Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis Program (Year 3 Bridge) (S303)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

George Brown College was the first college in Toronto to offer the Behavioural Science Technology advanced diploma and spearheaded the development of the Provincial Autism and Behavioural Science programs.

We have been providing training and education in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in Toronto for over 15 years.

Program Overview

The Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis (S303) is an accelerated degree program stream open to students who have successfully completed two years of an approved behavioural science technology or technician program. This five-semester program starts with a spring/summer bridging semester that leads into year three (or semester 5) of the four-year degree. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of behavioural psychology and, more specifically, applied behaviour analysis (ABA).

If you apply to the May 2024/25 intake for this program, you will start in May 2025. To begin your studies in May 2024, apply to the 2023/24 academic year.

Full Description

The Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis (S303) is a fast-track degree program that takes an in-depth look at applied behaviour analysis (ABA)—a field of study that uses a systematic and analytical approach to modify behaviour in a desirable way.

This program is open to students who have completed two years of a behavioural science technology advanced diploma program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or graduated from a behavioural science technician diploma program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Students will complete a bridge semester during the spring/summer (semester 4) before joining the third year (semester 5) of the four-year degree program.

ABA is an effective practice that is often used with populations who have:

  • autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • brain injury
  • dementia
  • developmental disabilities
  • addiction
  • mental health disorders

What you will be studying:

Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to the treatment and understanding of human behaviour. This approach can be applied to the entire range of human behaviour (i.e., thoughts, feelings and actions). Research has shown that an evidence-based approach such as ABA is most effective at decreasing problem behaviour and developing a variety of skills.

The ABA approach involves three main components:

Component 1: A complete behavioural assessment is conducted. A variety of interview and observational techniques are used to gain an understanding of the behaviour to be changed. Students learn how to observe and analyze behaviour in a variety of situations in order to develop an effective treatment strategy.

Component 2: The next step is to use the results of the behavioural assessment to develop an effective plan that will reduce specific problem behaviours and develop or strengthen cognitive and behavioural skills. Students will learn a variety of behavioural and cognitive behavioural techniques that can be used to change behaviour.

Component 3: The final phase is an ongoing evaluation of components one and two. Students will learn how to measure the effectiveness of their interventions, and continue to refine and revise their interventions based on the results of these measures.

RESEARCH COMPONENT

A foundational aspect of this degree lies in the research component of the program. During semesters 5 and 6, students will learn how to prepare an applied research proposal. The actual research will be conducted during the fall semester of the fourth year. Students will receive faculty support throughout the entire process.

ABAI VCS PROGRAM logo

ABAI VERIFIED COURSE SEQUENCE

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country and province [Canada] before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

For details about the changes in Ontario, please visit the College of Psychologists of Ontario and review this document issues by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board.

PREPARING FUTURE LEADERS

In addition to preparing students to be practising behaviourists, the degree program helps prepare them to become leaders in this emerging field. Not only will students be supported in becoming client-centred clinicians, they will also have the opportunity to learn the skills to advance behaviour analysis from a system-wide perspective, to support large-scale changes in agencies, organizations and government.

Graduates of our Behavioural Science programs are leaders of behavioural treatment in fields as varied as forensic mental health, autism spectrum disorder and acquired brain injury.

This intensive program, delivered on-site at George Brown's state-of-the-art Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at Waterfront Campus, is suitable for students who are data-driven, enjoy analyzing patterns and like to work with challenging behaviours.

The program's core courses are focused on five areas of learning:

  • behavioural science theories, principles and methods
  • special populations
  • psychology
  • research methods/statistics
  • ethics, professionalism and leadership

ADVANCED-ENTRY OPTIONS

External applicants from other institutions will be assessed for advanced standing on a case-by-case basis.

For more details, please contact Program Co-ordinator Don Togade at Don.Togade@georgebrown.ca.

Please Note: This program is currently only available to domestic students, though current George Brown College International Students of C116 or C146 who wish to apply should contact Don Togade, program co-ordinator.

As of July 2024, the profession of applied behaviour analysis in Ontario will come under the jurisdiction of the newly expanded College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.

Your Field Education Options

While classroom theory is a very important part of your learning experience, we believe that field placement plays a critical role in solidifying that experience because it lets you practice your skills in a real-world environment.

You can expect to participate in block field placement in semester 6. Between semesters 6 and 7 (between years three and four), you will complete one 14-week field experience term (unpaid), during which you will be expected to conduct a research thesis.

Prior to starting the field experience term, a field co-ordinator will help students:

  • explore their interests
  • prepare for interviews
  • facilitate interview meetings by providing feedback

Once students are in their placement settings, they will obtain support from the agency on-site supervisor as well as support from a college faculty field liaison.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

ABA practitioners may find themselves in roles that include the following responsibilities:

  • assessment of a client's skills
  • the development and implementation of skill acquisition programs
  • functional assessment of challenging behaviours
  • behaviour management plans
  • data collection and analysis
  • case management

Their knowledge and skills are applicable to numerous opportunities, which may include such job titles as:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders consultant
  • ABA Therapist
  • Behavioural Support
  • Behaviour Technician
  • Behaviour Therapist
  • Behavioural Consultant
  • Behavioural Specialist
  • Instructor Therapist
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Residential Support Worker
  • Transition Co-ordinator
  • Vocational Support Worker

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis program have gone on to earn a master’s degree at the following institutions in these related areas: applied behaviour analysis, applied disability studies, counselling psychology and social work.

Graduates of a health sciences program who have an interest in working in long-term care facilities should consider applying to our Interprofessional Complex and Long-Term Care (S417) postgraduate certificate.

(S417) Program Details:

  • two-semester online program
  • you will learn to co-ordinate and manage an interprofessional health-care team of complex and long-term care professionals
  • delivered on-demand to accommodate working professionals
  • includes a clinical field placement component

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest Alumni Stories

Visit and discover life in our campus

Book campus tour

Sign up to receive tailored resources to make your application, your way.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.