Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Saint Louis University’s 15-credit post-baccalaureate certificate in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is designed for working professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are addressing growing behavioral and social-emotional needs in schools and related settings.

In this program, you will gain advanced, practice-oriented training that is both academically rigorous and directly applicable to your work. Applied behavior analysis is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and using evidence-based strategies to improve socially significant outcomes, including learning, communication and daily functioning. Through this training, you will develop practical skills to better support individuals with diverse needs, respond effectively to challenging behaviors, and create more supportive learning and service environments.

The program is offered fully online, and you can take one to two courses per semester, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities while building skills that can be immediately applied in your day-to-day practice.

As a stackable credential, the certificate allows you to apply your credits toward Saint Louis University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis or the Master of Social Work with an ABA concentration. This provides a clear pathway for further graduate study and advancement toward professional credentials, including becoming a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and/or a licensed social worker.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

1. Students will assess relevant behavior analysis literature and scholarly contributions.
2. Students will apply knowledge from ABA to address problems in broader contexts.

Admission Requirements

Application Criteria

• Application form 
• Official transcript(s)
• Resume or academic vitae
• Professional statement
• Interviews may be requested

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements: 

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency. SLU requires a TOEFL score of 92 or higher or equivalent PTE Academic score. 
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.
• Credential Evaluation Reports (such as the WES, ECE, Spantran, or Scholaro) are required. 

If admitted to the School of Social Work, the International Office will require additional documentation to issue an I-20. Questions about these requirements can be directed to internationalservices@slu.edu. 

Application Deadline

Fall Admissions 

• February 1- Priority deadline for any student wishing to be considered for merit-based scholarships, graduate assistantships and fellowship opportunities.   
• June 1- Final deadline for any international candidates wishing to begin their coursework in the fall of that year  
• August 1- Final deadline for any domestic student wishing to begin their coursework in the fall of that year 

Review Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions consider several factors to determine eligibility: academic achievement, the strength of the undergraduate program, application information, personal statement, work experience, any graduate degrees earned, motivation, leadership and service. The undergraduate GPA is weighted with other criteria in the admissions process.

Program Requirements

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For admission questions contact:

School of Social Work Graduate Admissions Office
sswadmissions@slu.edu
314-977-2752

For program questions contact:

Michael J. Passage, Ph.D., BCBA
Director of the applied behavior analysis program
Assistant clinical professor
michael.passage@slu.edu
314-977-2733