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Certificate Program

Certificate Programs in Psychology

Applied Behavior Analysis

Psychology Department

Contact: Rebecca Markovits, Ph.D., 978-934-4205

The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program has been designed to provide the core knowledge required for Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The 7-course Autism Certificate program has been updated to conform with the BACB's new task-list standards.

Note: You do not have to be accepted into the certificate program prior to registering for your first course. However, students pursing BACB certification need to apply for the certificate before taking their 3rd course. Applicants will have to meet additional BACB requirements to qualify for full BACB certification. For the most current information about BACB certification requirements, please visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website.

In partnership with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a pioneer in research, education, and service for people with developmental disabilities and their families for over three decades and a part of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, this certificate has been designed to provide professionals in psychology, education, child care, and human services with an understanding of behavioral methods and how and where such methods can be used. Interested students should have a background in the psychology of child development. Courses will be available on-line.

Note that full BACB certification also involves a master’s degree and an experience requirement to be eligible to take the BCBA exam (see details on the BACB website).

Required Courses:

  • PSYC.5810 Concept and Principles of Behavior Analysis
  • PSYC.5820 Measurement and Experimental Design
  • PSYC.5830 Philosophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis
  • PSYC.5840 Behavioral Assessment
  • PSYC.5850 Professional and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis
  • PSYC.5870 Behavior Change Procedures
  • PSYC.5890 Implementation and Supervision Practices in Behavior Analysis

Note the PSYC.5810 is a prerequisite or co-requisite for PSYC.5820 and a prerequisite for PSYC.5830 and PSYC.5850; PSYC.5810, PSYC.5820, and PSYC.5840 are prerequisites for PSYC.5860 and PSYC.5870. The recommended sequence is PSYC.5810 and PSYC.5820 together in one semester, then either two or three of PSYC.5830, PSYC.5840, and PSYC.5850, and finishing with the remaining two or three courses. Students taking one course at a time are urged to follow the numerical sequence.


Domestic Violence Prevention

Department of Psychology and School of Criminology and Justice Studies (Interdisciplinary)

Contact: Wilson Palacios, Ph.D., phone: 978-934-4106, email: CJGradAdvisor@uml.edu

Domestic violence is one of the major social and public health problems in the Commonwealth. The existing degree programs in the School of Criminology and Justice Studies, Community Social Psychology, and programs in the College of Health Sciences each offer relevant courses that greatly assist their graduates working with agencies and clients affected by domestic violence. The certificate provides a focused program for those working in settings where domestic violence is an issue.

Updated 5/24/23