In 1853, a school was established at an outpost known as Beaver, Pennsylvania. The school, which was planned to teach ancient history, rhetoric, logic and analogy, was established where General McIntosh established a fort during the American Revolutionary War. In 1872, the school gained collegiate status and was renamed Beaver College. Due to changes in population, Beaver College moved to Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, in 1925. The college grew so rapidly, the Board of Trustees found it necessary to place limitations on enrollment.
In an effort to meet the growing enrollment, the college purchased a local estate, Grey Towers, operating both campuses until the 1960s when all classes were moved to Grey Towers. Initially, the school was operated under the Methodist Episcopal Church but separated from the church and is now independently controlled, although it is ecumenical in spirit. In 2000, the name of the school was changed to Arcadia University.
Today, Arcadia University is ranked one of the top regional universities in the north by US News and World Report and the number one study abroad university. The Princeton Review ranks it one of the best northeastern colleges. There are over 4,000 students enrolled at Arcadia and more than 26,000 alumni.
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Arcadia University Accreditation Details
Arcadia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which means that parents, students and employers understand that graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers. It also means that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the accrediting agency and that it has the resources to meet their goals.
Arcadia University is also accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Council of Applied Master’s Programs in Psychology which indicates students in the counseling, behavioral and psychology programs are gaining knowledge that meets the accrediting agencies rigorous standards.
Arcadia University Application Requirements
Arcadia’s program appears in our ranking: Best Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Students who have not completed any college credits before high school graduation are considered freshmen at Arcadia University. Students must complete an application for admission and submit official high school transcripts. Official ACT and SAT scores are also required. One letter of recommendation is required, and students may submit an essay as well as a list of activities although these are not required.
Students who have earned college credit after graduation from high school are considered transfer students. Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must be in good standing at the last college or university attended and must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students with less than 29 credits must also submit high school transcripts as well as ACT or SAT scores.
Graduate admission policies are different depending on the program the student plans to enter, so students are encouraged to speak to an admissions counselor.
Arcadia University Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition is $41,630 per year. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program the student chooses to enter and ranges from $7,000 to $42,100.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for any financial aid at Arcadia University. As many as 99 percent of all undergraduate students obtain financial aid and as many as 80 percent of undergraduate students are provided aid in the form of merit or academic scholarships. Students may also qualify for grants, loans and work-study programs to offset the cost of tuition.
Arcadia University Degree Programs Available
Master of Education Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 36-credit program that provides students with knowledge of behavioral principles that are used to assist those with learning disabilities in an educational setting. The program provides an understanding of the development and enhancement in comprehension using effective evidence-based practices. The program is available entirely online. Students must complete Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis Studies prior to entering the program. Courses required to complete the program include:
- Behavior Analysis of Child Development
- Behavioral Consultation in Homes, Schools and Communities
- Cultural Foundations of Education
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Interpreting Educational Research
- Principles and Teaching Strategies
- Procedures for Behavior Change
- Strategies for Youth with Emotional Behavior Disorders
Students must also choose three of the following elective courses:
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- Character Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Disability Studies and Special Education Law
- Positive Behavioral Approaches
- Special Topics in Autism
- Teaching Methods for Students with Autism
Students must also complete a culminating project that is arranged and designed in consultation with the student’s adviser.
In order to apply to the program, students should complete an online application and submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Students must submit letters of recommendation which must be of a professional or academic nature and not personal. Students who have been out of school for less than five years, one letter of recommendation must be from a professor while students who have been out of school for five years or more may submit letters from employers or persons who know them in a professional capacity.
The program prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination but there are additional requirements required. Students must have a degree in a related field in order to sit for the examination.
The need for experts in Applied Behavior Analysis is growing as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act calls for functional behavioral assessment prior to the suspension of students with disabilities. Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to support youth and adults with autism, conduct disorders, depression and other cognitive issues. Arcadia University instructors have extensive experience as behavior analysts and the program is designed to create graduates with expertise in the analysis of behavior and the skills necessary to effect change in the community, schools and homes.
Arcadia University has been providing outstanding education since it began as a small school at an outpost in 1853. Today, the university offers a wide range of degree programs using an online format that allows working adults to achieve their higher education goals. The online programs at Arcadia University allow people who may have family, social and work obligations who may be unable to attend traditional classes to move into a new career or advance in a current career.
