ABA Programs from Caldwell University

Caldwell University is a private, accredited Catholic institution located in Caldwell, New Jersey. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks it as a “Best College.” Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in disciplines of all types. The university sits just 22 miles from New York City and about an hour from the Jersey Shore. This prime location has earned it the title of “Best College Town in NJ”.

The Department of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Caldwell University leads in behavior analytic education and research. The department wants to create a diverse faculty and student body that promotes an inclusive and equitable environment. This vision goes beyond education and enables a culture where people celebrate their differences.

Caldwell’s ABA programs have three main goals. They want to create highly skilled scientist-practitioners who can contribute meaningfully to the field. The programs also expand access to behavior analytic services in New Jersey and nearby areas by training more Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Finally, they distribute quality research that advances the field and improves individual and social conditions. These goals match the growing need for ABA professionals who specialize in developmental services and special education.

The university’s Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis makes its ABA programs unique. This specialized center helps people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-Ds) lead the center and teach program courses, making it central to clinical training.

Students get great benefits from this setup. The Center meets all supervision and fieldwork requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Graduate students can practice at the Center while learning to assess and treat children and adolescents with ASD. This hands-on experience is crucial for becoming competent professionals.

The department strongly believes in diversity and inclusion, recognizing cultural humility’s importance in behavior analytic practice. Their mission statement includes people from many backgrounds:

• Age, cultural heritage, ethnicity, gender orientation, and political beliefs
• Race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status
• Varied abilities and veteran status

The department gives equal access to opportunities and resources. They create a safe, respectful, inclusive, and fair environment where everyone can share their opinions freely. Students experience diverse perspectives through coursework and extra learning activities, becoming well-rounded, culturally aware behavior analysts.

Caldwell University acknowledges its location on the traditional and ancestral land of the Lenape People, thanking these original land caretakers.

The program’s excellence shows in its results. In 2022, their BCBA exam had a 100% pass rate for first-time candidates. This perfect score proves the high-quality education students receive.

The university’s “Caldwell Commitment” program shows their dedication to accessibility by helping students based on academic merit and financial needs. Transfer students can bring up to twelve credits of graduate work in psychology, education, or related fields if they completed these credits within five years of joining Caldwell.

ABA continues growing as an in-demand profession, particularly in New Jersey. Caldwell University leads in preparing skilled practitioners who make real differences in the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders and other diagnosed behavioral disorders.

What ABA programs does Caldwell University offer?

Caldwell University has developed a complete range of Applied Behavior Analysis programs. The university became a pioneer in ABA education in New Jersey. Their faculty members have created multiple graduate programs since 2004 and expanded academic offerings to meet the increasing need for qualified behavior analysts.

Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis

The on-campus Ph.D. program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell University received accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). This doctoral program prepares students for high-level employment in areas that need competent professionals with ABA expertise—specifically in developmental services, special education, mental health, and academia.

Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in three key areas:

• Rigorous coursework
• Applied practicum
• Dissertation research

The core curriculum centers around five essential components:

1. Advanced principles and procedures of basic and applied behavior analysis practice and research
2. Application of behavior analysis in complex environments (home, school, work, community, and institutional settings)
3. Supervision and training of others in behavior analysis
4. Conceptual and theoretical foundations of advanced behavior analysis topics
5. Development and completion of independent research

Doctoral candidates must complete Dissertation in ABA courses (ABA 890, 891, and 892) as their capstone requirement. They must design an original experimental research study using ABA principles. This dissertation must follow American Psychological Association format. Both written approval and oral defense to a committee of faculty members and outside professionals are required. The completed dissertation should generate scholarly work of professional publication quality that makes a substantial, innovative contribution to the field.

Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

New Jersey’s first master’s program in ABA started in 2005 and earned ABAI accreditation in 2014. The M.A. in ABA offers a direct path toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA). The program focuses on principles and procedures of behavior analysis practice in various settings.

The program serves three distinct purposes:

1. Producing highly skilled scientist-practitioners
2. Expanding access to behavior analytic services in New Jersey and surrounding areas
3. Conducting and disseminating quality research that advances the field

The program’s success shows in its impressive outcomes—in 2022, first-time candidates achieved a 100% pass rate on the BCBA examination.

Combined Degree and Certificate Options

Caldwell offers several innovative paths for students at different educational stages beyond standard graduate programs:

Combined B.S. in Psychology/M.A. in ABA Program – This accelerated option helps qualified undergraduate psychology majors pursue their master’s degree faster. Students with at least 60 undergraduate credits and a minimum 3.5 GPA can apply to have up to 12 psychology credits “double-counted” toward both degrees. They pay undergraduate tuition for graduate courses taken before completing their bachelor’s degree.

Post-Master ABA Certification – This program helps professionals who already hold a master’s degree gain ABA credentials.

Undergraduate Pathways to ABA – Students interested in behavior analysis have several options:

• Internship in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (preparing students for the Registered Behavior Technician® exam)
• Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis (providing coursework for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® exam)
• Combined Minor in ABA/M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (preparing students for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam)

Non-Degree Program

Caldwell’s first program in ABA started in 2004 as a non-degree program, attracting triple the projected enrollment (33 students). After receiving approval from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for their course sequence, this program continues to help professionals seeking specific ABA coursework without pursuing a complete degree.

Historical Development

Caldwell’s ABA programs show impressive progress over the years. The university started with the non-degree program in 2004 and developed the M.A. program in 2005. Students and community members launched a successful letter-writing campaign that led to the Ph.D. in ABA program’s approval in 2009. The first class had 11 students.

The university built the Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis in 2010 alongside the doctoral program. This 3,000-square-foot facility has six intervention rooms, faculty and graduate student offices, lab space, and a technology-equipped classroom. The center serves two vital purposes: training opportunities for students and intervention services for the community.

Caldwell University has become a leader in behavior analytic education through these diverse program offerings. Their graduates are ready to make meaningful contributions to this growing field.

Accreditation

Caldwell University’s ABA programs’ prestigious accreditation status shows their educational excellence and strict industry standards. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board fully accredits both graduate-level ABA programs. This accreditation is the gold standard for quality education and certification preparation in behavior analysis.

Accreditation Details and Status

Caldwell University’s doctoral and master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis have earned impressive accreditation credentials:

• PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis: Accredited through December 31, 2029
• MA in Applied Behavior Analysis: Accredited through December 31, 2029

The ABAI Accreditation Board renewed full accreditation for both programs in 2024 for five years. Each program showed it met standards without serious issues. The board used detailed criteria to review and approve this renewal.

The MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program got its ABAI accreditation in 2014. This made it one of the first programs to achieve this recognition. The PhD program earned its accreditation in 2020. Both programs managed to keep their accredited status through successful reviews that proved their steadfast dedication to excellence.

Significance of ABAI Accreditation

ABAI accreditation means more than just meeting basic standards. This credential proves Caldwell’s ABA programs passed a detailed review by the field’s main professional organization. The ABAI Accreditation Board works to create and use standards for behavior analysis education programs.

Students in these accredited programs get several key benefits:

1. Quality curriculum that lines up with industry standards
2. Better job prospects
3. Education that meets certification exam requirements
4. Qualified faculty members

ABAI-accredited programs represent the best in behavior analysis education. Caldwell University stands among top institutions offering premier training in this field. Their accreditation explains why Caldwell leads the way for aspiring behavior analysts in New Jersey and beyond.

Accreditation Process and Evaluation

ABAI’s accreditation process reviews many aspects of program quality. The 2024 review of both Caldwell University ABA programs looked at:

• Curriculum content and sequence
• Faculty qualifications and research contributions
• Student outcomes and performance metrics
• Resources and support services available
• Program mission alignment with implementation

The review included outcome data from 2015-2024 for the MA program and 2020-2024 for the PhD program. This long-term assessment ensures consistent quality across student groups rather than temporary improvements.

Program Leadership and Contact Information

Experienced leaders run these accredited programs and ensure ABAI standards compliance. Dr. Sharon A. Reeve directs the MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program, while Dr. Ken Reeve leads the PhD program. They handle accreditation matters and oversee quality standards.

The Center for Autism and Accreditation

The Caldwell University Center for Autism plays a key role in the university’s accreditation success. Students get valuable clinical training here, and the facility strengthens the university’s accreditation profile by putting theoretical knowledge into practice.

Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts who teach in the programs lead the center. This setup reinforces the university’s excellence that supports its accreditation status. The blend of clinical practice and academic teaching shows the comprehensive approach that earned Caldwell its distinguished standing.

Caldwell University’s steadfast dedication to high educational standards has made its ABA programs among the most respected and thoroughly accredited options for behavior analysis education in the northeastern United States.

Tuition

The financial investment for ABA programs at Caldwell University gives prospective students vital information to plan their educational trip. Let’s break down the tuition and related expenses for students who want to think over an ABA degree at this institution.

Caldwell University prices all Applied Behavior Analysis and Counseling programs at $1,123 per credit. This rate covers both master’s and doctoral level ABA programs. ABA programs rank among the higher-priced graduate offerings at the university because of their specialized curriculum and faculty expertise.

The ABA program tuition matches other graduate programs at Caldwell for the same academic year:

• MS in Nursing: $564 per credit
• MA in Higher Education: $761 per credit
• MBA & MS in Accounting: $761 per credit
• MA and Certificates in Education: $812 per credit
• EdD/PhD in Educational Leadership: $1,118 per credit

Graduate students need to account for required fees. A complete fee of $329 per semester applies during Fall and Spring terms. This fee covers academic support, parking and security, library services, student activities, cultural events, wellness center, and fitness center activities.

Students also pay a technology fee of $175 per semester during Fall and Spring terms. This money supports the university’s strong IT setup, wireless network, classroom and lab equipment, and technical support services.

A typical ABA graduate student taking 9 credits per semester would pay:

• Tuition: $10,107 ($1,123 × 9 credits)
• Complete Fee: $329
• Technology Fee: $175
• Total per semester: $10,611

Caldwell University helps students manage these costs through various financial aid options. While tuition has increased from $995 per credit in 2018-2019, the university helps about 93% of full-time students get financial aid packages averaging $22,086.

ABA program students might qualify for these financial aid options:

• Alumni Remission Scholarship
• ABA Master’s Scholarship
• Graduate assistantships (paying 80% of M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis tuition for 15 hours of weekly work)
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate Plus loans (requiring FAFSA application with code 002598)

Some ABA students qualify for special funding like the Federal TEACH Grant (up to $4,000 for post-bachelor’s study) or the EOF Graduate Grant for New Jersey residents (up to $1,475 per term).

Caldwell University’s online Applied Behavior Analysis master’s programs cost moderately nationwide. Most ABAI-accredited programs charge between $430 and $570 per credit. Private institutions like Caldwell usually have higher rates.

New ABA graduate students should plan for extra costs beyond tuition and fees. These costs include textbooks, course materials, professional memberships, certification exam fees, and possible travel for practicum experiences. Students needing housing should budget around $12,200 yearly for living expenses.

Caldwell University accepts up to twelve credits of graduate work in psychology, education, or related fields. These credits must be from the past five years of Caldwell registration, which could lower the total program cost.

The university’s Board of Trustees can adjust tuition and fees anytime, though this rarely happens. Students in the Combined B.A./M.A. ABA program pay the standard undergraduate rate of $19,910 per semester (12-18 credits) during their undergraduate years.

Admissions

Getting into Caldwell University’s ABA programs takes some careful planning. Each program has its own set of requirements and deadlines you’ll need to follow.

The ABA programs share common application deadlines throughout the year. Students can apply by April 1 for summer classes, June 1 for fall semester, and December 1 for spring enrollment. Ph.D. applicants have just one shot each year – applications must reach by December 1 for fall admission. Starting your application early makes sense. Late applications might still work, but you could face delayed acceptance based on class space.

Your journey begins with the online application. A graduate admissions counselor will reach out to help you with next steps. You’ll need your official transcripts from every college you’ve attended sent straight to Caldwell’s Office of Graduate Admissions. The university accepts electronic transcripts when they come directly from your school or trusted services like the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment.

Each program level has different admission standards:

The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis asks for:

• A bachelor’s degree (psychology, education, or special education preferred)
• 3 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Two recommendation letters for graduate study
• GRE or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores (master’s degree holders may skip this)
• Research-based writing sample (ten pages minimum) in psychology or education
• Personal statement explaining why you want to study ABA at Caldwell
• Personal interview

The Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis demands more:

• A. in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Special Education, or related field
• BCBA® certification or eligibility
• 6 minimum GPA in master’s work
• Three recommendation letters about doctoral program readiness
• Research-based writing sample (master’s thesis preferred)
• Three to five page personal statement about research interests and preferred faculty
• Personal interview

Current Caldwell undergrads can take the Combined B.A./M.A. path if they:

• Have finished 60 credits, including 12 in Psychology
• Keep a 3.3 GPA or higher
• Meet other graduate admission requirements

International students must score at least 580 on paper TOEFL/92 iBT or 7.5 on IELTS. They should start applying early to handle visa paperwork on time.

The university lets you transfer up to three graduate credits in psychology, education, or related fields. These credits must be less than five years old when you register. You’ll need a B grade or better, and the courses must match Caldwell’s program content.

The ABA Department will contact qualified candidates for an interview after reviewing all documents. This step plays a vital role in getting accepted. Caldwell accepts about 63% of applicants across all programs, making it somewhat selective.

Understanding these requirements early helps smooth out your path to joining Caldwell’s respected ABA programs.

What sets Caldwell University apart?

Caldwell University’s ABA programs stand out because of their on-campus Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. This specialized center serves two important purposes – it trains students clinically and provides assessment and intervention services to the community for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

The Center’s strength lies in its expert leadership team. Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-Ds) run the facility and teach the university’s ABA courses. Their dual role gives students an unmatched learning experience with instructors who actively practice in the field.

Graduate students get invaluable hands-on learning at the Center. Students develop significant skills through practicum experiences. They learn to assess and treat children and adolescents with ASD while meeting the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s supervision and fieldwork requirements. This blend of classroom learning and ground application sets Caldwell apart from most institutions.

Students often describe their practical experience as life-changing. One student said, “Once I saw the Autism Center at Caldwell, it really locked in that this is where I wanted to be. I liked seeing the energy of the people that work there and how enthusiastic everyone was”. Another shared, “My favorite part of the program was the practical application of what I was learning in the classroom and the opportunity to observe high quality ABA service providers”.

Caldwell’s ABA programs excel academically too. The program achieved a perfect 100% BCBA exam pass rate in 2022. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Caldwell as a “Best College”, which shows the university’s dedication to excellence.

The department makes ABA programs in NJ unique through its vision and mission. Faculty members encourage “an inclusive and equitable environment for all members” and ensure “all people are recognized and genuinely appreciated for their differences”. They aim to create “well-rounded, culturally humble behavior analysts” through diverse learning experiences.

Students value the program’s collaborative spirit. “I think all this collaboration with faculty and other students makes the whole program so great,” one student mentioned. Another student praised the faculty: “The faculty are incredible and the program offers clinical and supervisory experience”.

The program’s well-laid-out and comprehensive approach sets it apart. A student noted, “The Caldwell University ABA program is great because it’s highly disciplined, rigorous, and demanding. It forces you to wear many hats; not only are you a student but you’re also a teacher, a researcher and a clinical practitioner”.

Caldwell’s ABA programs give students a chance to prepare for specialized careers. Students work with diverse populations, as one student explained: “I’m hoping to work with the Latinx community and the black and brown community because those are the children that need the most help”.

These features make Caldwell University an excellent choice for applied behavior analysis students. The combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and inclusive values prepares graduates for successful careers effectively.

Next steps

Are you ready to start your educational path with one of the best ABA programs in NJ? Caldwell University’s ABA program could be perfect for your educational goals. Taking quick action will help you secure a spot in these competitive programs.

The application deadlines are straightforward. Summer enrollment closes on April 1, fall admission on June 1, and spring semester starts on December 1. PhD candidates should note they can only apply by December 1 for fall admission. Submitting your application early is vital since late submissions might lead to delayed acceptance based on available spots.

PhD students working on their dissertation will complete a three-course sequence: ABA 890, 891, and 892. These courses help you build your dissertation committee, propose your research, develop a complete literature review, get IRB approval, gather data, and write your research paper. You’ll need to defend both your literature review and final dissertation in front of your committee.

Master’s students also have specific research requirements. After finishing your regular coursework, you’ll take ABA 650 Thesis in ABA I or ABA 750 Master’s Project in ABA I. The next step is enrolling in ABA 651 or ABA 751. Students who need more time can sign up for continuation courses (ABA 656 or ABA 756) with department approval.

Caldwell’s Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis offers great hands-on experience with different populations during your studies.

Once accepted, you’ll get your Caldwell University NetID, access to Cougar Apps platform, MyCaldwell portal for course registration, and your university email account. Your enrollment becomes official when you register for your first courses.