Applying to the Program

We appreciate your interest in the Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations Graduate Certificate Program, offered at UMass Boston by the Center for Social Development & Education and Melmark New England.

The information below is also available in the ABA Information Packet.

Feel free to contact us if we can answer any of your question or provide additional information.

Maggie Pantridge
margaret.pantridge@umb.edu
617-287-7265

Mary Brady
mary.brady@umb.edu
617-287-7254

Our courses begin each September and run sequentially through the end of July each year. The deadline for applying to the ABA Graduate Certificate Program (through the Graduate College of Education) for the fall is August 1. However, if you submit your application after August 1 and submit all of your supporting documents before August 31, you may begin taking courses in the fall. Your admission to the program will then be considered for the following spring. If accepted, the two fall courses you have completed will be "transferred" into the program.

When applying for the ABA graduate certificate program please understand that you must meet the following prerequisites:

  • Completion of a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field approved by the Program Coordinator, Dr. Mary Brady (mary.brady@umb.edu)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or approval of Program Coordinator
  • Employed or volunteering currently at a site that enables you to dedicate at least 10 hours per week in applying behavior analytic skills. Note: let us know if you have not located an appropriate site and would like suggestions. Contact the program coordinator, Mary.brady@umb.edu

If you meet these prerequisites, we welcome you to apply to the program.

To apply, complete the application to the program through the University’s Graduate Admissions Office. You may obtain the application through the Web site and apply online or print the application and submit it along with other required documents. (See page 6 of the ABA Information Packet for details about the application process)

Specific steps for applying to the program are described below.

You are also responsible for checking the Behavior Analysis Certification Board frequently for the most current information about additional requirements that are not included within this graduate certificate program, such as experience and supervision.
www.bacb.com

Admissions to the ABA Graduate Certificate Program through the UMB Graduate Admissions Office MUST BE obtained BEFORE registering for the first course.

Step 1. Review the prerequisites: a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Education, Psychology or related field approved by Mary Brady (mary.brady@umb.edu), and 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Step 2. Review the Behavior Analysis Certification Board requirements describing the type of experience required, and type of setting for receiving supervision (at www.bacb.com).

Step 3. If you meet the prerequisites for admission to the UMass Boston ABA graduate certificate program, and are in an appropriate setting, obtain application or complete the online application through the Graduate Admissions Office at: http://www.umb.edu You are applying for admissions to the ABA Graduate Certificate Program through the College of Education Fall 06.

  • Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, AND the application fee. No tests are required, and No letters of recommendation. Instead of letters of recommendation, please submit contact information on the application form of three people familiar with your recent work and potential as a graduate student who could provide a reference on your behalf.
  • Written Statement: Please write one of the following as your Statement of Interest and Intent:
    1. an ABA plan with accompanying data, or FBA that you were instrumental in developing
      OR
    2. a two-page essay on Applied Behavior Analysis, what it is, how it is used, specific examples of when ABA might be appropriately used, and both the advantages and challenges to using ABA.

You will only be required to submit the following items listed under Final Instructions on the form:

  • Signed application form
  • Registration fee ($40 for instate, $60 for out of state)
  • (If applicable,) photocopy of front and back of alien registration card
  • Official Transcript from all of the colleges or universities you have attended, both graduate and undergraduate (request them to be mailed directly to Office of Graduate Admissions given below)
  • Contact information for three references
  • ABA writing sample (see description above)

In addition you are required to submit a completed AIS form (see page 20) describing your options for using ABA skills throughout the duration of the program.

You may submit the application form and fee electronically or mail them along with other required documents to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125-3393

*Please note, it is your responsibility to track the arrival of your transcripts and all application materials to Graduate Admissions. Once your application is received, you will receive a letter from Graduate Admissions with an identification number and pin that you can use to sign in at http://www.umb.edu/admissions/status.html and track the receipt of these items.

Step 4: Complete the Applicant Information Sheet (AIS) and submit to Graduate Admissions
See Appendix A

Please note: If you are currently in a setting/practicum site that does not enable you to apply behavior analytic skills or can only do so on a limited basis (less than 10 hours per week), and/or you are not working or volunteering at a site allowing at least 10 hours to apply behavioral analytic skills, you will not be accepted into the program.

Step 5: When approved, you will receive an official letter from the UMass/Boston Graduate Admissions Office. In early summer you will receive a logistics packet that outlines instructions for registering and other particulars. Registering for the first course begins in early August.

Two ABA courses are offered each semester one immediately following the other. You will be required to register for both courses before each semester.

Step 6: If you are attending classes at the UMass Boston site, you are required to submit immunization verification to the Health Office. This information will be included when you receive your acceptance letter.

If you are attending class at one of the other ITV sites you must contact the Health Office at 617.287.5660 to get exempt from this requirement.