University of Southern Maine

News Releases

School Psychology Program Offers New Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

February 2, 2007

The University of Southern Maine College of Education and Human Development is holding two information sessions on a new certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which will begin in summer 2007. The establishment of this program is in response to a high demand for professionals with specialized training in ABA to support persons with disabilities.  The information sessions will be held as follows:

2-4 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 301 Bailey Hall, Gorham campus,

2-4 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 301 Bailey Hall, Gorham campus.

For more information, contact Rose Mahoney, 207-780-5220, or visit www.usm.maine.edu/cehd. USM is accepting applications for the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis until March 31.

ABA is recognized nationally as an effective way to help with people who have developmental disabilities, among them autism, learning disorders, and emotional/behavioral impairments. USM College of Education and Human Development is offering the six courses required to prepare practitioners to use ABA and seek the national credentials from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.  USM’s program is the only one in Maine and northern New England.

Examples of ABA applications include building skills and achievements of children in school settings; enhancing the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with different kinds of disabilities; and augmenting the performance and satisfaction of employees in organizations and businesses.  As treatment progresses, objective measures are collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. 

“We at the University of Southern Maine recognize today’s workforce shortages and can foresee even greater shortages into the future,” said Dean Betty Lou Whitford.  “Through this program, we’re trying to keep Maine’s helping professions ahead of the curve.”