After much discussion with the directors of the state institutions and the community
outreach programs in Georgia, faculty from several universities and colleges in Georgia,
and a representative of the Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance
Abuse of the Georgia DHR it was apparent that Georgia programs and institutions needed
personnel who were better prepared to apply the principles of behavior analysis. In
addition, State of Georgia job descriptions were being revamped, the Division of Mental
Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse was being reorganized, and licensure
laws were changing for mental health professionals. The time was right to establish a
certificate in applied behavior analysis in Georgia.

The certificate is targeted to all who provide behavior analytic services including
psychologists, behavior specialists, social workers, and all school personnel who provide
services to the special education population. Georgia State University (GSU) is currently
the only university in Georgia to offer the certificate, and while this does not provide any
legal enforcement of the certificate, it is believed that once the availability of the certificate
becomes known, it will become the practice standard.

The graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis can be earned one of three ways.
Students accepted in a graduate degree program in Educational Psychology with an
emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis are automatically eligible for enrollment in the
program. Students accepted in any other graduate degree program at GSU may apply for
admission to the certificate program. In addition, individuals may apply for the certificate-
only program if they already hold a graduate degree in a related field such as psychology,
education, or social work. The certificate program is designed to present students with a
comprehensive conceptual overview of the principles of applied analysis of human
behavior, and to help students acquire expertise in the design, implementation, and
evaluation of behavior analytic interventions. The program consists of 35 course work
and a five hour practicum experience. Required courses include Behavior Modification of
Exceptional Children, Single-Case Methodology, and others.

CORRESPONDENCE:
For further information about this program please contact Laura Fredrick in the
Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at Georgia State
University, Atlanta, GA 30303.
(404)651-0112
EPELDF@LANGATE.GSU.EDU