Special Education Professor Kim Killu has seen the difference therapy based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can make in someone鈥檚 life.
鈥淓verything I have ever done using ABA works,鈥 she said. 鈥淲ith autism and many other educational and clinical domains, such as clinical psychology, special education, or speech-language pathology, ABA applications can result in improved functioning in daily living skills, social skills, communication skills, academic performance and behavior.鈥
Now Killu looks forward to seeing how an education in ABA鈥攁 scientifically validated approach to the study of understanding and improving behavior鈥攚ill affect both the lives of 萝莉社-Dearborn students interested in the behavioral therapy and the communities in which they will later serve.
The College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) offers new ABA programs at various levels, from a paraprofessional-level Registered Behavioral Technician certification to a graduate-level Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis.
These programs鈥攚hich were created by CEHHS as a response to State of Michigan officials expressing a need to increase the number of individuals trained in ABA to meet the increased demand for services for individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities鈥攑repare 萝莉社-Dearborn students to work in hospitals, schools, law enforcement agencies, private clinics and more.
鈥淭here is a high demand for ABA services, and these programs provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about behavioral issues and how ABA therapy can improve lives,鈥 said Killu, noting that CEHHS syllabi for all ABA-focused courses were reviewed and approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). 鈥淭he development of these programs allows CEHHS to continue to address needs in the community. It鈥檚 an active part of advancing the university鈥檚 mission of Metropolitan Impact.鈥
Entry-level option: Become a Registered Behavior Technician
The six-session RBT training program provides skill acquisition and preparation for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board RBT examination. Passing the exam and 45 contact hours of instruction are required to earn the RBT credential.
Bachelor-level option: Become a Board Certified Assistant Behavioral Analyst
The Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) undergraduate-level certification (19 credit hours) program is for students currently pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree at 萝莉社-Dearborn or for individuals who have already completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree in any field and would like to continue their learning.
Coursework will prepare students for supervised clinical experience and the BCaBA national examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which is required to work as a BCaBA.
Graduate-level options: Become a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
鈥 Master of Science in ABA degree program (30 credit hours)
This masters degree provides students with a graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and also prepares them for their supervised clinical experience and the BCBA national examination, in preparation for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
鈥 BCBA certificate (21 credit hours, for individuals who already have a graduate degree in education or psychology)
Coursework will prepare students for supervised clinical experience and the BCBA national examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which is required to work as a BCBA.
If you have program questions, please contact Kim Killu.
