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Graduate Programs2024-07-26T08:05:14-04:00

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

NECC’s graduate degree programs are an exclusive benefit for NECC employees only.

At NECC, we value what you do and we want you to be the best. We have developed a professional development model that helps you achieve your career goals while ensuring you are providing the best care and growth to our students. Since the early 90s, we have graduated more than 1,500 BCBAs and special education teachers from our graduate training partnerships with Simmons University and Western New England University. 

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Simmons University

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

MSEd- Autism Specialization, Simmons University2022-12-23T18:49:32-05:00

Simmons University and The New England Center for Children have collaborated to offer a Master of Science in Education Degree with licensure in Severe Disabilities (Levels: All) to NECC employees.  All courses are taught on-site at NECC in Southborough.

The combination of practical training, experience and the Simmons courses has enabled employees to have a wide variety of job offers in both public schools and private agencies upon completion of the program.

Employees can receive a $50,000 degree for no cost!  The program can be completed in a three-year time period on a part-time basis.  The program consists of eleven academic courses and a full-year teaching practicum experience.  NECC staff may register for one course without being formally enrolled in the program.

Simmons University

To formally enroll in the program, all employees must apply directly to Simmons University. An online application is available on the Simmons University website.  Prior to the students’ practicum year, master’s degree candidates are required to pass the Communication and Literacy test and the General Curriculum test of the Massachusetts state licensure exam to continue in the program.

Ideal candidates present with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  All grade point averages are considered but GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.

Learn more about Simmons University and how to apply.  Be sure to select the licensure program linked with NECC!

Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis, Western New England University2019-09-10T18:20:21-04:00

The New England Center for Children (NECC) has partnered with Western New England University (WNE) to offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis.  This collaboration was developed in response to the increasing demand for scientists and practitioners in the area of autism and related disabilities. Its curriculum is designed to foster the development of leaders in the field.  Coursework includes topics in the experimental and conceptual analysis of behavior as well as the application of behavioral principles. This program is based at NECC and WNE.

This program provides comprehensive in-service training on how to apply learning theory to the education and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. Students participate in a variety of educational experiences including seminars, intervention projects and practicum assignments under the close supervision of internationally recognized behavior analysts.

Students are expected to complete 54 credit hours with at least 27 of those hours being seminars (the remaining 27 may be dissertation credit, behavior analysis practica, and additional elective seminars). Courses will be offered in three of the four 11-week terms scheduled by the Western New England University Graduate Program (Fall, Winter, and Spring terms). The program is designed to be completed in three years.

Benefits for Students Employed at NECC:

  • Competitive tuition reimbursement package
  • Courses are taught at NECC
  • Conduct dissertation research at NECC under the supervision of nationally-recognized experts in behavior analysis and autism

Enrollment:

  • Applications for admission are due January 15
  • Applications are submitted directly to WNEU
  • Applicants must hold a master’s degree in behavior analysis or be certified as a master’s-level behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®
  • Applicants meeting additional admissions requirements and showing strong potential as scholars and future leaders in the field of behavior analysis will be considered

For More Information:

 Visit the website for the Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis at WNE

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Graduate Assistant Program, Western New England University2024-11-12T12:07:11-05:00

NECC staff enrolled in the Western New England University Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis graduate program are able to be employed as a NECC graduate assistant.  Graduate assistants participate in the three-year degree program (on-site) while gaining valuable work experience with children, adolescents and young adults with autism, PDD and behavior disorders.

In addition to participating in the WNE graduate program, the graduate assistant fulfills full-time teaching responsibilities in the Autism Teacher role.

Benefits of the Graduate Assistant Position

  • Full tuition
  • Relocation assistance
  • Furnished housing provided by NECC
  • Stipend
  • Full health and dental insurance coverage
  • Practical training in classroom management and special education teaching techniques
  • Opportunities to participate in research and present at professional conferences

To learn more about the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis graduate program at Western New England University click here.

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Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Western New England University2021-03-05T13:39:47-05:00

Western New England University and The New England Center for Children collaborate to offer a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Developed in response to the increasing demand for teachers and practitioners trained in best practices for the education and treatment of individuals with autism and related disabilities, the masters in Applied Behavior Analysis will give working professionals the skills to fill this void.  This program is a three-year, 37 credit master’s degree. The graduate program is approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) and fulfills the requirements required for students to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam. Courses are offered in three, eleven-week terms (fall, winter, and spring). Students are expected to enroll in four credit hours each term to stay on pace to complete the master’s program in three years.  All masters’ students are assigned a doctoral-level, board certified behavior analyst as advisors upon admission to the program.  Advisors will work collaboratively on the students’ professional development throughout the three years of the program.

Enrollment

To formally enroll in the ABA program, all employees must apply directly to the university.  Please find information regarding the program requirements, a list of advisors, admissions requirements and process on the Western New England University website.

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Other Degree Options2019-08-12T19:39:20-04:00

Our commitment to professional development extends to all staff at NECC regardless of their current level of education.

NECC’s generous tuition reimbursement program encourages continual learning and rewards job performance and longevity. Staff interested in earning a bachelors degree in a job-related field may take advantage of this opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree.

Staff may also participate in approved certificate training programs in job related areas to enhance their skills and continue their professional development.

Other graduate education options are available through NECCs numerous affiliations with area colleges. An example of this is the Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology at Worcester State University.

“NECC provided me with the very best graduate school experience. I had the opportunity to work with so many incredible clinicians and even more incredible students!” – NECC Teacher
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