Behavior analysts assess and treat behavioral, communication, developmental, and learning disorders/disabilities. Behavior analysts work in lots of settings including providing care in schools, clinics, homes, hospitals, and everyday workplaces. ABA has become recognized as an empirically supported treatment for individuals with autism and is covered by insurance companies as a medically necessary form of therapy in most states.
Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of ABA, the Post Master’s Certificate (PMC) program is jointly administered by the Timothy E. Trainor College of Health Professions and the School Education. ABA has roots in both clinical care and education, as a result of the interdisciplinary structure of the program, students have the unique opportunity to learn from professors with diverse experiences in ABA. Students have access to basic and translational researchers in behavioral science, as well as applied practitioners of behavioral principles who have experience in early intensive behavioral intervention, severe behavior disorders, and classroom management. Further, the Mount is an inclusive environment in which individuals and groups are welcomed, supported, and valued.
We're committed to making your full-time employment manageable while advancing your career through graduate training.
Our mission is to empower future leaders in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by providing rigorous, high-quality education and training in dynamic degree programs. We aim to prepare our graduates with the knowledge and skills to apply ABA principles and practices ethically and effectively in various settings and populations. We also strive to advance the science and practice of ABA through research and dissemination of evidence-based interventions.
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The Mount's Post Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Applied Behavior Analysis (Graduate Certificate in ABA) is a 7 course, 21-credit certificate that aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in education and the health professions. The PMC is designed for individuals who have a master’s degree in in other fields, but are looking to complete courses for ABAI’s Pathway 2 Eligibility. Candidates may complete their education either complete their education in person at our Frederick, Maryland campus or online (synchronous) via Zoom.
For those students interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst our MSABA program meets the academic coursework requirements for certification in behavior analysis through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.* Our faculty diligently prepare students for the BCBA exam through classroom learning and relevant fieldwork assignments.
The Mount uses curriculum from 6th edition of the BCBA exam. In addition to academic course work, students planning to pursue the BCBA certification will need will need to meet additional requirements* before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
*BCBA certification requires the following:
In 2025, 42% of Mount students who took the BCBA® exam passed on the first try according to the BCBA®.
The Post-Degree Certificate is a Pathway 2 program of study as part of the requirements to qualify for the Board Certification exam.*
Learn more about the program in the Student Handbook (.pdf).
View the PMCABA program summary (.pdf).
Learn more about the Division of Continuing Studies programs at our virtual open house series! Gain more information about our programs from our admissions team and program directors.
Want to see a full listing of all Applied Behavior Analysis Post-Master's Certificate courses?
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Working in ABA embodies the idea of living compassionately and making a meaningful impact on your community. Being a student in our programs means you will have rigorous training from highly experienced professors, who adapt their mentoring to match your goals and care about their graduates leading lives of significance.
Market analysis indicates that there is strong demand for direct support professionals for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Over 95% of providers indicate that they experience moderate or severe staff shortages that lead to turning away potential clients.1 Further, in 2022, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities estimated that more than one million new direct support positions are needed.2
For those students who do chose to complete the additional requirements to become a board certified behavior analyst (completion of 1500-2000 hours supervised fieldwork), the need for national licensed behavior analysts is growing in Maryland, regionally and nationally. According to the most recent report of the US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts, annual demand for BCBAs has increased about 800% from 2010 to 2017.
Use your skills and knowledge from the Mount to pursue a career as an applied behavior analyst in positions such as:
*Likely requires the student to complete the additional requirements to become a BCBA.
1Market research conducted by Ancor, The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce in Crisis
2AAIDD and NADPS, Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Workforce
From resume analysis to job search tools to networking with alumni, the Career Center is available through every step of your professional journey.
Career CenterFlexibility and efficiency are the cornerstones of graduate programs at the Mount, which are designed to give you the freedom and control to balance work, family, and school. Every aspect of the PMC program is geared to help you earn your degree including:
The Mount also offers a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Learn About the Master's DegreeGraduate level programs are designed to be taken one course at a time, providing you the flexibility you need to complete the classes at your own pace; with that the program pricing is set by credit hours instead of by the year like traditional undergraduate programs.
*Tuition is subject to change without notice. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Students enrolled in the Mount’s graduate programs may seek assistance through federal and state-funded programs. To qualify for financial aid, students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, i.e., at least three (3) credits per semester. Most financial aid will be in the form of deferred student loans, though some students may be eligible to receive state scholarships and/or grants.
The Mount also has a variety of employer tuition remission or reimbursement agreements with local businesses and community colleges, so you may just get a discount from your employer or previous college.
Questions about financial aid? Contact Director of Applied Behavioral Analysis Program / Assistant Professor Griffin W. Rooker, BCBA, Ph.D. to learn more.
Not sure if you qualify for financial aid? Learn more from our financial aid office.
Graduate Student Financial AidAdmission to the program is rolling, which means we accept applications at any time of the year. Classes for the program begin in January, May and August; submitting your application six weeks before your expected start date ensures a priority application decision.
Applicants for the program will follow the university standards for admission to graduate study. Prospective students must have earned the following to be considered for admission (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA):
A complete application includes the following:
Griffin W. Rooker, BCBA, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Director of Applied Behavioral Analysis Program
119 Coad Science Building
Mount St. Mary’s University
(301) 447-5143
Griffin W. Rooker, BCBA, Ph.D.
Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program / Assistant Professor
Assistant Director / Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor