Western New England University is pleased to announce that nearly 96% of master's degree graduates taking the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam for the first time have passed, compared to the national average of 60% of test-takers who passed the exam on the first time according to the BACB.
"In 2021, 19 test takers completed the WNE 4th edition course sequence with a 100% pass rate and 29 test takers completed the WNE 5th edition course sequence with a 93.1% pass rate resulting in a combined pass rate of 95.8% - 36 points above the average rate among all colleges and universities," said Professor of Psychology Rachel Thompson. "I couldn't be prouder."
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. has been the leader in behavior analyst certification for over two decades. The BACB is a nonprofit corporation that was established in 1998 to meet professional certification needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior-analytic services. The BACB's mission is to protect consumers of behavior-analytic services by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards of practice.
"One of the unique strengths of the Western New England University program is our partnership with the prestigious New England Center for Children - home of a school for over 500 children with autism that includes a faculty of over 1100 educators," adds Thompson. The Center provides state-of-the-art education for children with autism. "This collaboration provides WNE students with the ability to learn the principles and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis in the classroom and apply what they have learned while working with children with autism under the supervision of expert faculty.
Developed in response to the increasing demand for teachers and practitioners trained in best practices for the education and treatment of individuals with autism and related disabilities, the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western New England University gives working professionals the skills to fill this void. Through a combination of coursework and supervised practical experiences, students completing this program earn a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and meet the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) requirements for taking the exam to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
"These test results are another example of the University's commitment to excellence in student learning – the hallmark of the Western New England University experience that focuses on each student's academic and personal development to be lifelong learners with the skills to excel in the global workforce," said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Maria Toyoda. "My congratulations to both students and faculty."
Western New England University continuously provides students with outcomes that matter. Not only is the institution garnering national attention, but the data from several sources confirms that WNE is a national leader in return on investment (ROI) measures ranking in the top 6%, has a 98% placement rate, and is ranked 10th among selective private colleges on social mobility.
