ABA & Psychology Programs at Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is also featured in our ranking of the 30 Best Colleges for Students on the Autism Spectrum
Studying applied behavior analysis and related areas while at Appalachian State University may take many forms, from certificate programs to graduate degrees to doctoral programs. Students at the start of their college careers may want to choose the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which is an introduction to the study of human behavior and the mind.
One of the interesting facets of the university’s psychology program is that students can focus on many different areas like health studies and human services. Students may benefit from adding a related minor to their program in an area like sociology or criminal justice, and earning a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University requires that students choose at least one minor.
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Another program option at Appalachian State University for ABA studies is the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate, which may aid graduates in working in public and private schools and for social and human service agencies. Students can begin their certificate program in any semester or during the summer.
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree may want to look into the Master of Arts in Psychology program, which features advanced study topics with available concentrations of clinical psychology and experimental psychology. Applicants who want to eventually earn a PsyD will choose the clinical concentration. Students can also use the program to gain certification or licensure.
The university also offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires that students complete 60 hours of study in preparation for work as counselors and other health professionals in human service agencies. There are five concentrations offered that include marriage and family counseling, body-centered therapy, general counseling, addictions counseling, and expressive arts therapy.
Further programs that are available in applied behavior analysis include the Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling and the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. The doctoral program is designed to help students work with rural populations.
Although the university doesn’t offer any of its full degree programs in ABA through its online distance education program, students can earn the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate in a hybrid format where some classes are offered online. Some programs are also offered at satellite campuses throughout the state.
About Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is located in Boone, North Carolina, and was originally a teacher’s college when it was founded in 1899. The university has more than 19,000 students attending and is the sixth-largest university in the North Carolina system. The university has been part of the state’s university system since 1971. Students may enroll in more than 175 undergraduate programs, more than 40 graduate programs, and a doctoral program for educational leadership.
The official colors of the university are gold and black, and the official mascot is named Yosef. Students on the university’s varsity teams are known as the Mountaineers, and they play in NCAA Division I games for sports like football, basketball, and cycling. The university’s Boone campus covers 1,300 acres, and there are eight colleges and one graduate school that make up the university’s campus.
Appalachian State University Accreditation Details
Regional accreditation for Appalachian State University is given by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which allows the institution to award college degrees. National accreditation ensures a university adheres to various peer-reviewed standards for operation. The university is also accredited by several other organizations that are recognized by the Department of Education.
Some of those programmatic accreditations are granted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation, and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Further accreditations come from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
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Appalachian State University Application Requirements
The minimum requirement for attending Appalachian State University includes having a 2.5 GPA when the student has earned 24 or more transferable credits from college. First-time college students require the submission of SAT and ACT scores and evidence of minimum course requirements for students who are under the age of 21. The university indicates that meeting the school’s minimum application requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance.
Items required for first-year admission include a non-refundable application fee of $65, the completed online application, and official high school or secondary school transcripts. Students who are younger than 23-years-old should submit self-reported test scores, as well as any college transcripts for previously completed courses. The university will accept a fee waiver for the application fee for economically disadvantaged students via the Official Application Fee Waiver form.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students interested in qualifying for tuition as a resident of North Carolina must complete the Residency Determination Service form. Students who qualify for resident tuition rates will pay a tuition of $2,121 for 12 or more credits per semester, as well as fees of $1,421. Costs also include a book rental fee of $150, a health service fee of $1662.50, and an intern practicum fee for student teachers and students enrolled in internships.
Out-of-state students will pay $9,524.50 for their tuition per semester and will pay the same fees as resident students for other costs associated with attending the university. For graduate students, the rate for in-state tuition is $2,419.50 for in-state students and $9,135.50 for out-of-state students. Additional fees come to $1,421, and students will also pay a health service fee of $162.50. Some graduate programs may charge a different rate for tuition.
Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at Appalachian State University if they have questions about applying for financial aid. All students will submit their FAFSA form in advance of receiving a financial aid award from the university, and that form is available in October. The university offers financial aid resources for on-campus students, veterans, study abroad candidates, and students taking distance education or online classes.
Financial aid awards offered by the university may include some combination of grants, loans, student employment offers, and scholarships. Some applicants may need to submit additional documents during the financial aid process to qualify for loans. Students who receive outside scholarships must inform the school of their awards. Additionally, receiving scholarships directly from Appalachian State University also requires an additional form, and information about university scholarships is available from the Office of Admissions.