501 Basic Principles and Characteristics of Behavior

Course Available
3.5 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for Optimus Education Participants Only

This course covers the following certifications: QASP, QBA, and IBA.

  • QASP501 – This is the first of four 45-hour courses required for certification by QABA®.
  • QBA601 – This is the first of six 45-hour courses required for certification by QABA®.
  • IBA701 – This is the first of six 45-hour courses required for certification by IBAO®.

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of applied behavior analysis (ABA), preparing students to apply behavioral principles in various settings, including homes, residential facilities, and clinical environments. It is designed to support individuals working with diverse populations, including those with developmental disabilities and emotional or behavioral challenges.

The course satisfies 35 hours of Core Principles of ABA and 10 hours of Antecedent Interventions. Content areas covered in each lesson are detailed in the syllabus.

This course incorporates instructional strategies from behavior analysis, including elements of the Keller Method, frequent assessments, feedback through “probes,” and adult learning methodologies to enhance student engagement and comprehension.

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Optimus Education Participants.

Course Materials:

University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic units/credit. To receive units, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider. 

Courses offered through the USD's Credit Validation Program are accepted by many school districts and universities throughout the United States. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify district and/or university policies regarding transcript requirements, deadlines, and the applicability of units/credits.

The units provided are graduate-level professional development semester units intended solely for purposes such as salary advancement and credential renewal. These units are not applicable toward a master’s degree or higher degree program at the University of San Diego.

Participants who intend to apply these units toward a degree program at another institution are responsible for confirming that institution’s acceptance of the units prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

2. Complete all course work with Optimus Ed.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

3. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

4. Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to [email protected] after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Prerequisites: A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Reference following websites: https://qababoard.com/ and https://theibao.com/

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X754Y – 001 01 Jan 202501 Jul 2026 3.5 $276

501 Basic Principles and Characteristics of Behavior

01 Jan 202501 Jul 2026
3.5
$276
Credit Validation
Online Self-Paced

Audience: Behavior Therapist, Behavior Supervisor, Behavior Analyst, Qualified Autism Services Practitioner, Qualified Autism Services Supervisor, Master Teacher, Teacher Aide, Director of ABA Services, Supervisor of ABA Services.

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: July 1, 2026 (11:59pm PT)

What You Will Learn

  • Identify and define key terms in applied behavior analysis, including behavior, response, environment, and reinforcement
  • Differentiate between respondent (classical) conditioning and operant conditioning models
  • Apply behavioral principles to real-world settings using evidence-based approaches
  • Explain and provide examples of establishing operations, contingency functional relationships, extinction, and generalization
  • Outline the 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.