ABA Programs at Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) provides a well-laid-out path to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) through its Applied Behavior Analysis minor program. The program stands out among ABA programs in Georgia as it offers specialized instruction in a field where qualified practitioners are needed, especially when you have children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

MGA’s Applied Behavior Analysis minor has earned recognition as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. This verification shows that the coursework meets all educational requirements to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination.

Students must complete six classes totaling 18 credit hours to earn the ABA minor at Middle Georgia State. Keep in mind that while this coursework fulfills the educational component, you need to meet additional requirements before taking the BCaBA examination. These requirements appear in “Pathway 2” of the BACB 2022 Eligibility Requirements.

The school’s program structure gives you complete training in behavior-analytic principles and practices. Students develop skills that schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices throughout Georgia need.

ABA programs at Middle Georgia State help you enter a rewarding field. You can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives who face behavioral challenges and build a foundation for career growth in this expanding discipline.

What ABA programs does Middle Georgia State offer?

Middle Georgia State University has several pathways for students who want to pursue careers in applied behavior analysis. Students can choose from multiple ABA programs in Georgia that match their career goals and educational needs.

The first of these offerings is the Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program consists of six classes totaling 18 credit hours. The Association for Behavior Analysis International recognizes it as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS). Students who complete this program meet the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination.

The university’s Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis has six required courses:

• Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis Principles and Concepts (3 credits)
• Measurement and Experimental Design in Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• Behavior Assessment (3 credits)
• Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions (4 credits)
• Supervision and Management for Applied Behavior Analysis (2 credits)

MGA’s Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training course helps students land entry-level positions. This 100% online, self-paced program meets the 40-hour training requirement set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Students complete this course within three months with guidance from a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. The RBT program costs $1095 and comes with a certification exam voucher.

Several of their programs stand out because they’re accessible online. The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program runs completely online. This flexibility works great for working professionals and students juggling other commitments.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital indicator of educational quality for students choosing ABA programs. Students working toward BCBA certification will get better education quality by attending an accredited institution that meets recognized standards of excellence.

Middle Georgia State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation allows the institution to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The regional accreditation validates the quality of all programs, including Applied Behavior Analysis pathways.

The university follows the Board of Regents Policy 3.1 on Academic Affairs carefully. This policy requires that “Each institution must maintain accreditation by an accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education”. MGA’s academic programs consistently meet these high standards through this policy.

Students can ask about Middle Georgia State’s accreditation status directly through SACSCOC at their Decatur, Georgia headquarters. They can also reach out to Dr. Monica Baloga, MGA’s SACSCOC Liaison.

The university also maintains specialized accreditations for various programs through organizations like AABI, ABET, ACEN, ACOTE, CoARC, CSWE, and GaPSC. This reliable accreditation portfolio shows the institution’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence in ABA programs.

Tuition

Students pursuing ABA programs at Middle Georgia State University need to understand their program’s costs. The tuition structure is straightforward for graduate-level courses that most ABA students take.

Graduate online classes cost $261.00 per credit hour. Online rates have no tuition cap, unlike on-campus graduate rates that cap at 12 credit hours. Students on campus must pay Recreation and Wellness fees based on their location. Macon and Cochran campuses (including Macon Downtown Airport) charge $180.00, while Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins locations charge $90.00.

Graduate studies over two semesters cost approximately $26,532.00. This complete breakdown shows:

• Tuition: $4,896.00
• Mandatory fees: $478.00
• Housing: $8,991.00
• Books and supplies: $1,250.00
• Food: $3,800.00
• Transportation and miscellaneous expenses: $7,039.00

• Financial aid
• Scholarships
• Out-of-state tuition waivers

Note that tuition, fees, and charges might change after any academic term. The university’s bursar office will help you stay updated on current rates to plan your ABA certification experience effectively.

Admissions

The ABA program at Middle Georgia State University has a simple admission process that helps you meet all requirements. Students should submit their applications at least thirty days prior to the semester start date.

You’ll need to complete these four steps:

• Complete the online application and pay the non-refundable $30 application fee
• Submit official transcripts and test scores directly to the Office of Admissions
• Provide documentation for Verification of Lawful Presence
• Complete the FAFSA early for financial aid (school code: 001581)

Middle Georgia State processes Certificate Program applications through regular university channels. After acceptance, you must keep a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all your coursework.

Students should send their application materials to the Office of Admissions at the Macon campus or email them to Admissions. You can track your application status through the university’s online portal.

The online Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis joins other ABA programs as a new addition, with the first student batch starting Fall 2024. This gives you a great chance to be part of one of the state’s newest ABA certification paths.

What sets Middle Georgia State apart?

Middle Georgia State’s ABA certification program stands out because it lines up perfectly with industry needs. Students work closely with practicing ABA professionals who helped shape the curriculum. These connections open doors to networking, and some students find fieldwork supervisors through these relationships.

The program goes beyond theory to address ground needs. ABA practitioners are in high demand, particularly those who work with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. This focus on career readiness will give you solid professional opportunities.

MGA’s student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 makes the program both challenging and supportive. Students get individual attention while accessing the resources of a major public institution spread across five campuses.

Among ABA programs in Georgia, MGA’s flexibility makes it unique. Students can complete 18 credits entirely online while managing their other commitments. The curriculum fits well with various undergraduate degrees. Psychology majors find it a natural fit, but it works just as well with Rehabilitation Science or Criminal Justice degrees.

The program ended up striking the right balance. It combines academic credibility through ABAI’s endorsement as a Verified Course Sequence with practical workforce preparation—creating a clear path to BCaBA certification.

Next steps

Are you ready to start a journey toward BCBA certification? Middle Georgia State’s ABA program could be perfect if it matches your career goals. The next steps are simple and practical.

The program lets you enroll online anytime since all coursework happens 100% online. Your course materials will be ready within 24-48 business hours after registration.

The Georgia Behavior Analyst license has specific requirements. The state’s licensing board needs your submission by April 1, 2026. Assistant Behavior Analysts should hold off on applying until their supervisor gets their Georgia license. This ensures supervised practice meets certification requirements.

MGA’s mutually beneficial alliances with local practitioners are a great way to get ahead. Students can connect with supervisors for required fieldwork experiences. This helps solve one of the biggest problems in getting certified.

Your focus shifts to BCBA examination prep after completing coursework. The BACB administers a test with 170 multiple-choice questions.

Already certified professionals moving to Georgia have a simple path. They just need to submit their current certification documents to the Georgia Composite Board.

The GOALS portal now handles all applications instead of paper forms. This streamlines your path to joining the growing community of behavior analysts.