Ed Bengtson
Head, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
206 Peabody Hall
479-575-4209
Email: egbengts@uark.edu

Elizabeth Lorah
410 Arkansas Avenue
479-575-6210
Email: lorah@uark.edu

Graduate Certificate Offered:
Applied Behavior Analysis (non-degree)(APBAGC)

Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis (APBA):

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is for those individuals who wish to pursue board certification in behavior analysis. The program builds on candidate’s previous knowledge of behavior strategies and extends knowledge and skills in the use of applied behavior analysis. Classes emphasize the development and ethical use of behavior change programs that are validated by systematic evaluation of the interventions used. Ethical, professional, and legal standards are discussed and used in relation to applied behavior analysis.

Admission requirements for the graduate certificate program include: A minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Program of Study
SPED 6843Basic Principles of ABA3
SPED 6853Behavioral Assessment in ABA3
SPED 6863Behavior Change Procedures and Supports3
SPED 6873Measurement and Experimental Design3
SPED 6883ABA Ethical, Professional, and Legal Standards3
SPED 6453Human Performance Improvement3
SPED 6463Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis3
Total Hours21

Candidates for the graduate certificate must have a B or higher in the program of study. Courses from other institutions will not be substituted for the required courses. The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis can be infused into the Master of Special Education degree program.

Dismissal Based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors in Applied Behavior Analysis

The University of Arkansas Applied Behavior Analysis program adheres to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analyst, as well as program specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

  1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty. 
  2. Any candidate may be suspended by the program coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life).

The program coordinator, in consultation with the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the Applied Behavior Analysis program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for certification.   

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook and the graduate school website

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.