George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Behavioural Science Technician
(Accelerated) (Online) (C166)
Program Details
Online- Program Code: C166
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Duration: 3 semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $5,688.00 *
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Open | Not Available |
| Winter 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Field education in semesters 3 and 4.
- PGWP Eligible: No
- CIP Code: 42.2814
- Please note that field of study/CIP code is only one component of PGWP eligibility. Please consult the official IRCC PGWP eligibility webpage (opens in a new tab) for the most current and complete information.
Program Description
Leadership Claims
This intensive one-year diploma program is unique in Ontario.
Program Overview
The Behavioural Science Technician (Accelerated) one-year intensive online program will prepare you to use applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and behavioural intervention to work with a variety of populations, including those with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, gerontology and behavioural disorders. Apply to this accelerated stream if you have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
Full Description
The Behavioural Science Technician (Accelerated) (C166) one-year intensive diploma program delivered online will teach you the specialized skills and expertise required to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with autism, mental health conditions, and/or developmental disabilities. Apply to this stream if you have a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology or a related discipline. Note: You must have completed an Introduction to Psychology and one other psychology-related course to be eligible.
The themes in this program include:
- principles of behaviour (e.g., operant conditioning)
- intervention methods including discrete trial training
- program development
- ethics and professionalism
- diversity and working with various populations such as autism, mental health, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, etc.
- relevant legislation
Note: While this program is delivered online, the field education component is in-person. You may be required to travel for your field education due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). You may be placed in locations as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington and as far north as Vaughan.
Note: This program does not teach counselling or "talk therapy." Treatment plans are typically prescriptive and data-driven.
What to Expect in this Science-Based Program:
- a heavy workload
- frequent use of complex, scientific terminology
- learning activities that require the ability to read and analyze scientific journal articles
Recommended Skills and Aptitudes:
- advanced-level English skills required
- caring
- tenacious
- analytic
- detail-oriented
Your Field Education Options
This accelerated Behavioural Science Technician program offers two intensive seven-week field placements.
The first is in the winter semester (January/February placement) and the second is in the spring semester (May/June placement).
Placements will be conducted with a variety of populations and agencies whose clients could have autism, mental health issues, acquired brain injury, developmental disabilities, behavioural concerns or issues related to aging. Partner agencies are located across southern Ontario.
Note that many graduates receive offers of employment based on their placements experiences.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 1003 | Behavioural Theory |
| BST 1030 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Behavioural Assessment |
| BST 1032 | Ethics and Professionalism |
| BST 1037 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis |
| BST 2002 | Research Design |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 2027 | Field Seminar II |
| BST 2036 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Acquisition Strategies |
| BST 2037 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Reduction Strategies |
| BST 2038 | Field Placement II |
| BST 2041 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Group-Based Interventions |
| BST 2044 | Applied Behaviour Analysis Application to Special Populations |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 2042 | Field Seminar III |
| BST 2043 | Field Placement III |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Implement effective behaviour analytic intervention strategies based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in order to increase desired behaviours, teach new skills and decrease contextually problematic behaviours.
- Integrate background information and knowledge of special populations into therapeutic practice, in order to develop behavioural interventions using a behaviour analytic approach.
- Communicate with various stakeholders the behaviour analytic principles, processes and concepts central to the interventions being provided in order to enhance quality of service.
- Compile measurements of behaviour in accordance with the ONTABA standards of practice and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's Guidelines for Responsible conduct in order to conduct behavioural assessments and develop behavioural interventions.
- Apply systems thinking to behavioural processes related to socially significant behaviour change in order to ensure the sustainability of behaviour change programs that increase an individual’s quality of life.
- Adhere to federal, provincial and professional policies and regulations associated with the ethical practice of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) among various populations or service sectors.
- Apply input gained from collaboration with stakeholders (including individuals, family members and community members) and professionals in the field of service into effective client service intervention.
- Develop a reflective practice, using professional development and self-care strategies to enhance professional competence.
- Develop client-centred behavioural intervention plans that account for individuals’ rights, needs, goals and their social and community context.
- Integrate the conceptual and philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis into a comprehensive case formulation of human behaviour to assist in the assessment, design and implementation of behaviour change programs.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$5,688.00 *
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of the program starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a three-year or four-year Bachelor of Arts
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Find out more about English proficiency requirements.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to eight to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every six months. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student. To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (must be valid every six months)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)”.
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.Students who are unable to provide a "clear" vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Call the George Brown School of Health and Wellness at 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or E-mail hwprograms@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Program Description
Leadership Claims
This intensive one-year diploma program is unique in Ontario.
Program Overview
The Behavioural Science Technician (Accelerated) one-year intensive online program will prepare you to use applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and behavioural intervention to work with a variety of populations, including those with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, gerontology and behavioural disorders. Apply to this accelerated stream if you have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
Full Description
The Behavioural Science Technician (Accelerated) (C166) one-year intensive diploma program delivered online will teach you the specialized skills and expertise required to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with autism, mental health conditions, and/or developmental disabilities. Apply to this stream if you have a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology or a related discipline. Note: You must have completed an Introduction to Psychology and one other psychology-related course to be eligible.
The themes in this program include:
- principles of behaviour (e.g., operant conditioning)
- intervention methods including discrete trial training
- program development
- ethics and professionalism
- diversity and working with various populations such as autism, mental health, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, etc.
- relevant legislation
Note: While this program is delivered online, the field education component is in-person. You may be required to travel for your field education due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). You may be placed in locations as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington and as far north as Vaughan.
Note: This program does not teach counselling or "talk therapy." Treatment plans are typically prescriptive and data-driven.
What to Expect in this Science-Based Program:
- a heavy workload
- frequent use of complex, scientific terminology
- learning activities that require the ability to read and analyze scientific journal articles
Recommended Skills and Aptitudes:
- advanced-level English skills required
- caring
- tenacious
- analytic
- detail-oriented
Your Field Education Options
This accelerated Behavioural Science Technician program offers two intensive seven-week field placements.
The first is in the winter semester (January/February placement) and the second is in the spring semester (May/June placement).
Placements will be conducted with a variety of populations and agencies whose clients could have autism, mental health issues, acquired brain injury, developmental disabilities, behavioural concerns or issues related to aging. Partner agencies are located across southern Ontario.
Note that many graduates receive offers of employment based on their placements experiences.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 1003 | Behavioural Theory |
| BST 1030 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Behavioural Assessment |
| BST 1032 | Ethics and Professionalism |
| BST 1037 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis |
| BST 2002 | Research Design |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 2027 | Field Seminar II |
| BST 2036 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Acquisition Strategies |
| BST 2037 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Reduction Strategies |
| BST 2038 | Field Placement II |
| BST 2041 | Behaviour Theory and Practice: Group-Based Interventions |
| BST 2044 | Applied Behaviour Analysis Application to Special Populations |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 2042 | Field Seminar III |
| BST 2043 | Field Placement III |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$5,688.00 *
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of the program starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a three-year or four-year Bachelor of Arts
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Find out more about English proficiency requirements.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to eight to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every six months. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student. To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (must be valid every six months)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)”.
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.Students who are unable to provide a "clear" vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Implement effective behaviour analytic intervention strategies based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in order to increase desired behaviours, teach new skills and decrease contextually problematic behaviours.
- Integrate background information and knowledge of special populations into therapeutic practice, in order to develop behavioural interventions using a behaviour analytic approach.
- Communicate with various stakeholders the behaviour analytic principles, processes and concepts central to the interventions being provided in order to enhance quality of service.
- Compile measurements of behaviour in accordance with the ONTABA standards of practice and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's Guidelines for Responsible conduct in order to conduct behavioural assessments and develop behavioural interventions.
- Apply systems thinking to behavioural processes related to socially significant behaviour change in order to ensure the sustainability of behaviour change programs that increase an individual’s quality of life.
- Adhere to federal, provincial and professional policies and regulations associated with the ethical practice of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) among various populations or service sectors.
- Apply input gained from collaboration with stakeholders (including individuals, family members and community members) and professionals in the field of service into effective client service intervention.
- Develop a reflective practice, using professional development and self-care strategies to enhance professional competence.
- Develop client-centred behavioural intervention plans that account for individuals’ rights, needs, goals and their social and community context.
- Integrate the conceptual and philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis into a comprehensive case formulation of human behaviour to assist in the assessment, design and implementation of behaviour change programs.
Contact Us
Call the George Brown School of Health and Wellness at 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or E-mail hwprograms@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.