University ABA program
California State University, San Marcos
Ripley Fieldwork Tracker is used by BCBA trainees and supervisors at California State University, San Marcos, which offers a graduate Applied Behavior Analysis program with a BACB-verified course sequence, based in San Marcos, CA. Here is the program at a glance, what fieldwork looks like in California, and how trainees track their hours.
Reviewed by the Ripley team · Updated July 15, 2026
Key facts at a glance
- Program: Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Study
- Credential type: BACB-verified ABA course sequence
- Location: San Marcos, CA
- Delivery: Online
- Length: 21 credit hours
- 50% first-time BCBA exam pass rate, online program (2024, per the BACB)
The ABA program at California State University, San Marcos
California State University, San Marcos offers a graduate Applied Behavior Analysis program with a BACB-verified course sequence, the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Study, in San Marcos, CA, delivered online. The program is 21 credit hours. Note: fully online; 18-unit BCaBA track also offered; BCBA track requires existing graduate degree.
In the BACB's most recent published data, California State University, San Marcos graduates of its online program had a 50% first-time BCBA exam pass rate (2024, 18 first-time candidates).
- 1 of 91
- BACB-VCS programs here
- 1 of 18
- ABA programs in California
- 1 of 90
- online programs here
ABA in California
California does not license behavior analysts separately: BCBA certification itself is the professional standard there. Verified against BACB licensure resources July 15, 2026.
Ripley is well worn-in here: 8,085 registered Ripley users are in California, tracking fieldwork at clinics, schools, and universities across the state.
Other ABA programs in California
- Pepperdine UniversityM.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis · Malibu
- University of Southern CaliforniaM.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis · Los Angeles
- Fresno Pacific UniversityM.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis · Fresno
- National UniversityM.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis · San Diego
- University of California, RiversideM.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis · Riverside
BCBA fieldwork requirements
After the coursework (the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Study), BCBA certification requires supervised fieldwork: 2,000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork or 1,500 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork, with at least 60% unrestricted activity inside a 5-year window. The monthly range is 20 to 130 hours under pre-2027 rules and 20 to 160 for applications on or after January 1, 2027.
- The complete BCBA fieldwork requirements: totals, monthly limits, supervision, and the 2027 changes.
- Free fieldwork hours calculator: project your completion date and required monthly pace.
- Restricted vs unrestricted hours (the 60% rule).
- The Monthly Verification Form, explained.
How Ripley helps California State University, San Marcos trainees
Ripley Fieldwork Tracker logs every BACB fieldwork category, tracks each month against the BACB minimums so nothing slips, and turns your records into pre-filled Monthly Verification Form PDFs. It is free for supervisees and supervisors.
Program sources and review date
Program details were reviewed on July 15, 2026against the university's official program page and catalog. Confirm admissions, delivery, tuition, and curriculum details with the university before applying.