We recognized University of Colorado – Denver as one of the Top 57 Best Schools Offering ABA Bachelor’s and BCaBA Courses, adding them to our list of top recommendations for students in the area.
We were excited to hear from Patrick Romani, Ph.D., BCBA-D, a faculty member at University of Colorado – Denver who took the time to answer a few questions about how the school works to create a great student experience that helps prepare graduates for a career in applied behavior analysis.
University of Colorado – Denver Programs:
- Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program
Professor/Faculty Name: Patrick Romani, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Tell us about the types of students you see come through your program. Are you seeing more non-traditional students and career changers coming from other fields?
Patrick: Most of our students are either functioning as registered behavior technicians in private agencies delivering applied behavior analytic services or come from special education or general education backgrounds. Prospective students are looking to further their education in applied behavior analysis and receive their BCaBA or BCBA certifications.
What areas of practice are you seeing graduates going into? Do they tend to find jobs in the local school districts or more often join private practices?
Patrick: Most of our graduates take jobs in private therapy clinics and agencies. A sizeable group also work in local school districts.
What are some of the things you love most about the ABA program at your university – the kind of things you’d like future students to know about as they consider their options?
Patrick: The faculty teaching in our certificate program come from diverse backgrounds. We have faculty with expertise in the assessment/treatment of severe problem behavior, trauma-informed care, brain injury, and early intervention. We offer educational experiences that provide comprehensive training for future behavior analysts.
What do you feel are the most pressing issues in ABA today, and how does the program at your school prepare graduates to address these issues?
Patrick: I feel that many certificants entering the field have limited experiences with the broad applications of ABA. I am proud of the University of Colorado’s ABA program because we have faculty members with diverse backgrounds that arrange for relevant and engaging course content and assignments.
How does University of Colorado’s ABA instructors develop individualized communication methods with students in the online format?
Patrick: The faculty at the University of Colorado’s ABA Certificate program use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online class formats. This permits students to interact live with their professors and fellow classmates. As a faculty, we emphasize transparency and quick communication to enhance student’s online learning experience.
Can credits earned in the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program be applied toward the MS in Special Education degree?
Patrick: Currently, credits earned in the ABA Certificate program cannot be applied towards master’s degrees in other degree programs at the University of Colorado.
Please feel free to add anything else you would like potential students to know about your program and that would be good for them to consider before choosing a program.
At the University of Colorado, we believe in providing exposure to broad applications of the science of behavior analysis. As a faculty, we strive to educate students in a broad range of evidence-based practices within the field of ABA. Students will leave our program with a solid understanding of how to function as highly competent behavior analysts.
Check out our full interview series here to see what other professors and faculty are saying about their ABA programs.