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Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate

Program Overview

Become a Board Certified Analyst® (BCBA) with UNC Charlotte’s Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate. Advance your career in Behavior Analysis with UNC Charlotte’s flexible, online Post-Master’s Certificate program. Designed for aspiring BCBA®s, this program equips you with critical skills through verified coursework, research opportunities, and synchronous instruction. Complete the program in 5 semesters while balancing your work and personal life.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis offers coursework that meets the Pathway 2 Eligibility requirements to take the BCBA® exam. Candidates will need to meet additional requirements (including completion of a master’s degree and supervised field experiences) to be eligible to take the examination. Professionals such as teachers or therapists who wish to gain knowledge in the content area of behavior analysis, but do not plan to become BCBA® also make great candidates for the program.

Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate at a Glance

Application Deadline
December 1 (Spring); June 1 (Priority Application); August 1 (Final Application)
delivery
Online
credits
21 Credit Hours
admits
Spring & Fall
Application Deadline

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.

Courses

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis requires a 21-credit hour sequence of courses.

Required Courses

  • RSCH 7113 – Single-Case Research (3)
  • SPED 5200 – Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5201 – Science and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5203 – Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5204 – Organizational Behavior Management (3)
  • SPED 6225 – Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
  • SPED 6202 – Behavioral Assessment (3)

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

Admissions & Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university
  • A Master’s degree, or its equivalent, 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 Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • A copy of resume, listing the applicant’s education and professional experience
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional contacts
  • 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 bachelor’s and master’s degree to the Graduate Admissions department 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.
What Can You Do As A Board Certified Behavior Analyst®?

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 UNC Charlotte?

Why Earn Your Post-Master’s Certificate in Behavior Analysis from UNC Charlotte?

By choosing UNC Charlotte’s online Post-Master’s 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
Tuition

NC Resident: $341.21 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,305.87 per credit hour

Please note: Rates are subject to change.

Take the Next Step to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA)

Build the expertise to create a lasting impact on your career. Through flexible online instruction, verified coursework, and hands-on research opportunities, you’ll deepen your understanding of behavior analysis and prepare to pursue BCBA® certification.

Why Choose UNC Charlotte for Your Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate?

Designed for working professionals, this flexible online program prepares you with real-world skills, expert faculty support and the foundation to advance in behavior analysis.

Applied Experience That Makes a Difference
Explore behavior analysis through a practical and applied lens. Coursework emphasizes supporting individuals with disabilities in everyday environments like classrooms, homes and communities.
Evening Courses That Fit Your Schedule
Balance work, life and learning. Evening courses give full-time professionals the flexibility to grow their skills without putting careers on hold.
Elementary Student reading a book
Prepare for the BCBA® exam
You’ll be part of a connected, collaborative network of peers who are also working towards becoming a BCBA®. This program prepares students with ABA knowledge and skills to pass the exam.
Grad Student Studies in Library
Fully Online and Synchronous Instruction
This program is 100% online and synchronous, which means you will log in and engage with your classmates and instructors in live time.
Finish in 4-5 Semesters
Advance your career in approximately two years. Most students complete the program in just 4-5 semesters while working full time and managing personal commitments.
elementary school teacher
Exceptional Value and Affordability
UNC Charlotte’s competitive tuition makes this graduate certificate a smart investment, keeping costs manageable for professionals advancing their careers.

Learn From Expert Faculty

Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience in applied behavior analysis and special education. They’re accomplished researchers, published scholars and grant recipients — and they’re equally committed to mentoring and supporting you.

Virginia Walker

Dr. Virginia Walker

Won Atkins Library Faculty Engagement Award

Holly Johnson

Holly Johnson

Received the North Carolina Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (NC DEBH) Distinguished Service Award

Your Career with Applied Behavior Analysis

Charlotte graduates carry advanced, practice-ready skills in behavior analysis to careers and settings that transform lives.

Top Occupations
Behavior Therapist
Special Education Teacher
Social Worker
Mental Health Counselor
Clinical Supervisor
Top Settings
Therapy Offices
School Districts
Clinics
Residential Facilities
Specialized Centers
Top Skills
Behavioral assessment
Intervention design
Developing behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
Adhering to ethical guidelines

Advance Your Future in Behavior Analysis with Charlotte

Gain the expertise and support to advance your career in behavior analysis with Charlotte’s flexible, fully online graduate certificate program.

Explore Official University Catalog

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