Acquire the expertise and practical skills through a master's degree to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Led by leading experts from South Dakota, our applied behavior analysis curriculum is tailored to meet the specific needs of the state's rural communities. Gain a deep understanding of behavior principles, reinforcement strategies, functional behavior assessments and behavior change procedures. With a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, you will learn to provide culturally competent and ethically sound behavior analysis services to address the behavioral challenges faced by individuals across diverse populations, including those with autism, developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
The program offers supervised training and hands-on experiences to ensure you are well-prepared for real-world situations. Under the guidance of professional educators, you will have the opportunity to apply behavior analysis techniques in clinical settings, schools or community-based organizations. This training enhances your competence and confidence in implementing effective behavior interventions and designing behavior support plans tailored to individuals' unique needs.
This comprehensive program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a proficient behavior analyst. This program requires 30 credit hours and is offered online. One course is offered in a hybrid format to gain practical hands-on experiences through supervised training in our Sioux Falls, South Dakota location. Establish a deep understanding of behavior analysis principles and evidence-based interventions to address behavioral challenges across diverse populations. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to work towards your career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Through this flexible certificate, you'll gain a foundational education in evidence-based practice that focuses on assessing the environmental influences on behavior, assessment-based intervention and data-driven decision making. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to work toward your career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
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The Department of Public Health and Health Sciences emphasizes collaborative learning, equipping students with a rich understanding of the health care field and preparing them to excel in careers such as advocating for health policy, promoting health through education, managing health data analytics and leading collaborative health care teams. The department offers degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels.
The Center for Brain and Behavior Research (CBBRe) promotes outstanding training of research students and fellows, feeding the pipeline of creative independent scientists in the fields of neuroscience and behavioral science.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
As a full-time professional with a family, USD’s program has truly been a great fit for me. The instructors have current real-life experience in the field. The partnership with LifeScape utilizes and implements the principles we use. I look forward to continued learning and growth through the BCBA® program at USD.
Jeanie Utley, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Therapy Manager
Lifescape, Sioux Falls, SD
