National University ABA Programs
National University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis program helps you make a difference if you have a passion to help people with autism spectrum and neurodiverse conditions. The program connects applied behavior analysis between school settings and communities. You’ll learn to apply behavioral principles in real-world situations.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically proven approach that modifies behaviors to boost various skills. ABA helps build or improve vital abilities at the time it succeeds. These abilities include social interaction, employment readiness, communication, academic achievement, and self-care skills. This approach works great if you have autism spectrum disorder, and it extends to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The program has a six-course sequence the Behavior Analyst Certification Board has verified, plus four more courses that line up with research and practical applications. This detailed structure gives you all academic requirements you just need for the BCBA examination. You must complete 45 quarter units of graduate work. National University’s academic year splits into four 12-week quarters with three 4-week classes each.
The job market actively seeks Board Certified Behavior Analysts. From 2022 to 2023 alone, demand rose by 14 percent according to a recent report from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. These growing opportunities mean promising careers—graduates who complete their BCBA certification can expect entry-level salaries around $51,000, while experienced BCBAs earn about $75,784.
National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit institution 52 years old, has spent over five decades making quality education available to working adults. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits the university, which confirms its high educational standards.
The program gives you more than just certification prep. You’ll gain specialized skills to develop functional behavioral assessments, create behavior intervention plans, and understand special education law’s behavioral implications. You’ll work together with school personnel and guide school culture while making real differences in students’ lives.
What ABA programs does National University offer?
National University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis program takes 18 months to finish. Students pay $464 per credit for the 45 quarter units.
You’ll follow a well-laid-out sequence of 10 courses. Eight of these courses are verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The coursework aligns with BACB Fifth Edition Task List requirements and helps you prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
The program’s core courses cover these key topics:
- Philosophical underpinnings of ABA
- Concepts and principles of behavioral analysis
- Measurement and design
- Functional behavior assessment
- Behavioral change procedures
- Ethics and compliance code
- Supervision and management
The program ends with a capstone project where you put your knowledge into practice.
Getting certified requires more steps after finishing your coursework. You’ll need supervised fieldwork experience, completed applications, passed examinations, and background checks. You must also score a ‘C’ or better in all required courses to qualify for the BCBA exam.
This program gives you valuable skills to develop intervention plans, conduct behavioral research, analyze data, and apply ABA theories in real-life situations. Your education prepares you for careers in schools, mental health agencies, hospitals, and community settings.
Accreditation
Your ABA master’s degree value depends on proper institutional accreditation. Since 1977, National University has managed to keep its accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This regional accreditation stands as the most prestigious institutional validation—the same type that Ivy League schools hold.
Regional accreditation serves as a quality guarantee that ensures schools meet specific standards. WSCUC’s evaluation process includes detailed assessments like eligibility reviews, financial audits, faculty evaluations and site visits. The certification doesn’t stop there – WSCUC requires full reaccreditation reviews regularly to verify quality and compliance.
National University’s MS in Applied Behavior Analysis meets all educational requirements set by the State of California. The program also satisfies the educational coursework needed for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Students who graduate need to complete supervised fieldwork hours, pass the certification exam, and meet other BCBA requirements to get certified.
Students must earn a ‘C’ or better in all required courses to qualify for credentials. Any grade of C- or lower means the course must be repeated to meet Verified Course Sequence requirements and qualify for the BCBA exam.
National University reached another milestone when it earned Planetree Silver Recognition in 2017 for its work in person-centered care. It became the first academic institution worldwide to receive this honor.
Tuition
Smart financial planning helps you invest in your education. The National University ABA masters program costs $464 per quarter credit. You’ll need 45 quarter credits to graduate, which brings your total tuition to about $21,080.
National University’s pricing beats many other ABA masters programs across the country. Some schools charge $45,000 and others go as high as $100,157 for the same degree.
The graduate tuition rates at National University changed to $442 per quarter unit in March 2022. Your actual costs might vary based on your enrollment date.
Your total investment includes more than just tuition. You’ll need to budget for books, course materials, and a one-time $450 learning management fee. These extra costs are standard for graduate programs.
Getting financial help is easy. National University wants to keep higher education within reach through its scholarship programs. Many students can get financial aid to lower their program costs. This means you can start your classes earlier and finish faster while staying focused on your career goals.
The investment makes sense when you look at the bigger picture. Most master’s degree programs cost between $44,640 and $71,140. This makes National University’s ABA program a smart choice for getting your BCBA certification.
Admissions
The National University ABA masters program welcomes working professionals who want to advance their careers with a simple application process.
You can start classes as early as next month since the admissions team reviews applications year-round. Your program choice and location will determine the exact start date. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.
Your application must demonstrate:
- An overall GPA of 2.5 or better, or 2.75 or higher in your last 90 quarter units
- A written statement outlining your academic and professional goals
- At least two professional letters of recommendation addressing faculty-specified topics
Students with GPAs between 2.0-2.49 can still qualify through good scores on the GRE, GMAT, or Miller Analogies Test. These tests aren’t needed if your GPA is above 2.5. Another option lets you enter on probationary status by completing 4.5-13.5 quarter units of graduate study with a 3.0 GPA.
Once accepted, your enrollment advisor will help create educational plans and connect you with financial, academic, and career support resources. The advisors are ready to help with any questions about the process.
What sets National University apart?
National University, now 52 years old, has earned its reputation by making education available to working adults. Students in the ABA masters program benefit from several unique advantages due to this foundation.
The program lets you start any month of the year with flexible enrollment. You can complete your degree in just 18 months and move through courses while you balance your work life.
The university’s support system goes beyond basic scheduling. Students get free tutoring, 24/7 help, and a mentor network that provides career guidance. The university shows its steadfast dedication to service members and their families through special resources.
Specialized coursework in autism and strong clinical training make this curriculum stand out. Students work on a final project instead of taking entrance exams. After graduation, National University helps place students in internships where they can complete their BCBA exam fieldwork hours.
Yes, it is the university’s mission to provide quality education that working adults can achieve. Students learn through flexible four-week courses and online options in a supportive environment built for adult learners.
Next steps
Are you ready to become a certified BCBA? The future looks bright—the need for BCBA certification has increased by 14% from 2022 to 2023. National University’s applied behavior analysis program graduates can start at $51,000, while experienced BCBAs make about $75,784.
The process is simple. You can apply to the university anytime throughout the year to begin your education quickly. Just ask for information on the National University website, and an advisor will help guide you through the process. You can also call (855) 355-6288 for quick help.
Your path to certification starts with completing all required coursework successfully. You will then gain supervised fieldwork experience, take the certification exam, and meet your state’s professional requirements.
A BCBA certification creates opportunities in schools, mental health agencies, hospitals, and other facilities that need intensive behavioral training. The financial outlook is promising too—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows related fields earn around $60,080 on average.
Graduates consistently share how their dedication and hard work during the program leads to rewarding outcomes.