Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is also featured in our ranking 40 Best Online ABA Graduate Certificate Online Programs.

Saint Louis University Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program

Saint Louis University (SLU) offers an online Applied Behavior Analysis certificate for post-graduate students who have already received a master’s degree in a related field that had a Behavior Analysis Certification Board approved course sequence. The practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) seeks to address problematic or dysregulated behavior in individuals to create positive changes. Examples of populations an ABA therapist may treat are students with intellectual disabilities, adults with substance abuse problems, or adolescents with mental health difficulties. Workplace environments include public or private schools, mental health agencies, or homes. The certificate program will also prepare graduates to begin doctoral programs in ABA.

The ABA certificate at SLU requires six courses that are each three credit-hours. To broaden their knowledge base and gain experience in the field, students may also elect to complete nine credit-hours of supervised field education. The fieldwork component is designed for students who have little professional experience in mental health or social work. Practicum credits must be completed at an approved organization and require logging 1,000 hours of fieldwork. Foundational ABA certificate coursework includes Principles and Concepts in Behavior Analysis, Measurement and Experimental Design, Assessment and Selecting Interventions, Behavior Change and Processes, and Ethics. The capstone course of the certificate is Special Topics I, which guides candidates in completing a thesis. In general, full-time students may earn the certificate in three semesters. Part-time students may finish in six semesters. The thesis needs of a particular student or a student choosing to complete practicum hours may extend the length of study. Outside of fieldwork, all courses may be completed online.

The ABA certificate program is offered through the SLU School of Social Work, giving graduates an interdisciplinary approach that keeps them focused on the needs of their clients. SLU is the only university in the country that offers ABA study from a social work school. Another notable feature of the program is its extensive training for the ABA exam. Students taking the exam with a degree or certificate from SLU have an almost 100% pass-rate.

About Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a private, research university with a campus in St. Louis, Missouri and one in Madrid, Spain. It is a Roman Catholic University and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. SLU was founded in 1818 by Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg making it the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. Classes were originally taught in a private home before the institution moved into a two-story building and took on the name Saint Louis College in 1820. The university did not move to its current location until an 1867 purchase of land following the Civil War. In 1944, the university began admitting African-American students, becoming the first university in Missouri to do so. About 20 years later, SLU established a campus in Madrid.

SLU has an enrollment of 8,500 undergraduate and 4,500 graduate students. Its historic campus is home to four libraries and a well-known clock tower that has become the center of student activity. In 2007, the university completed its Edward A. Doisy Research Center, giving medical and science students access to cutting-edge technology and work spaces for original research projects. In total, SLU offers 180 degree programs. Twenty-five of these may be completed online.

Saint Louis University Accreditation Details

Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. SLU first gained accreditation in 1916 and was most recently reaffirmed in 2012. The school’s next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2022.

The certificate courses at SLU satisfy the requirements for a student to sit for the exam to become a board-certified behavior analyst, and the course sequence is verified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

Saint Louis University Application Requirements

Applicants for the certificate program must first apply for acceptance to SLU graduate studies. The graduate application may be completed online, and students must pay a $55 application fee. The fee is $65 for international applicants. Candidates must have official copies of all college and university transcripts submitted to SLU. International students must also submit proof of a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or an 80 on the internet-based TOEFL. A Declaration of Financial Support form must be submitted by all international students.

Applicants to the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program must have a master’s degree in one of the following fields: education, psychology, or behavior analysis. It is preferred that students have some background in ABA or have taken previous ABA courses. In addition to the graduate school documents mentioned above, applicants must submit three academic and professional letters of recommendation, a resume, and a professional statement. Applicants must complete an interview to be accepted into the program. This interview may be conducted in-person or over the phone. Potential candidates will be admitted to the program based on past academic achievement, professional experience in fields related to ABA, leadership potential, and research background.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition for ABA courses is $970 per credit hour. Additional fees will be assessed each semester that cover access to library and technology resources. The certificate requires 18 credit hours for completion, and full tuition for the program is $17,460. Students who choose the optional nine credit hours of practicum must pay tuition and fieldwork fees for those hours.

Certificate program students may be eligible for graduate loans through the university or the federal government. Students who wish to know their eligibility for federal aid should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students in the certificate program may also apply for university scholarships and partial graduate assistantships. These assistantships are available on a competitive basis and are arranged through the School of Social Work. Once candidates begin their course of study, they may apply for funds to attend conferences, training, and other educational or networking opportunities.

For more information about the online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate at Saint Louis University, visit the program page.