SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Seton Hall University’s College of Education and Human Services announces a new post-graduate certification program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The program is designed to prepare teachers and human services professionals for ABA careers in a variety of community, education and business settings, with clients including children, adults and seniors.

One of the leading therapies for children and adults with autism, ABA is the process of studying and developing useful skills in learners with autism and other developmental disabilities. ABA techniques can be used in structured situations such as classroom lessons as well as in everyday situations.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="501.0"] Brian M. Yankouski, Ed.S., BCBA, Instructor and Director of Applied Behavior Analysis Program[/caption]

“Our new graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis is one out of five programs in the state of New Jersey,” said program director Brian Yankouski. “The program will better prepare students at Seton Hall to become well-versed in scientifically-based behavioral practices that will impact the lives of individuals with autism and other disabilities.” Professor Yankouski is a board certified behavior analyst and certified school psychologist in the state of New Jersey and has worked with students with severe developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders and psychiatric conditions for the past nine years in both public and private school settings.

The 18-credit program is designed for teachers and human services professionals working with people diagnosed with autism and other behavioral disorders interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Students participating in Seton Hall’s ABA program will fulfill the coursework, field experience and supervision requirements to be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification examination.

Classes are based on the task list developed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. Coursework will include: Assessment and Intervention in Applied Behavior Analysis, Measurement and Experimental Design in Applied Behavior Analysis, Ethic, Legal, and Professional Issues for Behavior Analyst, and Basic Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis.

According to The Centers for Disease Control, one in 68 children nationally and one in 45 children in New Jersey has an autism spectrum disorder and the rate has increased by 30 percent in the past five years.  Regional employer demand for individuals certified in ABA has grown 90 percent in the last five years, and this new program will meet that need.

While the curriculum is designed for post-graduate students, courses are also open to individuals interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts. With a post-graduate certificate, students will have the opportunity to gain the analytical skills and core knowledge to develop, implement and evaluate quality techniques that help produce positive behavioral change in children with special needs.

For more information visit www.shu.edu/go/ABA.