If you are eager to pursue a career where you can make a substantial difference in the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges, then pursuing a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) program in Louisiana might be the perfect path for you. In Louisiana, a range of institutions offer in-person and online BCBA programs, designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
BCBA Programs in Louisiana
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Louisiana:
McNeese University
AtMcNeese, you can enroll in the master’s program in psychology with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This program is designed to offer you a comprehensive educational experience, grounded in the core principles of behavior analysis through a structured series of courses and practical experiences. This program is offered both in face-to-face and online formats.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to takethe Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
Your learning journey will encompass 58 credit hours, which include 24 credit hours of core psychology classes and 34 credit hours focusing on ABA. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and enhance your ability to communicate scientifically, especially in real-world applications of behavior analysis. You will also have the opportunity to engage in behavior analytic research with diverse populations and are encouraged to share your findings at regional and national conferences.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
An integral part of the program is the internship sequence spanning five courses, allowing you to accumulate over 1500 hours of supervised practical experience at MAP. Here, you will get a chance to design and implement ABA assessments and interventions, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
If you live further away from the 5-parish area, you will be able to complete your internship at an ABA institute of your choosing, as long as the BCBAs there are able to supervise you and the appropriate supervision contracts are in place.
Upon completion of the program, you will be well-prepared to take the BCBA exam, having met all the coursework and fieldwork requirements. Many graduates find job opportunities even before taking their BCBA exams. You will also have the option to further your studies with a doctoral degree, equipped with a rich knowledge and understanding of ABA.
In addition to the general requirements for admission, you must meet the following requirements:
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
The program prepares you to think critically and deliver empirically supported behavior-analytic interventions in accordance with the established best practices in applied behavior analysis.
During your studies, you will delve into a 15-credit hour curriculum, with an option to undertake a 16-credit hour internship sequence. This structured pathway is designed to offer you both theoretical knowledge and supervised practical experiences, preparing you for potential roles in applied behavior analysis.
During the program, you will learn to understand the foundational theories and principles of behavior analysis, always working within safe, ethical, and legal boundaries. The program encourages adherence to the highest standards of practice, both nationally and locally. You will become adept at selecting appropriate behavioral assessments and implementing them effectively, using reliable methods to gather data on behavior, and managing behavioral interventions responsibly.
The internship component of the program, which is optional, helps you obtain necessary supervised experience hours, a prerequisite for applying for the BCBA certification examination. You will work at a local clinic serving individuals with developmental disabilities, under the guidance of experienced supervisors.
As you progress through the internship, you will gradually build your skills, starting with learning to conduct behavior analytic assessments and interventions. In the subsequent terms, you will enhance your abilities in delivering interventions and conducting assessments, eventually moving on to research in a clinical setting and finally undertaking an applied research project.
Upon successful completion of the program:
To graduate, you must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all courses and a “B” in all internship courses. To join this program, you should hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized and accredited college or university.
Louisiana State University
As a student, you will be encouraged to adopt a scientific approach to problem-solving, applying it not just in research but also in practical situations you will encounter during your practicum experiences. The focus here is on understanding the behavior of children and youth within different environments like family, school, and community.
As part of the program, you will gain hands-on experience in various settings such as schools, clinics, and homes, dealing with a range of situations and working with different groups of people. Before you head out for your internship, you will complete at least 750 hours of practicum work, which includes training and direct service provision.
In the final stage, you will undertake an internship lasting no less than 1500 hours, with at least 600 hours dedicated to providing psychological services in an educational setting. This internship generally happens in your fifth year of study.
To join this program, you need to go through a competitive admission process which starts with an application review to select promising candidates. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an in-person interview at LSU. The goal is to ensure that the program is the right fit for you and that you align with its objectives.
By the end of the program, you will be well-prepared to work in various establishments including schools, hospitals, and universities, contributing positively with the valuable skills and knowledge you acquired during your time at LSU.
How Do I Become a Behavior Analyst in Louisiana?
To become a behavior analyst in Louisiana, you must:
What is the Difference Between a Behavior Technician and a Behavior Analyst?
A Behavior Technician and a Behavior Analyst play different roles in the field of applied behavior analysis, and they have different levels of responsibility and education. Behavior technicians are more involved in the direct implementation of intervention plans, on the other hand, behavior analysts take on a more supervisory role, overseeing the intervention and ensuring that it is designed and implemented effectively to support the client’s needs.
Here is how they differ:
Behavior Technician
Behavior Analyst
How Much Does a BCBA Make in Louisiana?
As of November 2024, the average annual salary for a BCBA working in Louisianais $73,231. BCBAs working in Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport on average earn $86,447, $85,518, and $79,210 per year, respectively. More experienced and top earning BCBAs working in Louisiana makeover $125,000 per year.
