The minor is a set of specialty courses within the psychology curriculum intended for students with a major in a field outside of Psychology who want to combine their knowledge of behavior analysis with their major program of study (e.g., pre-health occupations, education, justice). Completing the minor results in a record added to student transcripts that reads they’ve minored in behavior analysis. 

For students interested in pursuing professional certification in behavior analysis, see About Certification tab.

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) is intended for Psychology majors and students who have  , who want to work toward certification and licensure as a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).  Please note the OEC is for the BCaBA credential only.

Students in this program will complete coursework in our Verified Course Sequence (VCS, 5th & 6th Edition).  Completion of this training along with supervised fieldwork will allow individuals to sit for the exam to become a BCaBA and a Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst in the State of Alaska.

To learn more about certification requirements, please see the About Certification tab using the link to the left of the screen.

Behavior analysis explores principles of learning and the way that the environment influences behavior, addressing socially significant issues, such as: health promotion, substance abuse treatment, education, animal training, employee performance and workplace safety, and the intensive treatment of pervasive developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders. Students are trained to function as entry- and mid-level practitioner-scientists to provide environmental support and address challenging behavior in diverse communities. The Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is best suited for Psychology majors and college graduates who are interested in becoming a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst.

Licensure and/or Certification

The UAA Department of Psychology offers an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI®) verified coursework sequence. This verified coursework sequence, combined with hands-on supervised experience in the field and the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) exam, lead to professional certification.

Please go to UAA's Authorization by State website for information about licensure or certification in a state other than Alaska or US territory.

Admission Requirements

• Complete the Admission Requirements for Occupational Endorsement Certificates.

Special Considerations

• Complete supervised practicum experience or research with a community agency providing behavioral services.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete the General University Requirements for Occupational Endorsement Certificates.
• Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:

 

The Behavior Analysis track in the UAA MS Clinical Psychology program prepares students for Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA) certification and the Alaska Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential. This culturally-sensitive, community-focused program combines a Verified Coursework Sequence (5th Ed.) with interdisciplinary skills in clinical psychology within a place-based 48-hour graduate program of study.

You will have the opportunity to address the complex behavioral needs of Alaskans (including Alaska Native and other minority groups) through coursework, placement and supervision in community agencies and will have optional opportunities for community-engaged and thesis research..

Learn more about the program - including the application deadline - at the MS Clinical Psychology program website.

The UAA Department of Psychology offers an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI®) verified coursework sequence. A verified course sequence (VCS) is a set of coursework that has been reviewed and pre-approved by the ABAI. Students preparing for certification can be more confident that the hours they’ve completed in coursework will be accepted when preparing for certification.

Preparing for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) requires three things: Coursework, Experience & Supervision with a behavior analyst, and passing the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) certification exam. For more information on the training requirements and opportunities for each credential, review the information at the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website.

Coursework

• Potential certificants must complete a certain number of content hours in special areas of the BCBA/BCaBA Task List to be able to apply for the certification exam. The UAA undergraduate behavior analysis programs are approved under both 5th editionand 6th Edition preparation standards. View the UAA 5th Edition Sequence
• View the UAA 6th Edition Sequence

Reach out to the behavior analysis program coordinator for more information.

Experience & Supervision

In addition to completing coursework, certificants will need to complete supervised fieldwork in order to become eligible to take the certification exam. There are many local agencies and organizations that offer fieldwork supervision. Requirements vary by program - please see the BACB Experience Standards for additional information. 

The Certification Exam

Following completion of necessary coursework and experience in the field, individuals can apply to sit for the BACB professional certification exam. Additional information about the exam can be found at https://www.bacb.com/examination-information/.

What's the difference between the Behavior Analysis Programs (Concentration/Minor/OEC), BCaBA Certification, and licensure?

• The behavior analysis programs (concentration, minor, or OEC) are academic programs offered by the University of Alaska Anchorage. Completion of one of these programs is reflected in a transcript or other special documentation provided by the university. Completing these programs provides knowledge and skills to work in the field of behavior analysis and helping professions, but doesn't necessarily mean that a student is ready to sit for the BCaBA certification exam or become licensed to practice.
• Certification is offered by an external body - the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Preparing for certification involves a combination of coursework, supervised experience and a credentialing exam. Certification is the foundation for professional licensure in the state of Alaska.
• A professional license is required to practice behavior analysis in the state of Alaska. Visit UAA's Authorization by State website for information about licensure or certification in a state other than Alaska.

Reach out to your behavior analysis program advisor for more information!