BCBA Program at PLU

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

The primary role of a BCBA is to assess and improve challenging behaviors in individuals by creating personalized treatment plans, often working with people who have developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or other behavioral challenges. BCBA certification opens doors such as working in schools and clinical settings.

Those interested in becoming a BCBA must have a Masters degree before applying to the program, preferable in psychology, social work, education, or similar.

 

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PLU's Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Be prepared to sit for the BCBA exam and to obtain DOH licensure to practice in Washington state, as well as the ESA (Educational Staff Associate) for practicing in public schools
  2. Be fully prepared to practice in schools and clinics serving a wide variety of people with complicated and challenging behaviors
  3. Critically evaluate and apply basic and complex principles of behavior analysis
  4. Critically evaluate research and clinical practice and apply the ethical guidelines and practice standards outlined by the BACB.

*program begins January 2026*

Q & A with Vanessa Tucker, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

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Course Titles

ABA Type 2 Pathway Course Descriptions

  • Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis
  • Basic Principles of Behavior
  • Measurement and Experimental Design
  • Behavior Assessment and Intervention 1
  • Behavior Assessment and Intervention 2
  • Ethics in Behavior Analysis
  • Organizational Behavior Management
  • ABA in Practical Settings
  • Practicum

Calendar & Cost

BCBA Cost and Program Guide

TermCourse InformationCreditsTuition
Begins January 2026Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis3$1,500.00
Begins January 2026Basic Principles of Behavior3$1,500.00
Begins January 2026Practicum I3$1,500.00
TOTAL CREDITS9$4,500.00
Summer 2026Behavior Assessment and Intervention Course 13$1,500.00
Summer 2026Measurement and Experimental Design 3$1,500.00
Summer 2026Practicum 23$1,500.00
TOTAL CREDITS  9$4,500.00
Fall 2026Ethics in Behavior Analysis3$1,500.00
Fall 2026Behavior Assessment and Intervention Course 23$1,500.00
Fall 2026Practicum 33$1,500.00
TOTAL CREDITS9$4,500.00
Spring 2027Organizational Behavior Management3$1,500
Spring 2027ABA in Practical Settings 3$1,500
Spring 2027Practicum 43$1,500
TOTAL CREDITS9$4,500.00
PROGRAM TOTAL36$18,000
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Application Information

Deadlines

  • PASSED: Priority deadline
  • November 21: Last application deadline
  • December 1: Applicantion acceptance notification

Applications received after November 21 will be reviewed on a space available basis. 

Application Components

  • PLU BCBA online program application
  • Unofficial transcripts from all universities attended
  • 1-2 letters of recommendation
  • A current resume
  • $40 application fee (click button below to pay)

Supply all program admission items to PLU’s Education Office by email (profdev@plu.edu) or mail:

Pacific Lutheran University
Attn: Department of Education-PPD
12180 Park Ave S.
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003

Cohort 2026-2027 Timeline

  • PASSED – Priority Applicant Deadline (all materials must be included for consideration)
  • PASSED – Priority Applicant Admission Notification
  • November 21 – Last Application Deadline (all materials must be included for consideration)
  • January 2026 – Summer Coursework Begins*

– *date subject to change

Cost

  • $40 application fee
  • $500 per credit
  • Complete program is 36 graduate-level, transcribable credits
  • Payments will be made at the start of each term, depending on how many credits will be taught that term.

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