About the Program
This program is the first four-year undergraduate honours degree in Canada that provides a comprehensive program of study in the rapidly growing field of Behavioural Psychology. With a curriculum based on the theory that adaptive and maladaptive behaviours are acquired through interaction with the environment, you will examine a range of subjects in psychology including behavioural intervention, behavioural techniques and the application of Applied Behaviour Analysis in clinical and non-clinical settings. You will graduate with in-depth theoretical, conceptual and applied knowledge in the field of behavioural psychology.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services are becoming more widely available in Ontario as funding has quadrupled over the last 10 years. Approximately one in 10 Canadians has a learning disability and in Ontario one in five children and youth has a mental health challenge.
Advanced Entry
Graduates of a diploma program may be eligible to complete this degree faster through one of ourpathway options.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Developmental and intellectual disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Mental health and neurological injury applications
Experience in gathering and information to design treatments and interventions
Mandatory Degree Work Term
You will be required to fulfil one mandatory work term within a professional environment with a minimum of 420 hours. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Autism instructor therapist
- Behaviour therapist
- Behavioural consultant
- Associate behaviour analyst
- Mental health worker
- Youth worker
- Addictions worker
- Educational assistant
- Family counsellor
- Rehabilitation counsellor
Affiliations/Associations
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified a course sequence in this program that makes students eligible to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Examination (BCaBA). Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Renewable Scholarship
Receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.
Qualify for a renewable scholarship based on your grades.
Global Learning and Engagement Opportunity
As a student in this program you have the chance to explore global learning opportunities through Global Learning and Engagement. Gain a global perspective and develop new skills for personal, professional, and academic growth – at Seneca or abroad.
Success Stories
Holly Clarke
Graduate,Behavioural SciencesandHonours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology
"I choseSenecain 2015 to start my postsecondary educational journey. The courses in my programs were aligned with the topics that I was most interested in learning about. I started by enrolling in thetwo-year diploma program, and when those two years were up, I decided to transfer into thefour-year degree program. I made some great friends, and incredible connections. I am still in touch with a number of my inspiring professors. Following my time at Seneca, I have since furthered my education with a master’sdegree and board certification in my field! It all started at Seneca."
Jennifer General
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology
Graduate, Behavioural Sciences
“I am grateful for the many opportunities offered by Seneca while I attended the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology degree program and Behavioural Sciences diploma program. The classes and the co-op placement prepared me with the necessary skills and experience I needed in order to be interviewed then hired at an amazing agency. Through Seneca I was able to work as a program tutor, work as a behavioural therapist, be the lead research assistant on a research project, help start a club and present research findings at a conference. All the knowledge, advice and experience helped me to get hired as a Behavioural Technician at one of the largest Autism service providers in North America. I would like to thank all my professors and friends for their encouragement and support throughout my time at Seneca where I obtained both a diploma and an undergraduate degree within four years through the diploma-degree pathway.”
Related Programs
- Behavioural Sciences
- Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction
