Online Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
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ABA Postgraduate Certificate Overview
Demand for applied behavior analysts is growing. It’s time to earn your postgraduate ABA certificate online and build the expertise that employers — and clients — need. Move forward in a rewarding career helping those with behavioral disabilities.
- Learn from faculty who are working professionals in the behavior analysis field.
- Critically evaluate and relate behavioral and psychological theories to real-world situations.
- Employ assessment and intervention treatment procedures in applied behavior analysis.
- Apply evidence-based ABA theoretical and conceptual foundations to arrive at appropriate professional practice strategies.
- Understand and use legal, ethical, individual, cultural, and social validity standards and guidelines set forth within the field of applied behavior analysis.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
Prepare for Board Certification
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program has been designed to meet the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Pathway 2 coursework requirements. Applicants will need to meet additional Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) eligibility requirements, including evidence of residency in an authorized country, before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. The entirety of the coursework may not be completed in less than one year, defined as four consecutive 10-week terms at Purdue Global, equivalent to four quarters in the BACB minimum requirement.
Note: Please refer to the BACB’s website for full eligibility requirements (www.bacb.com).
Additional information is also located on Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.
What Courses Will I Take?
The ABA postgraduate certificate’s curriculum includes six courses that focus on supporting individuals who are developmentally disabled, autistic, or suffering from traumatic brain injuries.
You’ll explore behavioral concepts and theories and develop assessment and intervention skills.
Sample Courses
- Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Concepts of Measurement and Experimental Designs
- Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Implementing Procedures for Behavior Change
- Clinical Applications, Supervision, and Management
Program Requirements
1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
ABA Career Responsibilities
With a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, career responsibilities may include:
- Conducting descriptive and systematic behavioral assessments including functional analyses
- Improving the skills and achievements of children in school settings
- Enhancing the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with different kinds of disabilities
- Increasing the performance and satisfaction of employees in organizations and businesses
Explore Other Learning Resources
The graduate resource center and ABA student site offer resources to support students in psychology programs.
Students are invited to join organizations such as the Psychology Club, Psi Chi International Honor Society, and Autism Speaks U.
Free webinars are also available to support your learning outside of the classroom.
Ways to Save on Time and Tuition
Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.
Financial Aid
Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.
Grants and Loans
Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.
Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
Military Tuition Reduction
Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.
Prior Military Experience
Earn credit for your military training. We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
View the total cost of attendance for your program.
Career Opportunities
Draw upon foundational principles in the field of applied behavior analysis to provide assessments, design behavior intervention plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of children and adults with special needs. Possible job settings include mental health, social services, or educational centers.
Average Salary
Range
Job Growth
In Your State
General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. The skills and employers mentioned are a representation of the hiring needs within the labor market generated by Lightcast and may change over time. There can be no guarantee that any listed employer is or will be hiring in the future or will hire a Purdue Global graduate. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control. The default state is Indiana for those outside of the U.S.
Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
It is important to understand that requirements for behavior analysts vary by state and can change with little to no warning. Students seeking employment as a behavior analyst should inquire directly to the jurisdiction where employment is desired, as some states require additional licensure or certification. The BACB U.S. state licensure requirements may be viewed at the following link: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/. The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis meets the educational requirements to pursue behavior specialist licensure in Pennsylvania. Additional educational requirements for licensure may be required in Pennsylvania.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Tell me about a time you implemented a behavior intervention plan. What were the outcomes?
- Describe a situation where you had to work with a team to support a client. What role did you play, and how did you ensure effective collaboration?
- Describe a situation where you had to adjust your approach when a client did not respond to the initial intervention. What steps did you take?
- Tell me about a time you had to train or provide feedback to a client or staff member. How did you ensure they understood and followed through?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Communication
- Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Treatment Planning
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Case Management
- Intervention Plans
- Data Collection
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Developmental Disabilities
- Ethical Standards And Conduct
- Planning
- Advocacy
- Research
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Download the Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
Faculty publications in 2024–2025
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.