Introduction
Starting My BCBA Journey at UC Santa Barbara
I’m excited to share the beginning of my journey toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)! I’ll be pursuing the verified coursework through UC Santa Barbara, which consists of eight courses aligned with the 2027 requirements.
Why I Chose Applied Behavior Analysis
I chose Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) over other career paths because of my experience working in a skilled nursing facility, where I enjoyed working with patients living with dementia. That experience sparked my interest in behavioral gerontology, which is the specialty I hope to pursue as a BCBA.
Beyond my interest in working with older adults, I also love research, writing, and data analysis. Combining these interests with my passion for understanding behavior makes this career feel like a natural fit for me. I already hold a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), and I look forward to applying my analytical and professional skills to this new field.
Currently, I work as a business teacher. My plan is to finish my teaching certification over the next two years and then transition into special education teaching, where I hope to gain the practical experience and supervised fieldwork needed for BCBA certification. I’m excited to connect my teaching background, analytical skills, and interest in behavioral science as I work toward this goal.
Getting a Head Start
My first course will be ED X309A.5 – Philosophical Underpinnings, Concepts, and Principles Part I. Before classes officially begin, I’m planning to purchase the required textbook and start studying so I can get ahead and feel prepared.
You can learn more about the program and my first course here:
- UC Santa Barbara BCBA Coursework Certificate
- ED X309A.5 Philosophical Underpinnings, Concepts, and Principles Part I
Follow Along With My Journey
This blog will document my experience as I work toward becoming a BCBA, from preparing for my first course to navigating the coursework, studying, and planning for supervised fieldwork. I’ll share my progress, study strategies, lessons learned, and insights into behavioral gerontology along the way.
If you’re considering becoming a BCBA, transitioning into a new career, or exploring behavior analysis with older adults, I invite you to follow along!
Bookmark this blog and check back after the first of the year when classes begin and I’ll start sharing regular updates. I’m looking forward to documenting this next chapter and seeing where this journey takes me!
Behavior analysis is where science meets humanity—using data to guide decisions and compassion to guide our work.