Eastern Kentucky University has a new online graduate program in psychology with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. There are two paths to completion: one to accommodate students seeking a master’s degree and another for students who already hold a master’s degree in an associated field. Both the degree and certificate options provide students with coursework needed to pursue their Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential, positioning them to help fill a need for behavioral healthcare in Kentucky and surrounding states.
“This degree is the next step toward a broad range of career options for EKU graduates, such as helping children with autism, counseling those affected by the opioid crisis or providing support for the growing senior citizen population,” explained Dr. Robert Brubaker, chair of the psychology department.
Behavior analysts work in any setting where a behavior change is needed. They often find employment in schools, residential facilities, corrections facilities and substance abuse rehabilitation hospitals.
EKU’s curriculum is endorsed as a Verified Course Sequence by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, which means program graduates will have completed the educational requirement for taking the BCBA exam.
Students can earn the master’s degree in as quickly as 15 months. Those who already have a master’s degree in psychology, education or behavior analysis can earn a certificate in one year.
Dr. Myra Beth Bundy, program coordinator and professor, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Having completed the BCBA exam herself, she looks forward to supporting students as they work toward their own credentials. “There are a lot of people in our communities who want to make a difference. Our goal is to give them the education and mentorship needed to achieve that,” she said.
The online ABA program is designed for the working professional with no campus visits required. The GRE is waived for those who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Courses are taught in convenient eight-week terms. EKU Online has a strong reputation for student support services, which include personalized advising, direct access to instructors and free one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Applications are now being accepted for the spring term. For more information about the EKU Online degree or certificate option in applied behavior analysis, visit go.eku.edu/onlineABA.