Applied Behavior Analysis, Graduate Certificate – Online

Please note: Fall 2026 applications are now closed. Applications submitted after May 15, 2026 will be processed for Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 admission.

• Spring Application Deadline: December 1
• Fall Final Application Deadline: August 1
• Fall Priority Application Deadline: June 1

Priority application is strongly encouraged.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis requires a 21-credit hour sequence of courses.

Required Courses

• SPED 5200 – Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
• SPED 5201 – Science and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (3)
• SPED 5204 – Organizational Behavior Management (3)
• SPED 5203 – Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3)
• SPED 6225 – Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
• SPED 6502 – Behavioral Assessment (3)
• RSCH 7113 – Single-Case Research (3)

Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• GPA of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all previous work completed beyond high school (secondary school)
• An online application through the Graduate School’s application system
• An essay of one to two pages describing the applicant’s professional experience and objective in pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• A copy of resume, listing the applicant’s education and professional experience
• Unofficial transcripts of all college coursework attempted. Admitted students who plan to enroll will be required to submit their official transcript showing proof of a master’s degree to the Graduate Admissions before the end of their first semester of enrollment.

For International students:

• Official and satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and he or she has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution.

UNC Charlotte alumni who are BCBAs® serve in diverse occupations such as:

• School Psychologists
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Special Education Teachers
• Clinical Director 
• School, Home, or Community-Based Behavior Analyst

Strong salary expectations

Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, collects job and salary data from UNC Charlotte graduates. Lightcast surveyed UNC Charlotte graduates who are BCBAs® and found their estimated average annual salary to be $72,400.

Why Earn Your Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis from UNC Charlotte?

By choosing UNC Charlotte’s online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, you’ll enjoy a number of advantages including:

• Approved coursework: Meets the 6th edition BCBA® Task List and is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) for Pathway 2 Eligibility to take the BCBA® exam.
• Focus on research: Develop strong research skills through coursework and dedicated research projects.
• Earn your certificate online in four to five semesters: Designed with flexibility for working professionals, the program is delivered 100% online with synchronous instruction. Each semester, you’ll build meaningful relationships with your peers and engage directly with expert faculty in a collaborative, real-time learning environment

NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour