Behavioural Sciences (BHS)

About the Program

In this two-year program, you will study theories and clinical applications including the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – the science of understanding, analyzing and modifying human behaviour. Through applied learning and placement, you will learn the applications of ABA, including its use in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.

As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to pursue Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program. This unique pathway allows you to earn a degree within two years (4 semesters plus a work-term) after completion of a summer bridging stream.

If you meet the admission requirements, you may also be eligible to receive a 42 credit block transfer when entering the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology within the Faculty of Health at York University.

Credential Awarded

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

4 Semesters (September start - 24 months, January start - 16 months)

Starts

January, September

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Skills

Throughout this program, you will be trained in intervention techniques used in clinical areas, such as gerontology, educational services, healthcare services, mental health, special education and working with children and adults with developmental disorders, along with other areas where the use of behavioural sciences is expanding rapidly.

Work Experience

Field Work

Over the course of this program, you will work in a professional capacity with the help of a field placement opportunity. Your field work placements will give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and apply what you have learned in a work environment. You will work individually and in a group in a professional capacity, with specific job tasks and responsibilities, time management requirements and appropriate interpersonal skills.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

Instructional therapist
Behaviour technician
Educational assistant
Educational resource facilitator
Employee of group homes, community living centres and other specialized agencies

Program of Study

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
BHS101	Introduction to ABA I: History and Principles	3
BHS102	Behavior Theory I: Observation and Assessment	3
BHS103	Professional Pathways	3
BHS120	Interpersonal Communications: Behavioural Sciences	3
COM101	Communicating Across Contexts	3
or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)
PSY100	Introduction to Psychology ¹	3
Semester 2
BHS201	Introduction to ABA II: Techniques & Applications	3
BHS202	Behavioural Theory II: Assessment & Data Analysis	3
BHS203	Ethics and Professionalism	3
BHS204	Autism and Developmental Disabilities	3
BHS206	Human Development: Behavioural Sciences	3
plus: General Education Course (1)		3
Semester 3
BHS301	Legislation, Policy and Practice	3
BHS302	Interventions I: Strengths and Skills	3
BHS303	Forensics, Crime and Corrections	3
BHS387	Practicum Preparation	2
PSY206	Psychological Disorders ¹	3
plus: General Education Course (1)		3
Semester 4
BHS401	Inclusive and Long-Term Community Practices	3
BHS402	Interventions II: Behaviour Reduction	3
BHS403	Acquired Brain Injury and Adult Services	3
BHS487	Practicum and Professional Development Portfolio	2
BHS497	Professional Practicum: Behavioural Sciences	15

¹: These courses will not fulfil a General Education requirement.

Note: The following courses will also not fulfil a General Education requirement: COM470 Interpersonal Communication, EAC470 Interpersonal Communications, PSY122 Interpersonal Communications and Group Dynamics, PSY160 Abnormal Psychology, PSY172 Group Dynamics, PSY205 Interpersonal Communication, PSY801 Forensic Psychology, SOC270 Interpersonal and Intercultural Communications.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

Implement effective intervention strategies based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in order to increase desired behaviours and teach new skills.
Implement effective behaviour analytic interventions to decrease maladaptive behaviours.
Integrate background information and knowledge of special populations into therapeutic practice, 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 observations in the field that are behavioural, objective, accurate, parsimonious, and organized for further analysis.
Record measurements of behaviour intended for analysis in accordance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Guidelines for Responsible Conduct.
Apply systems thinking to behavioural processes related to socially significant behaviour change, client quality of life, and long-term planning.
Discuss federal, provincial, and professional policies and regulations associated with the ethical practice of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) among various populations or service sectors.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.

Additional Information

After admission but prior to field placement, you must obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

Notes

Although not required for admission, completion of grade 11 and 12 mathematics courses are recommended for your success in the data analysis and graphing components of the program.

International Student Information

International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).