ABA Frequently Asked Questions
General Topics | Program-Specific | Field Experience | Admissions
General Topics
What is applied behavior analysis (ABA)?
“Applied behavior analysis is largely based on behavior and its consequences, and techniques generally involve teaching individuals more effective ways of behaving and working to change the social consequences of existing behavior. Treatment approaches based on ABA have been empirically proven effective in various areas. However, because ABA was first used with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, this practice area has the largest evidence base and has received the most recognition.” (www.bacb.com).
Where can I learn more about ABA?
Association of Professional Behavior Analysts: www.apbahome.net
Association for Behavior Analysis International: www.abainternational.org
Behavior Analyst Certification Board website: www.BACB.com
Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis: https://tennesseeaba.org
What type of career is a behavior analyst likely to have?
These options vary based on board certification and licensure requirements. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will likely have a subspecialty based on their coursework and training experience. Subspecialties may include Autism and DD/ID, Behavioral Gerontology, Behavioral Pediatrics, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Clinical Behavior Analysis, Education, Health and Fitness, Organizational Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Supports, Prevention/Intervention in Child Maltreatment, Sports, Treatment and Substance Abuse. The roles of individuals with such subspecialties may range from a consultant to a direct treatment provider. For more information, visit https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/
Program-Specific Questions
What are my applied behavior analysis concentration options at Tennessee Tech?
M.A.: Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction with an ABA concentration: 33 credit hours total
Ed.S.: Specialist in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with an ABA concentration: 30 credit hours total
Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy in Exceptional Learning with ABA Concentration: 79 credit hours total
How does Tech's ABA program prepare students to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?
We are an ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) provider. Tennessee Tech's ABA coursework meets the Pathway 2: Behavior Analytic Coursework criteria set forth by the BACB for board exam eligibility. Students take 24 hours of ABA concentration courses and their other degree-level requirements. All ABA concentration courses are offered online.
What type of background do I need to prepare for the ABA program?
Effective 2022, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board began allowing any accredited bachelor’s degree to be accepted for those pursuing a master’s or further in ABA.TTU will follow the Board’s recommendations by accepting all bachelor’s backgrounds. That said, we are part of the Curriculum and Instruction department. This means courses will have a stronger emphasis on school-aged topics and populations. Students will be accepted assuming they have some background knowledge related to working with individuals with special needs and school-aged populations. Preferred backgrounds include education, early childhood, psychology, and sociology. Your advisor may suggest additional courses if needed.
Do I have to become Board Certified if I complete this program?
Although the ABA program prepares students for board exam coursework eligibility, completing the exam is not a requirement. Students may seek an advanced degree with an ABA concentration to advance their knowledge in the field.
What type of career will this degree prepare me to have?
ABA career options vary. Because we are an approved, verified course sequence provider, all graduates will have the coursework necessary for board exam eligibility. Because we are housed with the College of Education and Human Sciences, students who do not wish to pursue board certification will have advanced degrees in Curriculum and Instruction. This allows for employment in the school system and education/ behavior consultation roles. Students seeking board certification will be prepared to enter the ABA workforce as an in-home, clinical, or residential service provider. Fieldwork experience hours will shape expertise areas.
Are the courses online?
Yes, all ABA courses are online. Ph.D. students will be required to attend a few on-campus, non-ABA courses.
How long does the program take? Can I pursue it at a faster or slower rate?
On average, students complete the master’s program in two years. Courses can be paced faster or slower but are offered sequentially. Students are required to take summer courses given the sequenced offering. If seeking board certification, you must also follow the minimum to maximum allowable supervision hours. Although supervision hours do not impact courses, you will be required to complete all VCS courses and, at minimum, a master’s degree before gaining board exam eligibility.
Can I transfer credits into this program?
Degree level transfers and BACB exam eligibility transfers are two different entities. Your advisor will review potential degree level transfer credits. ABA course related transfers will need to be reviewed and approved by the BACB at your expense before board exam eligibility.
How much is tuition?
Total program costs vary due to multiple factors and tuition changes each year. A graduate student should be enrolled full-time and taking at least six credit hours to be eligible for financial aid. Some online courses require students to pay additional fees to cover material costs. TTU’s Bursar’s Office provides an updated tuition and fee schedule. More information can be found by visiting: https://www.tntech.edu/bursar/tuition/
Fieldwork Experience Questions
What is the Fieldwork Experience requirement for board exam eligibility?
Before board exam eligibility, students seeking board certification must complete a supervised fieldwork experience under a qualified supervisor. The fieldwork experience is separate from Tech's coursework requirements. The BACB offers two types of supervised fieldwork. Option 1 is Supervised Fieldwork experience. Option 1 Supervised Fieldwork Experience requires 2,000 fieldwork hours under a qualified supervisor with at least four contacts, one observation, and 5% of hours supervised monthly. Option 2 is Concentrated Fieldwork experience through an approved university. Option 2 Concentrated Fieldwork experience requires 1,500 fieldwork hours under a qualified supervisor with at least six contacts, one observation, and 10% of hours supervised monthly.
Does Tech offer Concentrated Fieldwork Experience?
This varies per semester and professor availability. The Concentrated Fieldwork experience is offered during semesters when professors can take on such demands. The fieldwork course may be substituted as electives in the Program of Study. Students will need to take additional Concentrated Fieldwork Experience courses outside of their Program of Study to obtain all required hours.
Is the Fieldwork Experience required at Tennessee Tech?
No, it is not a requirement.
Who can I get to be my field experience supervisor?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) who has been certified for at least one year and meets the supervision requirements outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board can supervise you. The BACB directory lists analysts in your area who meet the criteria and are willing to supervise. The directory may be found by visiting: https://www.bacb.com/services/o.php?page=101135
When can I begin accumulating Field Experience hours?
You can begin accruing hours after the first day of your first ABA course. You must also have a signed contract with your field experience supervisor.
Where can I find more information about the Field Experience?
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) recently published a manual with all field experience requirements. More information, including the manual, can be found by visiting: https://bacb.com/bcba/#OngoingSupervision
Program Admission Questions
What are the ABA program admission requirements?
This varies based on the degree sought. Please see the Graduate Studies Admission website for more information.
What is the difference between an official transcript and an unofficial transcript?
Official transcripts are sent directly from another institution to Graduate Studies. Unofficial transcripts are any transcripts the student can access (i.e., the student ordered their official transcript and opened it or can access their unofficial transcripts online and create a PDF or image file of the transcript).
If I am a Tech Alumni, do I need to upload my transcript?
You may contact the Registrar’s office, and they will send your transcript to Graduate Studies free of charge.
How do I send my application documents?
When ready to apply to the program, you will submit your documents to the College of Graduate Studies via the Application Portal. The following link discusses the application process and will take you to the application portal: https://www.tntech.edu/graduatestudies/how-apply.php
