BCBA Sub Plan

What is applied behavior analysis?

Applied behavior analysis is the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for behavior change (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 2020, p. 20).

Professionals in applied behavior analysis engage in the specific and comprehensive use of principles of learning, including operant and respondent conditioning, to address behavioral needs of widely varying individuals in diverse settings.  Examples of these applications include: building the skills and achievements of children in school settings; enhancing the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with different kinds of disabilities; and augmenting the performance and satisfaction of employees in organizations and businesses (http://www.bacb.com/index.php?page=2).

What is a BCBA?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is an independent practitioner who also may work as employees or independent contractors for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA can effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases. The BCBA seeks the consultation of more experienced practitioners when necessary. The BCBA teaches others to carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs and delivers instruction in behavior analysis. BCBAs supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCABA), Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), and others who implement behavior analytic interventions (http://www.bacb.com/index.php?page=4).

BCBA Subplan in the Graduate Programs in Special Education

The GPSE at Queens College provide a subplan program that meets the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Examination.  The BCBA examination provides an opportunity for individuals to become  board certified as a behavior analyst at the master’s degree level. BCBA certification can substantially improve an individual’s marketability as a special educator and professional behavior analyst. For more information regarding the advantages of becoming a BCBA please visit the BACB website: http://www.bacb.com/.

Program Completion Requirements:

1. Completion of the MSED sequence with a GPA of 3.0 or better;
2. Pass all BCBA VCS courses with a grade of C or better;
3. Successfully complete the capstone project;
4. Maintain a professional disposition during interactions throughout the program.

Requirements to Qualify for the BCBA Exam:

1. A conferred Master’s degree;
2. Completion of the BCBA course sequence with grades of C or better for each course;
3. 2000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork;
4. Approved application to the BCBA Exam Portal.

For more information please contact: Dr. Lenwood Gibson