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Applied Behavior Analysis
Graduate Certificate in Psychology
Harness the power of evidence-based therapies to help people with behavioral challenges lead more productive and independent lives. With our online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, you can learn to assess complex situations and create effective treatment plans based on cutting-edge research findings. Our rigorous, competency-based curriculum meets specific course sequence requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) exam eligibility under Pathway 2.* When you take the next step in your educational journey, the credits from this certificate program can be applied to an MS in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis degree at Capella.
*Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 8 Core courses
- 40 Total quarter credits
Explore applied behavior analysis courses
- This certificate requires a total of 40 program credits
- You’ll need to complete eight courses
Show all descriptions
PSY5260
Philosophical Foundations of Behaviorism
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain an understanding of the basic foundations, philosophy, and concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Learners discriminate between therapeutic approaches that are behavior-analytic and those that are not. Learners acquire knowledge of the basic principles and analyze behavior and environmental events surrounding the occurrence of behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY5280
Advanced Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
Learners further examine the concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Learners discern the different types of antecedents and consequences that effect behavior. Learners practice speaking in the scientific terminology used in the science of behavior analysis. Learners also gain a basic understanding of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY5260, Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7710.
5 quarter credits
PSY5330
Organizational Behavior Management: Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
Learners apply evidenced-based supervision practices to the supervision of behavior-analytic programs. Learners develop skills in how to apply behavior change procedures. Learners apply Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to create behavior change programs to address verbal behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY7712; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7713 or PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705 and PSY7706
5 quarter credits
PSY7710
Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain knowledge about the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Learners practice navigating ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in the practice of behavior analysis. Learners gain perspective on how to weigh risks and benefits associated with the implementation of behavior change procedures. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5260 or PSY7708.
5 quarter credits
PSY7711
Measurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain knowledge on measurement, data display, and experimental methods commonly used in applied behavior analysis. Learners distinguish the different types of measurement that may be used and determine the conditions under which certain types should be used. Learners gain knowledge about single-subject design as well as different types of research methods used in behavior analysis. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY5260 or PSY7708 or PSY7701 and PSY7702; PSY7710 or PSY7703 and PSY7704; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5280 or PSY7709 or PSY7705 and PSY7706.
5 quarter credits
PSY7712
Behavior Analytic Assessments
5 quarter credits
Learners apply and gain knowledge of the full range of assessment-based approaches in behavior analysis. Learners gain knowledge on how to assess client's preferences, needs, and skill strengths and deficits. Learners practice conducting functional behavior assessments and analyzing results of these assessments to determine functions of behavior. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY5280 or PSY7709; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7711.
5 quarter credits
PSY7713
Behavior Analytic Interventions
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners apply techniques of behavior change to behaviors of social significance. Learners gain knowledge on how to design behavior change systems given results of behavior assessments. Learners also gain knowledge on how to design these systems to ensure continued maintenance and generalization of skills. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711, PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY7715
Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in applied behavior analysis. Learners demonstrate their understanding of ethical and professional conduct and basic concepts and principles in behavior analysis. Learners apply assessment techniques, implement behavior-analytic methods, and determine their effectiveness. Learners demonstrate their ability to evaluate research findings by synthesizing research and drafting an experimental outline around a behavior analytic topic of their choice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework, MS in Applied Behavior Analysis learners should have completed PSY5002 or PSY5006; PSY5260 or PSY7708; PSY7713 or (PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705, PSY7706); PSY7714 or PSY7724 or PSY5330; PSY5280 or PSY7009; PSY7710; PSY7711; PSY7712; PSY5300; PSY6313 or PSY6311 or PSY6315 or PSY6319 or PSY7305 or PSY7306
5 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
- Learn to use relevant assessment models to identify behavioral problems
- Design, implement and manage culturally appropriate interventions and treatments
- Encourage positive change for people from all backgrounds in a range of settings
How much does a graduate certificate in psychology cost?
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $525 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 40 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
$21,000*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 18 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the Graduate Certificate in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: NY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the Graduate Certificate in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: NY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
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