Daemen University’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program has the highest pass rate certification of any Behavior Analysis program in New York state. While the national average for first time attempts is 63 percent, Daemen’s pass rate is exceptional, sitting at 75 percent.
Michelle Hickman, assistant professor of ABA and Verified Course Sequence Coordinator, describes Daemen’s program as rigorous but incredibly supportive.“Every student, regardless of the modality they choose for their coursework, has a faculty advisor who is one of our full time faculty members. This advisor supports the student through their time in the program and helps them prepare for the next steps after program completion,” said Hickman. “In addition, course instructors are available to students for face to face support, which is particularly helpful for students taking asynchronous online courses.”
Programs are offered in an accelerated online format as well as in-person on campus. “Both formats are tailored to working professionals with asynchronous courses online, and evening classes on campus” continued Hickman. “We also have an extensive network of partners across the state that we can connect students with for fieldwork experience if they are not already working in the field.” All of the online courses meet the QM Essentials standards which further ensure high quality instructional design for distance learning.
The Behavioral Science Department at Daemen is home to the only programs in Western New York that are ABAI Verified Course Sequences (VCS) meaning that the coursework offered by the university has been reviewed by experts in the field and verified to meet the educational requirements for the BACB® certification exam.
“Our students are assured of a comprehensive program that will prepare them well for the certification exam and for future success as a behavior analyst” added Hickman, “ Our asynchronous online courses are developed with a focus on alignment between course learning objectives, learning activities, instructional materials, and assessment to help students successfully master even the most difficult concepts. We incorporate high rates of active student response into all courses, which is a feature that is missing in many asynchronous distance education programs.”