University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin is also featured in our ranking 40 Best Online ABA Graduate Certificate Online Programs.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate

The Applied Behavior Analysis certificate offered at the University of Wisconsin prepares graduates for positions that create, coordinate and/or implement interventions with individuals on the autism spectrum and other disabilities. The program follows a Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. Verified Course Sequence. The program can be combined with a Master’s degree with a professional development emphasis.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a type of therapy designed to improve specific behaviors that improve social skills, fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality and job competence. The methods are effective for children and adults with psychological disorders, often used to address autism. Students learn to help those with disabilities transfer skills and behavior from one situation to another while also gaining an understanding of how to control situations that can lead to negative behaviors. Students learn to determine behaviors which need change, to set goals and determine expected outcomes as well as how to measure changes and improvements. Students develop new skills that can help those with disabilities avoid negative behaviors.

Students may enroll in the program on a part- or full-time basis. Courses required for the program include:

• Advanced Applications of ABA
• Advanced Behavior Management
• Advanced Methods – Focus on Single Subject Design
• Applied Action Research
• Collaborative Leadership
• Ethical Practice in ABA
• Foundations of Autism
• Methods of Autism
• Methods of Teaching Autism
• Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Reflective Practice and Action Research

Students pursuing first licensure must complete the Phase I and Phase II portfolio evaluation and have a 2.75 GPA. Students must have also completed:

• Advanced Behavior
• Assessment
• Characteristics
• Inclusive Methods
• Pluralistic
• Theory/Found

Students must also complete a practicum. In order to become a licensed Applied Behavior Analyst, students must pass the BCBA examination and apply for a Behavior Analyst license in Wisconsin. The program offered through the University of Wisconsin prepares students for licensure in that state, so students should contact the licensing department in their state to determine what requirements are necessary.

The program is available on-campus and online.

About University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin was created when state legislators created the Board of Regents of Normal Schools through state legislation in 1848, but officially got its start in 1838 when the University of the Territory of Wisconsin was incorporated. However, the initial board did not accomplish the creation of a school before Wisconsin became a state. In the state’s constitution, the establishment of a state university at or near the seat of government was included. The first classes were held at the Madison Female Academy in 1849.

A permanent campus site was chosen, 50 acres between King Street, Fourth Lake, and Mineral Point Road. The school was granted the authority to offer bachelor’s level degrees in 1927 and were renamed State Teachers College. When liberal studies were added, it became Wisconsin State College.

During World War II, the university was one of 131 nationally that provided the V-12 Navy College Training Program which allowed students to seek a Navy Commission. Over the years, campuses were added to the university, starting with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee campus in 1956. Green Bay and Parkside joined in 1968. Wisconsin legislators passed a law merging nine universities and four freshman-sophomore branch campuses into the Wisconsin State Universities System.

The merger in 1971, approved after long debate among legislators, created a system with 13 universities, 14 freshman-sophomore centers and statewide extension office in all 72 counties. In 1981, the freshman-sophomore center in Medford was closed by state law. Each university is named University of Wisconsin followed by the city or county where the campus is located.

Today, the University of Wisconsin System is one of the largest systems of public higher education I the world. There are more than 170,000 students enrolled and the university has more than 39,000 faculty and staff.

University of Wisconsin System Accreditation

The University of Wisconsin online program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation indicates that the university offers programs that are highly regarded by future employers. The university agrees to periodic reviews to confirm that students are receiving excellence in education and that they have the resources to meet their goals. Any area that is identified as needing improvement during the periodic review, the university agrees to address as soon as possible.

In addition to regional accreditation, programs throughout the university are accredited by industry-specific organizations and associations.

University of Wisconsin Application Requirements

In order to apply for the University of Wisconsin Applied Behavior Analysis certificate, students must complete an online application. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and must be enrolled in a graduate program. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities must be provided. Students may need to provide official GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, letters of intent, goal statements and could be asked to submit to a personal interview.

University of Wisconsin Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition is $7,662 for full time study for Wisconsin residents and $16,235 for non-residents. Minnesota residents pay $8,180. Wisconsin residents pay $495.95 per credit hour for graduate studies and non-residents pay $1,023.64.

The University of Wisconsin offers financial aid to students who are seeking degrees. In order to be considered for financial aid must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and student loans, both governmental and private. The college also accepts employer-paid financial aid as well as veteran’s benefits. In 2015-16, undergraduate students received $1.3 billion in financial aid. Students received $466.6 million in grants, $844.9 million in loans and $11.6 million in federal work-study. Federal sources accounted for 72 percent of all financial aid while state sources accounted for 7 percent. Approximately 67 percent of all students attending the University of Wisconsin receive financial aid.

Successfully completing an online undergraduate degree through the University of Wisconsin eCampus allows students to further their education while still meeting family, employment and social obligations that make it difficult for them to attend traditional classes.