Applied behavior support basics

Microcredential
Online
delivery
Advanced
level
3
courses

Every person’s journey is different, and knowing how to contribute to positive, meaningful outcomes for individuals at various life stages and ability levels will help you make an impact in your community. When you earn a microcredential in applied behavior support basics online from Oregon State University, you’ll learn to approach behavioral challenges with evidence-based strategies grounded in human development, behavioral intervention and disability justice principles.

Gain the skills to understand developmental milestones, promote inclusive and supportive practices, and apply behavior modification techniques as you become equipped to foster personal growth and adaptive behaviors. This microcredential is ideal if you want to work as a registered behavior technician (RBT), disability support professional or as an educator who supports development and behavioral health interventions.

Coursework (12 credits)

This is an advanced-level microcredential that is designed for those with previous experience in a subject. These offerings provide in-depth training so you can build specialized skills that will help you excel in your field. Often, advanced microcredentials require some prerequisite college courses.

Prerequisite courses

Before you enroll in the microcredential courses listed above, you must complete certain prerequisites. 

To enroll in PSY 350:

 To enroll in PSY 485:

Note: To satisfy the above prerequisites, Oregon State's College of Liberal Arts recommends that you complete the human lifespan development microcredential before enrolling in the applied behavior support basics microcredential.

Please contact the program lead for more details or connect with the Ecampus enrollment services team to learn more about these prerequisites.

Note: Some prerequisite courses may have additional prerequisites. See the schedule of classes and search for the specific course for more details.

A counselor holding a clipboard attentively listens to a young person with bright green highlights in their hair, offering support in a casual, light-filled office space.

Skills you’ll gain

The in-demand skills you'll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

  • Human development
  • Disability justice principles
  • Behavioral intervention

Additional details

Oregon State microcredentials consist of at least three courses and 8 credits that follow OSU’s quarterly term calendar. All microcredentials are delivered online and some microcredentials may be offered on campus. All course credits used to complete a microcredential must be completed at Oregon State and transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits. Read other important microcredential details » 

Microcredentials allow you to gain specialized skills in focused subject areas in less time than it takes to complete a full degree or certificate program. Typically, you can complete a microcredential in nine to 12 months. All microcredential courses follow the same term schedule as on-campus courses and are not self-paced. Learn more about course delivery methods »

Once you complete all classes in this microcredential, you'll receive a digital badge from Oregon State University. You can add the digital badge to your résumé and on LinkedIn, GitHub or other social media profiles. It provides employers with proof of the skills and discipline-specific knowledge you gained from the microcredential. Oregon State's digital badges are issued by Credly, the world's largest digital credential network.

Completing a microcredential is dependent on course availability, term offerings, course sequencing and any required prerequisites. Connect with the OSU Ecampus enrollment services team to better understand when courses in this microcredential are delivered to help you create a timeline for application and enrollment. You can also explore the schedule of classes to preview course availability.

  • Apply to earn a microcredential as a current student: If you’re a current OSU student interested in pursuing a microcredential online, please submit this form. Note: You must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential.

You can find detailed tuition information for microcredential offerings on the tuition rates webpage. Please note: If you are pursuing a standalone microcredential as a nondegree student, you will not qualify for federal financial aid.

If you are pursuing a microcredential as a current student in an OSU degree or certificate program, you will be charged your program's tuition rate (if differential tuition is applicable). 

Earning a microcredential is a great way to develop a skill set that current and future employers are looking for. If your employer offers a tuition benefit program, you may be able to enroll online with Oregon State and receive a tuition scholarship that makes your student experience more affordable. You can also learn about the organizations OSU collaborates with to offer direct tuition benefit programs for online learners.

Once you complete a microcredential in applied behavior support basics, you can apply the 12 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the microcredential program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.