Studying ABA Therapy at Central Methodist
Central Methodist University is also featured in our ranking of the Top 20 Online Applied Behavior Analysis Bachelor’s Degree and BCaBA Coursework Programs.
Since Fall 2014, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has gone digital on Blackboard to grant a Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis to Central Methodist University undergrads online. Led by Dr. Francine Baffa, founder of Integrated Behavior and Educational Services LLC, the 124-credit program trains students to conduct efficient behavioral assessments for individualized interventions. Reserved for juniors with 60+ credits, the 2+2 option integrates eight-week online courses like Child Development, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Data Analysis, Behavioral Pharmacology, and Behavior Change Procedures. Online lectures with a 12:1 student-professor ratio are asynchronous, but at least three virtual check-ins are required via webcam per semester. One popular transfer pathway is CMU’s partnership with the Crowder College Associate of Arts in Psychology program in Neosho, Missouri.
Earning the Online BS in Applied Behavior Analysis still requires hands-on work in two six-credit, intensive practica for around 500 clock hours. Fieldwork is arranged in Central Methodist students’ own hometowns at any agency supporting children with developmental or behavioral disabilities. Some potential placements are the Burrell Autism Center, Easter Seals Midwest, High Road School, Judevine Center, Rising Abilities, KEEN Kansas City, Summit Behavioral Services, and Missing Piece Learning. Other non-compulsory opportunities include volunteering with Best Buddies, joining the Champions of Character, pursuing Pi Gamma Mu Honors, continuing for the Master of Science in Counseling, and studying abroad from Ireland to India. Study ends with a capstone project to reinforce skills on the BACB task list and finish the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst process.
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About Central Methodist University
Central Methodist University was originally built in one Methodist Episcopal Church South building in April 1853 by Nathan Scarritt and David Rice McAnally. Chartered by the Missouri General Assembly two years later, Central grew to acquire Howard-Payne College in 1922 and Marvin College in 1924. Now endowed for $31.4 million, CMU operates as a private, civic-engaged IAMSCU liberal arts school with 70+ programs, including the BS in Applied Behavior Analysis. Central Methodist attracts 5,437 Eagles both online and in-person beyond its 55-acre Columbia Metro campus near Lilac Hill. Linked to 2,924 LinkedIn alumni, CMU has trained William Fletcher McMurry, Danielle Moore, Roger B. Wilson, Bill Chott, and others.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Central Methodist the 27th best Midwest college and 37th best value with 63 percent retention. On Niche, CMU has America’s 125th best therapy program, 351st top athletics, 365th best dorms, and 505th most conservative values. Times Higher Education placed Central Methodist University in the top 600 institutions nationally. In Washington Monthly, CMU was declared the 109th best baccalaureate university with the 55th highest Peace Corps participation. College Factual chose Central Methodist for the country’s 262nd best buy and 87th best human sciences degrees. Placed 154th by WalletHub, Central Methodist University was also named the 11th cheapest online bachelor’s pick on OnlineU.
Central Methodist University Accreditation Details
In April 2018, Central Methodist University started the evaluation process to renew its Level IV accreditation for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) under president Roger D. Drake, PhD. This regional body is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit all of CMU’s nine associate, 63 baccalaureate, and six master’s majors from Perryville to Maryland Heights and online. The public school is recognized by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. The Bachelor of Science in ABA follows a verified course sequence of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Central Methodist holds approval from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) too.
Central Methodist University Application Requirements
Starting the BS in Applied Behavior Analysis means passing the “selective” Central Methodist University admission rate of 61 percent. First-year Eagles who’ve only finished a high school diploma or GED qualify for pre-BSBA courses in Fayette. Admitted freshmen present an average GPA of 3.45, SAT score of 1030, and ACT score of 23. The Crowder College AA in Psychology path is less competitive with minimum ACT English and Math scores of 18 and 22 respectively. Juniors or transfers must have 60 credits, including a 42-credit block of requisites like Intro to Psychology and Research Methods. Online BSBA entrants should have collegiate GPAs of 2.75 or higher. International admission also mandates scoring at least 550 on the TOEFL and 6.0 on the IELTS or passing Level 112 ESL study.
Central Methodist University accepts Online ABA applicants from 49 states, excluding Florida. The priority deadlines are February 1st for Fall and October 1st for Spring, but admission is rolling. Hopeful undergrads should file the Non-Fayette Campus Application online. If needed, extra materials could be sent to 411 Central Methodist Square in Fayette, Missouri 65248 or emailed to admissions@centralmethodist.edu. Future behavior analysts shouldn’t forget the following:
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- Check or credit card for the one-time $20 fee
- Official transcripts from all accredited colleges
- Transfer equivalency course evaluation forms
- One or two letters of faculty recommendation
- English language proficiency tests (if applicable)
Central Methodist University Tuition and Financial Aid
Studying full-time at Central Methodist University’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences costs $23,650 each year. Budgets must include the $120 educational resource fee, $30 health clinic fee, $110 classroom assessment fee, and $25 career center fee. That’s before the $7,940 is added for room and board in Fayette for a $32,360 annual price tag. Fortunately, the Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis follows a different pay schedule of $250 per credit. Finishing the 2+2 track of 64 credits will cost approximately $16,000 in total.
According to the NCES College Navigator, 100 percent of full-time CMU Eagles share $20.9 million in yearly assistance worth $14,620 each on average. Applied behavior analysis majors could receive institutional awards, such as the Gulstad Transfer Scholarship, United Methodist Half-Tuition Scholarship, Legacy Grant, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Sibling Grant, and Civic Engagement Scholarship. Submitting the FAFSA application with code 002453 by March 15th could open Federal Pell Grant or Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant funding. Show-Me State natives often claim the Access Missouri Grant, Missouri A+ Scholarship, Public Service Officer Grant, or AP Incentive Grant. Niche reports that CMU undergrads borrow a mean amount of $7,160 yearly in Perkins, Direct Subsidized, and Direct Unsubsidized loans. Other options at Central Methodist University include Federal Work-Study jobs, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and external programs like the Autism Recovery ABA Scholarship.
