Applied Behavior Analysis, Graduate Certificate

This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis requires 24 s.h. of graduate credit and is offered with hybrid and conventional courses. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.50 in work for the certificate. They must earn at least a grade of C in each course required for the certificate. Courses must be taken on an A–F graded basis.
The certificate program is open to students enrolled in University of Iowa graduate degree programs and to individuals who are enrolled in the Graduate College as nondegree students.
The certificate program develops skills in behavioral intervention and intensive instruction. The course sequence contributes to eligibility for certification as a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). In addition to the course sequence offered through the certification program, obtaining the BCBA requires completion of a supervised practicum experience and successful completion of the behavior certification exam offered through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. For additional details regarding certification, visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website or contact the applied behavior analysis certificate coordinator.
The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis requires the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| EDTL:4950 | Behavioral and Social Interventions | 3 |
| EDTL:4975 | Explicit Instruction | 3 |
| EDTL:5961 | Foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDTL:5963 | Ethics and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts and Psychologists | 3 |
| EDTL:5966 | Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDTL:5967 | Supervision Strategies in Special Education | 3 |
| EDTL:5970 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| EDTL:7953 | Seminar: Single Subject Design Research | 3 |
For more information, visit Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis on the College of Education website.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Academics
University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.
Admissions
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Applied Behavior Analysis, Graduate Certificate
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| The graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis requires 24 s.h. of graduate credit and is offered with hybrid and conventional courses. | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDTL:4975 | Explicit Instruction | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDTL:4950 | Behavioral and Social Interventions | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDTL:5961 | Foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDTL:7953 | Seminar: Single Subject Design Research | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDTL:5966 | Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDTL:5967 | Supervision Strategies in Special Education | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDTL:5963 | Ethics and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts and Psychologists | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDTL:5970 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |