University of Michigan-Dearborn - ABA Degree Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis Programs at University of the Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn appears in our ranking of the 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers both degree and certificate programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Both programs feature a course sequence that helps students prepare for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam, which they need to pass to get a license to practice in this field. The ABA certificate program includes just seven classes that are worth 19 credits, including Introduction to Ethics for Applied Behavior Analysis and Program Implementation, Supervision and Management.

Through the 4 + 1 ABA Accelerated Program, students can enroll in the university as freshmen and finish two degrees in five years. They must complete 60 credits of work through the university and maintain a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Students can then enroll in the program and take a total of 15 credits of classes at the 500-level. All of those classes will count towards both the undergraduate and graduate programs and help students save up to $8,500 on the cost of earning a graduate degree. The university expects students in this program to take classes during at least one of the summer sessions.

A Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis lets students study ABA after earning degrees from another college or university. Students must fill out an exit survey before they graduate, which the university uses to improve the program. Certain classes are only offered in the fall, winter and summer courses, but students can see what classes they need to take each session to complete the program’s requirements. Those courses include Science and Human Behavior, Early Childhood Education Special Needs, Ethics in ABA, Child Maltreatment and Trauma and Program Development, Supervision and Management.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training too. Designed for paraprofessionals who need to gain extra training, it prepares students for working in private homes and public facilities such as treatment centers and hospitals. Students complete 40 hours of training and can enroll any semester. The university only accepts those who are 18 or older and have a GED or high school diploma in this program.

Also available is a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology, which includes concentrations in health psychology and clinical health psychology. Unlike other psychology programs that prepare students for working in different fields, these programs offer help to students who want to work in hospitals and similar settings. They learn how to help and assist patients with mental health and physical health conditions as well as various disorders. Some of the classes that students take before doing their thesis work include Advanced Health Psychology, Biological Foundations of Health Psychology and Professional and Ethical Issues. Both programs feature practicums too.

About the University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university and part of the University of Michigan System. Established in 1959, it opened as a senior college that offered some graduate programs. The director of training for Ford helped found the university in the hopes of preparing students to work as engineers and in other positions within the local car companies. Known as the Dearborn Center of the University of Michigan, it began offering classes in the fall semester of 1959. Enrollment would grow rapidly over the next two decades from less than 1,000 to more than 7,000 students. Now known by nicknames that include U of M Dearborn and UMD, it has an enrollment of more than 9,000 students. Those students can earn undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees as well as certificates from UMD.

University of Michigan-Dearborn Accreditation Details

U of M Dearborn has approval from the BACB, which means that students who complete one of the ABA programs can sit for that organization’s licensing exam. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) granted this Michigan university the regional accreditation needed to give financial aid to its students and accept their transfer credits. With HLC accreditation, any student applying to U of M Dearborn can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

University of Michigan-Dearborn Application Requirements

Students applying to the certificate program at UMD need to complete the Certificate Program Application. The application has a sign-in page that allows students to create a new account and then sign in to finish the application. Those already attending UMD who want to enroll in the program can complete the Declaration of Certificate Form instead.

To apply to the MA in ABA program, prospective students must have both a minimum undergrad GPA of 3.25 and a bachelor’s degree. The application for this program asks for three letters of recommendation from professionals who worked with the student in an ABA field or those who oversaw their education work. They also need to write a personal statement and upload it to the application. This statement allows them to address their reasons for attending UMD and why they want to work in the ABA field. Most of the university’s ABA programs require that students pass a criminal background check too, which shows that they can legally work with people who have disabilities. Though the ABA program does not require a GRE score, both psychology programs ask for one.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UMD offers certificate and degree programs for graduate students in ABA and psychology. Students in either program pay $745 per credit hour if they’re Michigan residents and $1,315 if they’re not residents. If they take more than nine credits in a single term, they’ll pay $425 to $885 for each of the credits that they take above this limit. The university also charges a $400 registration assessment that is due every semester.

With a UMD financial aid package, students can get scholarships whether they’re from Michigan or a different state. One program gives students up to $2,000 for their education costs. Most scholarships require that students be a current UMD student, have a GPA of 3.0 to 3.25 and have at least 12 credits completed. UMD does not award scholarships to students who receive enough financial aid to cover their estimated costs. Those who do not qualify for scholarships can apply for federal loans. Unsubsidized loans are available for students no matter what their credit history looks like. Some students can use both loans and scholarships to pay for the applied behavior analysis programs at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.