Department of Counseling and Schoool Psychology Faculty and Staff with Dean Y. Barry Chung
By José A. ÁlvarezSchool psychologists wishing to be certified behavior analysts will now have an easier path to achieve their goal.
That is because a course sequence from the Department of Counseling and School Psychology has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
“This is very good news for our students who are trying to get their coursework and hours approved,” said Dr. Katina Lambros, director of the College of Education School Psychology Program. “It will be much easier now that this sequence of courses is approved.”
Lambros added that with this new approval, COE now has two course sequences approved by BACB, allowing students to specialize in applied behavior analysis as they earn their respective degrees.
“As there is a longstanding shortage of school personnel—special educators and school psychologists—that are proficient in evidence-based behavioral interventions, this approved course sequence is greatly needed in the field,” Lambros said. “Having two approved sequences housed within the College of Education, alongside education-focused programs of study, is quite unique.”
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the need for school psychologists will grow by 14 percent by 2026, meaning that 20,900 new school psychologists will be needed.
The growing need is the result of a heightened awareness of mental health's connection to learning and the rising need of mental health services in schools.
Lambros explained that school-based professionals can complete the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) coursework simultaneously with other degrees, such as the Master’s in Special Education and the Education Specialist in School Psychology.
“This allows for deeper specialization within programs to appropriately serve children on the Autism Spectrum or those needing intensive behavioral services,” Lambros said.
In addition to taking the BCBA certification exam, students must also complete 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork. About 25-35 students take the BCBA-approved coursework in any given year.