves as a building block toward career-focused knowledge. This approach helps you develop practical abilities you can use in real-life behavior analysis scenarios.

The curriculum pays special attention to exam preparation. Programs have specialized exam-readiness resources that build confidence for the BCBA examination. These tools combine with structured learning experiences and academic guidance to promote competence in certification preparation.

Students appreciate the flexibility in Capella’s educational philosophy. The online format lets you study according to your schedule while meeting deadlines. You choose your courseload each term based on personal and professional commitments.

The university offers several financial opportunities:

• The Capella Progress Reward scholarship offers $2,500 for eligible master’s students
• Military benefits extend to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families
• Tuition discounts become available for employees of partner organizations

Capella makes shared learning possible despite the online environment. You’ll participate with peers and faculty through virtual discussions and assignments. You’ll share insights with others who understand your professional context. This shared approach enriches learning beyond individual study.

The university’s mutually beneficial alliances with employers like Behavioral Innovations add value. Eligible employees and their family members can access special education benefits through these relationships. These benefits create pathways for professional growth within existing career structures.

Next steps

Starting your BCBA certification experience at Capella University takes just a few simple steps. You can submit all required documents through their website, as the application process happens completely online.

Starting the Application Process

Submit your online application without any fees – Capella lets you apply at no cost. You should start planning your financial aid right after deciding to apply. The degree program application and financial aid application are two different processes that work together.

Capella will give you an admission decision within two weeks of submitting your application. After acceptance, you’ll need to set up your financing and get familiar with the virtual campus. Talking to an enrollment specialist is a great way to get guidance – these professionals help customize programs based on your career goals and situation.

Financial Planning

While working on your application, look into these funding options:

• Check out Capella Progress Rewards scholarships worth up to $2,500 for eligible master’s degree students
• Break down military discounts (10%) for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families
• See if your employer partners with Capella – you might qualify for tuition discounts
• Look into workplace tuition assistance programs through your current employer

Support Throughout Your Experience

Capella makes sure you’re never alone in your online studies. A supportive community is ready to help you from your original application through graduation. Your success team includes faculty members, academic coaches, and advisors who are committed to helping you succeed.

Not quite ready to commit? Try a free week in a class to review if this matches your educational goals. Capella also makes transcript management easier by paying for and submitting your transcript requests and reviewing potential transfer credits.

The university’s complete support system will give you all the resources you need to succeed in your BCBA certification experience, from application to graduation.