The Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate is an online program that allows you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to become a caring, competent, and culturally aware practitioner of applied behavior analysis. This program prepares you for a career working alongside neurodiverse individuals — including people diagnosed with autism — and their families.

  • Online 8-course sequence curriculum
  • Two live sessions per term
  • Engaging and interactive asynchronous content
  • Preparation for certification exam
  • Focus on Cultural Awareness
  • One course every 8 weeks

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis follows a cohort model designed to meet the Verified Course Sequence Requirements of the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. See Truman State University’s ABAI VCS Course Sequence Information. For more information regarding the complete requirements to become eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

ABAI VCS Course Sequence

For information on State Authorization and licensure requirements in a particular state or territory, see State Authorization. To become Board Certified Behavior Analysts, students must complete an examination. Individual states, where Behavior Analysis is regulated, may have differing requirements for internships and other steps they may require to practice in their state.

Why Truman?

Online courses + Practical Field Experience
Experienced and Involved Professors
Focus on Cultural Awareness

Learn from the best

Meet the Faculty

Slide 1 - Maryellen Jensen
Dr. Maryellen Koch Jensen, Director of Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis

Dr. Jensen is the Director of Disability Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center and Clinical Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Truman State University. Her area of specialty is working with individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Jensen has been involved in the field of Developmental Disabilities and Autism for 34 years. First as a mom and a Chiropractor and then as a Special Educator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has worked with individuals from birth to 65 years old, in clinics, schools, homes, habilitation centers and now at the new Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center. Dr. Jensen earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC, her Masters of Education from Arkansas State University and her graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is Board Certified and a Licensed Behavior Analyst as well as a member of Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Dr. Jensen is a strong advocate for clients and their families, as well as students learning to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

Christopher Rosado
Slide 2 - Christopher Rosado
Dr. Christopher Rosado, PhD, BCBA, Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Rosado is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and has been practicing behavior analysis for more than 10 years. His areas of specialty include treatment for individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, and health, exercise, and wellness. Dr. Rosado is actively involved in research and has presented at various regional and national conferences. He is a member of several professional organizations and routinely serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Christopher Rosado
Slide 3- Julie Lochbaum
Dr. Julie Lochbaum, PhD, Professor of Education and Chair of the Disability Studies Minor Program

Dr. Lochbaum is a Professor in Education at Truman State University, where she also earned her undergraduate degree. Her Master of Arts in Teaching and her PhD in the Foundations of Education were both earned at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. An experienced K-12 teacher, she was previously an Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Education Programs and Policies Specialist, and Faculty Development Officer at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine – part of AT Still University. In 2003 she became the Founding Director of Truman’s Center for Teaching and Learning. Outside of Truman, Dr. Lochbaum serves on the board of Adair County SB-40, whose mission is to engage in advocacy, promote inclusion, and provide essential resources to assist people with developmental disabilities to live self-determined lives.

Julie Lochbaum
Slide 5 - Michelle Thorn
Dr. Michelle Thorn, PhD, Adjunct Instructor

Dr. Thorn has worked in the field of ESE since 2005. She has experience in residential, home, and school settings plus at the University level. Dr. Thorn earned her undergraduate degree in psychology/criminal justice in 2005, a master's degree in criminal justice in 2007, and a master's degree in special education/autism in 2009 from the University of Central Florida. She then earned her doctorate in special education/applied behavior analysis degree in 2017 from Nova Southeastern. Her dream job was to be a profiler for the FBI. However, after graduating with her bachelor's degree, she started working in a residential school for individuals with developmental delays and fell in love with this field. She went back and earned her master's in special education with a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders and then her doctorate in special education and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Thorn has a wonderful husband, two kids, and a Labrador. Her family is an outdoor family and they love to be on their boat and go to the islands to camp or hang for the day plus go fishing and scuba diving for fun or for lobster.

Christopher Rosado
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ABA Program—Academic Calendar

Program starts in spring and fall each year. Eight-week courses offered year-round.

2024

Spring First BlockSpring Second BlockSummer Eight-Week
1/10/24-3/5/243/18/24-5/11/246/3/24-7/27/24
Fall First BlockFall Second Block
8/14/24-10/8/2410/14/24-12/14/24

Admission

Admission is made on a rolling basis but is limited to 24 students per cohort. Apply early for priority consideration. Once a given cohort is full, you will be asked to defer until the following term.

Apply by August 1

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • Personal statement
  • Official transcripts
  • Background check
  • Completion of a master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0
Regrettably, we are unable to consider applications for fully-online programs by individuals who reside outside of the United States and its territories at this time.  International applicants are still encouraged to consider our face-to-face programs located on campus in Kirksville, Missouri.

Tuition

24
credit hours
$488
per credit hour
$11,712
total estimated tuition*

*Total estimated tuition based on 2023-24 academic year. Tuition subject to change.

Financial Aid

For information about financial aid, see Financial Aid Resources for Graduate Studies or contact the Financial Aid Office at (660) 785-4130 or finaid@truman.edu

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