We recognized Midland University as one of the Top 57 Best Schools Offering ABA Bachelor’s and BCaBA Courses, adding them to our list of top recommendations for students in the area.
We were excited to hear from Connie Taylor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, a faculty member at Midland University who took the time to answer a few questions about how the school works to create a great student experience that helps prepare graduates for a career in applied behavior analysis.
Midland University Interview Programs:
- ABA Minor
Professor/Faculty Name: Connie Taylor, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Tell us about the types of students you see come through your program. Are you seeing more non-traditional students and career changers coming from other fields?
Connie: Our program is for undergraduate students. As such, it prepares students for the BCaBA credential. Most students begin taking classes in the ABA minor during their freshman or sophomore year.
What areas of practice are you seeing graduates going into? Do they tend to find jobs in the local school districts or more often join private practices?
Connie: Many of our students go on to Master’s programs after graduating with their Bachelor’s degree from Midland. Others join university-based programs or private practices providing ABA services.
What are some of the things you love most about the ABA program at your university – the kind of things you’d like future students to know about as they consider their options?
Connie: Our students enjoy small classes and individual attention from highly qualified faculty. They complete a yearlong internship where they have the opportunity to work alongside nationally and internationally recognized behavior analysts. Due to our demanding curriculum and outstanding applied experiences, our students are in high demand and typically receive job offers upon graduation.
What do you feel are the most pressing issues in ABA today, and how does the program at your school prepare graduates to address these issues?
Connie: In Nebraska, issues related to insurance, funding, and licensure of behavior analysts are being discussed. Midland University encourages students to participate in ABA organizations and financially supports their attendance at local behavioral conventions.
Why should psychology majors consider getting a minor in ABA?
Connie: ABA is a growing field and there are lots of job opportunities for qualified individuals in the area. An ABA background exposes students to a wider array of clients, problems, and experiences, which is helpful no matter what specific area of psychology they want to pursue.
Students working toward the ABA minor can earn practical experience through yearlong internships. Where do students typically find internship placements?
Connie: Our students typically complete their internships at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) or the Autism Care for Toddlers (ACT) clinic through the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Please feel free to add anything else you would like potential students to know about your program and that would be good for them to consider before choosing a program.
Our ABA minor at Midland University is the only program in the area that offers this extensive preparation in behavior analysis at the undergraduate level. Our students are extremely well prepared to enter graduate programs in ABA or begin working in the field.
Check out our full interview series here to see what other professors and faculty are saying about their ABA programs.