University: University of South Florida Proposed Market Tuition Program: Graduate Certificate, Applied Behavior Analysis University Board of Trustees approval date: Date Proposed Implementation Date (month/year): Summer 2014 Graduate online or Graduate Continuing Ed. Course: Graduate Online CIP Code: 42.999 Description of the Program and the Market Tuition Rate Process Describe the program and explain the process used to determine market tuition. The online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is an extension of the existing well-regarded USF Master s of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and utilizes the core six courses from the existing MA program which are approved pursuant to regulation 8.011. The coursework covers the content required to take the certification exam from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The ABA Graduate Certificate will allow students to seek certification to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). BCBAs work in a variety of important and impactful fields including education, developmental disabilities, autism, child protective services, mental health, residential supports, and rehabilitation. Students seeking certification as a Behavior Analyst can come from a variety of backgrounds, and this program is aimed at individuals with master s degrees in related fields such as Education, Special Education, Psychology, or Counseling who need the required ABA coursework. Offering an online program will allow greater access to working professionals who would not otherwise be able to attend on-campus courses. USF is already an approved provider of university training through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and the online graduate certificate will allow increased access to this valuable content. A proposed market tuition rate of $700 per credit hour was determined by analyzing factors including competition, reputation, brand identity, and delivery format. The College of Behavioral & Community Sciences worked in conjunction with University College to conduct a detailed market analysis to determine the appropriate competitive tuition rate and the program s market viability. Mission Alignment
Describe how offering the proposed program at market tuition aligns with the mission of the university and the Board strategic plan: The online graduate certificate in ABA fully aligns with the University of South s Florida s approved 2013 2018 Strategic Plan. USF Goal 1: Well-educated and highly skilled global citizens through our continuing commitment to student success USF s outstanding and well-established reputation in this field will attract high-quality students who would otherwise not be able to attend an on-campus program, contributing to their career and personal success. Behavior analysts are in high demand in areas of Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Special Education, Education, Parent Training, and Organizational Behavior Management. USF Goal 2: High-impact research and innovation to change lives, improve health and foster sustainable development and positive societal change The ABA Graduate Certificate teaches evidence based strategies for producing positive and sustainable behavior change in individuals which has the powerful potential to change lives, improve health, and lead to positive societal changes. All course content is based on established research findings, often produced by USF s own faculty members. USF Goal 3: A highly effective, major economic engine, creating new partnerships to build a strong and sustainable future for Florida in the global economy Students obtaining the ABA Graduate Certificate will be eligible for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and, once certified, will join the ranks of well-paid professional in the state of Florida and beyond. With many opportunities for Board Certified Behavior Analysts in Florida, graduates will contribute to the economic well-being of the state and help build a strong and sustainable future. USF Goal 4: Sound financial management to establish a strong and sustainable economic base in support of USF s continued academic advancement The proposed tuition and student enrollment potential of the online ABA Graduate Certificate will enable the department to fully self-fund the program development and delivery. Residual revenue will add to the department s ability to attract and retain talented graduate faculty, to provide assistantships and scholarships, and will contribute to the continued growth of the ABA minor, master s degree and doctoral degree programs.
The online ABA Graduate Certificate closely aligns with the 2025 points of emphasis including Excellence, Productivity, and Strategic Priorities for a Knowledge Economy, which inform the Goals as laid out in the 2012 2025 Strategic Plan. Teaching and Learning USF s has an outstanding reputation in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis as part of the Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS). In 2012, 9 students in the existing Master s program had papers/chapters published, 18 students presented at the 2012 ABA national conference with 25 students presenting papers as the Florida ABA conference. Students in the program provided over 35,000 hours of community service through practicum placements. The adult students that will enroll in the online program will benefit from the department s research and make a meaningful, positive difference in their communities in Florida and beyond. The online program will also strengthen the USF brand in the national and international market, as students around the globe can take this coursework to achieve certification as a BCBA. Scholarship, Research, Innovation The creation of this online program will allow more working professionals to broaden their employment opportunities and potentially to become certified as Applied Behavior Analysts. Certification is impossible without the required academic coursework, and USF currently is approved to offer this training, but can help a larger audience of students access the material and knowledge through an online format. Additionally, the online program s on-going and residual revenues will allow for support of doctoral students within the department, increasing scholarship and research within the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences. Community and Business Engagement Professionals that practice Applied Behavior Analysis help people at every stage of life to improve behavior and function in society. Positive behavioral changes improve learning outcomes for children/teens and ultimately contribute to their ability to learn, earn degrees, and contribute to the economic well-being of the state of Florida and our nation. Certified Behavior Analysts work with and improve the lives of people living with Autism, intellectual disabilities, and special education needs. They also help improve work environments and ultimately business outcomes through their skills and training in Organizational Behavior Management. Declaratory Statement Provide a declaratory statement that the policy will not increase the state s fiscal liability or obligation and that the Market Tuition Rate program cohorts will not supplant an existing E&G funded degree program in the same discipline:
USF s market rate policy will not result in an increase in the state s fiscal liability or obligation. The existing E&G program will continue to grow and thrive, and enrollments will remain completely separate between the existing program and the new online graduate certificate. Restrictions / Limitations Identify any proposed restrictions, limitations, or conditions to be placed on the policy: Program pricing will be determined by market forces that may result in an increase or decrease in price. Per the BOG requirement, pricing will not be increased by more than 15% per year. Accountability Measures Indicate how the university will monitor the success of the policy. Provide specific metrics that will be used. USF continuously reviews all of its academic programs with respect to student learning outcomes and other quality indicators. Annual assessment plans with expected learning outcomes are maintained for all degree programs and in-depth reviews are conducted at least once every seven years. The success metrics for the proposed online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis market tuition program also include: Student Enrollment: Student enrollment is expected to launch at 15 students, and with appropriate market outreach, will grow year over year. The program has potential to attract students from a variety of fields, and the student demographic will be monitored to encourage enrollment growth. Student Quality: Students admitted in the online program will be expected to meet the same rigorous standards for admission into the college s on-campus programs. Part of the admissions criteria will include a master s degree in a related field, so the students will have an established track record of success in an academic program. Student grades in the program will be tracked as an indicator of student quality. Students must achieve a grade of A or B to pass each class and to qualify to test for certification. Student Placement: We will survey students upon receipt of the Certificate to identify their success in obtaining their Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification and to
identify their success in obtaining employment. Student Satisfaction: The department will perform a culminating survey upon receipt of the Certificate to identify student satisfaction with the program. In addition, students will complete individual evaluations of each course taken, and satisfaction will be assessed from the course evaluations. Course Availability Explain how the university will ensure that sufficient courses are available to meet student demand and facilitate completion of each program submitted for consideration. Will any similar E&G courses be eliminated or scaled back if this program is implemented? The courses associated with the online ABA Graduate Certificate are courses that are regularly utilized and scheduled within existing degree options within the department. These courses will continue to be offered as long as the college is offering the program. Economic Impact Provide economic impact that this proposal will have on the university and the student, anticipated revenue collection, how the revenue will be spent, whether any private vendors will be used, and which budget entity the funds will be budgeted. Students who complete this online graduate certificate will have the coursework needed for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. With this credential, numerous jobs are available in which individuals can earn from $50,000 to $90,000+, depending upon where they live and practice. Many individuals with such certification form their own businesses and employ others as well, thereby positively impacting the economy in their community. This program will attract students from myriad backgrounds, and will generate in excess of $2.8 million in revenue the first 5 years, creating the ability to fully self-fund the online course conversion and delivery, as well as the program faculty, administration and management. Residual revenues will be generated that allow the College/Department the ability to attract and retain talented graduate faculty, to provide assistantships and scholarships, and will contribute to the continued growth of the ABA minor, master s, and doctoral degree program. Private vendors will be utilized under the supervision of USF s University College to recruit highly qualified students into the program. The budget will run through University College as an auxiliary account, and all revenue and expenses will be tracked and monitored to meet BOG regulations and requirements. Other Information Provide any additional information if necessary, and complete the attached supplemental
form. Please see the attached supplemental form.