Program details

• Student-focused, faculty-mentored learning: Nazareth’s small class sizes and dedicated faculty allow for individualized support. You’ll work closely with faculty who are experienced licensed and board certified behavior analysts (licensed behavior analysts and board certified behavior analysts) and practitioners. Our faculty serve as your mentors and partners, providing individualized, ongoing academic advising and career guidance starting your first semester. With an emphasis on inclusive excellence, our faculty foster a welcoming environment that prioritizes student voice and lived experience.
• Integrating theory and practice: The ABA major at Nazareth blends foundational knowledge in psychology, learning theory, ethics, research methods, and interprofessional practice with practical, real-world application. Hands-on learning is embedded throughout. From early coursework to upper-level practica, you gain experience in ethical and interprofessional practice, behavior assessment, intervention design, data analysis, and progress monitoring. You'll apply what you learn in classrooms, clinics, schools, and community settings that serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
• Ready for two certifications: The coursework aligns with national and state standards and prepares you to become:
• a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (national BCaBA) and
• a Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant (New York state CBAA)
• Preparing for a purpose-driven career: Beyond technical skills, you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce or graduate school with a strong sense of professional ethics, advocacy, and respect for human dignity. You’ll explore how behavior analysis is used to promote independence, inclusion, and meaningful change across diverse populations.
• Interprofessional strength: Our strong emphasis on interprofessional education means you’ll learn how to collaborate with educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers — essential skills for today’s inclusive service environments.
• Career readiness and graduate opportunities: You will be well positioned for high-demand roles in clinical, educational, and human services settings. Or you can go on to pursue a master’s degree in ABA, special education, psychology, or related fields. Our advisors help you prepare for certification exams, find a job, or apply to graduate programs. Nazareth’s ABA program also helps you  understand the emerging role of behavior analysis in leadership, organizational development, and health-related fields — expanding your career possibilities beyond traditional roles.