ABA Programs at Rowan University
Rowan University is a leading public institution in Glassboro, New Jersey. The university started as Glassboro Normal School in 1923 and became Rowan University in 1997. The 800-acre suburban campus now serves more than 19,000 students. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognizes it as a national doctoral research institution.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective treatment methods if you have special needs, especially when you have autism and developmental disabilities. Behavior analysts focus on using behavioral principles to assess and treat problems rather than conducting psychotherapy.
Rowan University’s Center for Behavior Analysis advances the science of applied behavior analysis through education, research, and services at local, regional, and national levels. Action Behavior Centers has recognized this center among the top 35 ABA programs in the United States.
Behavior analysts work as individual clinicians or within organizations in education, behavioral medicine, mental health, disability services, and higher learning institutions. They supervise intervention services, consult with other personnel, and help people reach personal goals through measurable behavior change techniques.
Rowan’s ABA programs create independent practitioners who are well-versed in behavior analysis science and philosophy. Students learn to make use of information, apply evidence-based practices, and develop sound professional judgment. The program combines supervised practicum in various service settings with active faculty research teams. This approach helps students develop skills that meet today’s highest professional practice standards.
Rowan’s excellent reputation in this field comes from its strong foundation in experimental analysis, with full-time faculty members trained specifically in this area.
What ABA programs does Rowan University offer?
Rowan University has a wide range of ABA programs that help students reach their educational and career goals. The foundation of their offerings is the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis, a 42-credit program that prepares students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Students need to complete 33 semester hours, and full-time students can finish in four semesters plus two summers.
The university also offers a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Applied Behavior Analysis that requires 24 semester hours spread over eight courses. Students who already have a master’s degree in psychology, education, or related fields find this option perfect to get their BCBA certification.
High-achieving students can take advantage of Rowan’s Five-Year Accelerated Program to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science or Psychology and an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis faster.
The university’s Applied Behavior Analysis Post-Baccalaureate Certificate helps students learn treatment approaches for children and adults with special needs. Students interested in becoming Board Certified assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) can choose the Concentration in Behavioral Services for Children and Families that includes approved coursework.
Rowan’s programs meet all behavior-analytic coursework requirements for the BCBA/BCaBA Pathway 2 eligibility route. Students who graduate can ask the Program Director to submit their BCBA Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation Form to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for certification exams.
Accreditation
A program’s ABA accreditation status is a vital part of your certification path. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education regionally accredits Rowan University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation forms the foundation of the university’s academic standing.
Rowan University offers BACB-approved coursework needed for BCaBA and BCBA credentials. But students should know that Rowan is not a BACB Approved Program. Students who want certification must finish their supervised work through the Independent Supervised Fieldwork option.
BCBA candidates need to complete 1500 supervised practice hours, while BCaBA candidates need 1000 hours. Supervision happens at least once every two weeks and makes up 5% of total fieldwork hours.
After you complete your degree, coursework, and supervised work, you can apply to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board with Rowan’s Course Content Verification Forms. The certification exam takes place through the Pearson VUE testing network during three yearly test windows once your application gets approved.
The university suggests you contact the BACB directly with specific questions during this certification experience. The BACB makes all final decisions about certification. This well-laid-out pathway will give your Rowan education proper arrangement with professional certification standards.
Tuition
The cost of education plays a vital role when you’re working toward ABA credentials. Rowan University bases its tuition rates on the type of program and how it’s delivered, which gives you several ways to handle your educational expenses.
Students in the Applied Behavior Analysis Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program have different loan options. Dependent students can access maximum annual loan amounts of $7,500. Independent students can qualify for up to $12,500. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Applied Behavior Analysis lets students get federal student loans up to $20,500 each year.
ABA program tuition rates at the graduate level stay the same for everyone, whether you’re from in-state or out-of-state. Credit hour costs range from $378.50 to $936.00. Students who start the online CAGS in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2025-26 will pay $868.80 per credit hour.
Rowan University takes pride in being “vigilant and frugal about tuition” in any discipline. The school helps reduce financial hurdles through complete support options. Students can get grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships that help them focus on their education despite money concerns.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step to get any financial aid. You’ll need to submit this form every year to keep getting help throughout your academic trip.
Admissions
Students who want to join Rowan University’s ABA programs should pay close attention to deadlines and requirements. The application deadline for Fall and Summer semesters falls on February 15th. The university admits students only during these terms and doesn’t offer spring enrollment options.
Your application journey starts with a completed application form and a non-refundable $65 fee. Here are the required documents:
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Current professional resume
- Statement of professional objectives
- Two recommendation letters addressing your experience in behavior analysis
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree for CAGS applicants)
The program team reviews documents and invites qualified candidates for virtual Zoom interviews in March. During the interview, you’ll need to complete an on-site writing sample that shows your communication skills. The university announces final admission decisions around April 15th. Accepted students must attend orientation in May.
International students need to verify their English proficiency through one of these tests: TOEFL (minimum score: 70), IELTS (6.0), Duolingo (110), or PTE (50). Domestic students applying to the master’s program must take the GRE General Test.
Credit transfers from other institutions require a Transfer Request Form submission to the Program Director. The program prefers applicants with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Full-time students can finish the MA program in four semesters plus two summers. Evening classes make it easier for working professionals to attend.
What sets Rowan University apart?
Rowan University stands out with its excellence in Applied Behavior Analysis education. Action Behavior Centers has ranked it as one of the top 35 ABA programs in the United States. The university’s core focus lies in teaching behavior analysis science and philosophy.
The program boasts an impressive faculty team with expertise in various specialties:
- Experimental analysis of behavior working with rats and pigeons
- Behavioral pharmacology and behavioral health
- School psychology
- Early intervention, feeding disorders, and parent training
Students will find applications way beyond the reach and influence of autism treatment through this rich experience. The program works well for professionals since all classes begin at 3:30 pm or later. Students who need more time can opt for part-time tracks.
Research teams at Rowan focus on treatment outcomes of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. Faculty members take a closer look at how different teaching methods affect individual responses to intervention. The research scope extends to parent-implemented interventions and telehealth delivery of behavioral services.
Rowan’s cohort-based admission process encourages lasting friendships and professional connections. The New Jersey Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism and the NJ Department of Health provide partial funding for the university’s research initiatives. The faculty’s commitment will give a challenging yet excellent education that prepares you well for board certification.
Next steps
Are you ready to start your BCBA certification experience? Rowan’s ABA programs require all application materials by February 15 for Summer/Fall entry. You’ll need to submit your application form with a $65 non-refundable fee.
Your application must have these materials:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Current professional resume
- Statement about your main goals
- Two recommendation letters that highlight your behavior analysis experience
- Bachelor’s degree verification (psychology, education, or related field recommended)
Qualified applicants must complete a virtual interview in March. The interview process has an on-site writing sample. Rowan recommends submitting all materials at least one month before the deadline.
Students accepted for the Fall semesters must attend orientation in May. Students who want to transfer credits from other programs need to submit a Transfer Request Form to the Program Director.
Rowan offers virtual information sessions and events where prospective students can learn more about their ABA programs. These events give you a chance to ask questions and connect with faculty and future classmates before you choose this educational path.