University ABA program
San Diego State University
Ripley Fieldwork Tracker is used by BCBA trainees and supervisors at San Diego State University, which offers a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, based in San Diego, 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: M.A. in Special Education, Behavior Analysis and Autism
- Credential type: Graduate ABA certificate
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Delivery: Hybrid (online + on-campus)
- Length: about 24 months
- 64% first-time BCBA exam pass rate, on-campus program (2024, per the BACB)
The ABA program at San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, the M.A. in Special Education, Behavior Analysis and Autism, in San Diego, CA, delivered hybrid. The program typically takes about 24 months to complete. Note: Concentration within MA in Special Education; 2-year cohort program.
In the BACB's most recent published data, San Diego State University graduates of its on-campus program had a 64% first-time BCBA exam pass rate (2024, 11 first-time candidates).
- 1 of 13
- ABA certificate programs here
- 1 of 18
- ABA programs in California
- 1 of 40
- hybrid 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 M.A. in Special Education, Behavior Analysis and Autism), 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 San Diego State University 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.