When it comes to choosing among the many ABA masters programs online, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll go over a few tips to help you choose the right program for you. Keep reading to learn more!
What is ABA?
The field of applied behavior analysis is a relatively new field that combines the principles of behaviorism with practical application. You analyze human behavior to see your patients on the right pathway to improving their quality of life. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is used to help people with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral issues. The goal of ABA is to help people learn new behaviors and to reduce problem behaviors.
To seek out higher education in ABA, such as getting a master’s degree may seem difficult in this day and age where in-person fieldwork is less available because of COVID regulations, even though we are slowly reopening as a country and world. However, getting the degree online is just as valid a master’s degree as in-person work, and there are ways to still get fieldwork experience as an applied behavioral analyst during your course sequence.
This type of program offers many benefits, including:
- affordability – most online programs charge lower tuition rates than traditional programs.
- flexibility – you can often complete your coursework at your own pace.
- convenience – you don’t have to commute to campus.
- accessibility – even if you don’t have a computer or internet access at home, you can still take classes by using the school’s computers or borrowing someone else’s laptop.
Now that you know what the perks of an online program are and what it means for ABA and your master’s degree, we can consider the other factors on how to achieve the degree for your future career goals.
Consider your location.
When considering an online ABA master’s program, it is important to first think about your location. Some programs may be offered in specific states or countries, while others may be more widely available. If you are interested in a program that is not offered in your area, it is important to research the accreditation of the program and whether it would be eligible for licensure in your state.
Consider your budget and decide accordingly.
When considering an online program to get your master’s in ABA, it is important for applicants to consider their budget and make a decision accordingly. Programs can range in price from around $1,000 to $50,000 or more. If you are looking for a less expensive program, be sure to check out the many programs that are offered online for less than $5,000. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive and prestigious program, expect to pay more.
Check out the college website.
While online program degrees are convenient and helpful, it’s important to make sure your school of choice is reputable. As such, there are a few key things applicants should look for when checking out an ABA master’s program online.
The first is accreditation. Check that the program is accredited by either the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This is important because it means that the program has been vetted by an external organization and meets a certain level of quality.
The second thing to look for is faculty experience. Make sure that the professors teaching in the program have experience working with children who have autism, adults who have autism, or other behavioral analysis conditions, as well as ABA. You want to be sure that you are learning from experts who have professional experience in the field.
Finally, look at what kind of coursework and the course sequence the program offers. Make sure that it covers all the necessary topics, such as assessment, intervention, ethics, and research methods. Also, be sure to check if there is an opportunity for the practicum experience. Hands-on experience is essential to learning how to apply ABA principles in real-world settings.
Consider the curriculum.
When considering an ABA master’s program, it is important to analyze the curriculum. The best programs will offer a well-rounded course of study that covers the basics of ABA methodology as well as more specialized topics. Coursework should also include supervised practicum experience to give students hands-on training. Additionally, many programs offer concentrations or specializations in areas such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health. It is important to find a program that matches your interests and career goals.
ABA is such an important field in our world, especially when it comes to diagnosing autism in adults, adults who go years not knowing why they act the way they do and why they exist in this world so differently from others. Earning an online ABA program degree means you’ll be able to help adults with autism, children with autism, and people with other behavioral issues like bipolar disorder and BPD understand themselves better and find their pathway to better.