Application Details
Prerequisites to Apply
Applicants must possess a minimum of a graduate degree (e.g., master’s degree or doctorate) from a qualifying institution. Please see the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website for more information.
Earned minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate studies (including for incomplete programs of study and for programs still in progress).
No other certification or licensure (e.g., teacher certification) is required for acceptance into the program.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
| Post-Master’s Certificate – Applied Behavior Analysis | |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | July 15, 2026 |
| Application Requirements | Online application form |
| $80.00 application fee | |
| Resume/CV |
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| Essay: A 500-word essay discussing the reasons you wish to pursue a degree at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on your long-term goals and how your academic program will complement those goals. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses in your academic background, as well as any additional comments that will assist in evaluating your application materials. Essays should be submitted in a typed format on a separate sheet of paper. |
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| Two letters of recommendation | |
| Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. | |
| Interview: A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview. | |
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are subject to change for ensuing academic years and will be updated on the School of Education website accordingly.
Admissions Webinar
More Information
Baltimore, MD 21218
What to Expect
Student Outcomes
- Define, demonstrate, and apply the concepts and principles of behavior analysis within an educational setting (pre-K through 12th grade) as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- Utilize research methods to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of intervention and instructional procedures within an educational setting (pre-K through 12th grade) as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- Conduct and complete behavioral assessments in order to identify the effective instructional program or behavior reduction plan in an educational setting (pre-K through 12th grade) as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- Design, implement, and evaluate an instructional program based on assessment results to increase a desired behavior or skill for an individual student or a group of students in an educational setting (pre–K through 12th grade) as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a behavior reduction program based on assessment results to decrease inappropriate behaviors for individual students or a group of students in an educational setting (pre-K through 12th grade) as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- Define and practice within the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- Implement, manage, and practice applied behavior analysis in an educational setting (pre-K through 12th grade) as evidenced by successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.
- With the successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements, take and successfully complete the BACB exam as evidenced by a passing score (set by the BACB).
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the purpose of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Post-Master's Certificate Program?
The ABA Post-Master’s Certificate program is an intensive graduate credential designed to give educational professionals advanced, evidence-based training in the principles and practice of Applied Behavior Analysis.
The 21-credit program equips educators to meet the needs of students with special education and behavioral support requirements. Johns Hopkins is one of only a few Maryland universities offering this specialized certificate, and graduates consistently achieve first-time pass rates on the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) Exam well above the national average.
How does the ABA Post-Master's Certificate Program differ from the ABA Master's Program?
The ABA Post-Master’s Certificate is 21 credits, with up to 12 additional practicum credits available.
It’s tailored for professionals who already hold a graduate degree and want specialized expertise in ABA. In contrast, the ABA Master’s (MS in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA) is a broader 36-credit degree combining foundational special education coursework with ABA methodology, including practicum requirements, and spans 2 to 5 years. The certificate offers a streamlined, targeted route for further specialization, while the master’s provides more comprehensive training and flexibility in educational leadership roles.
Is financial aid available for ABA Post-Master's Certificate students?
Yes, students enrolled in the ABA Post-Master’s Certificate program can apply for financial support through Project EnRICH.
ProjectEnRICH is a scholarship initiative that supports multilingual scholars and provides full tuition plus stipends to promote culturally responsive ABA training. Other standard School of Education financial aid options may also be available.
Does the ABA program count toward state licensure requirements?
This ABA coursework meets the BACB 2027 Pathway 2 coursework requirements, qualifying graduates to apply to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Many states also require separate licensure for behavior analysts. Students are responsible for reviewing the licensure requirements in the state where they plan to practice and consulting the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to confirm eligibility.
International Applicants
This program offers part-time enrollment only. Admission is not open to international applicants seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa for this program. International students interested in applying to a program at the Johns Hopkins School of Education must follow the same application process and submit the same general application materials as their peers, along with some additional requirements.
International Student Admissions
Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.
International Student Admissions
Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.
Legal Disclosure
Legal Disclosure
State Authorization Disclosure Regarding Educational Prerequisites
Federal regulations require Johns Hopkins to disclose to students considering enrollment or enrolled in this program whether or not it meets educational prerequisites for licensure or certification by state. Educational Prerequisites for Professional Licensure or Certification.
Educational Prerequisites for Professional Licensure or Certification
Prerequisite: Candidates for admission must possess an earned graduate degree (e.g., master’s degree or doctorate) from a regionally accredited college or university. Please see the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website for more information.
Students interested in applying for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Certification following the successful completion of this degree program are strongly encouraged to visit the following professional associations for information on state requirements.
BACB – Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Licensure Requirements for Behavior Analysts by State
(1) This program satisfies the educational prerequisites for licensure or certification in the following states: Maryland. Maryland has a licensure agreement that provides for reciprocity with Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Vermont.
(2) This program does not satisfy the educational prerequisites for licensure or certification in the following states: The licensure agreement provides for reciprocity with conditions in the following states: Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Virginia, Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Students located in a state where their program does not meet that state’s licensure or certification educational prerequisites may have difficulty finding a job in that occupation and/or repaying loans borrowed to complete the program.