Applied Behaviour Analysis (PhD)

Faculty of Social Sciences PhD

  • Experiential learning
  • Main Campus

This program prepares students to apply the science of behaviour across diverse settings through advanced theoretical and experiential learning. Students develop expertise in behaviour analysis, gain experience conducting independent interdisciplinary research, and are trained as scientist-practitioners. 

Upcoming Info Sessions:

Program Details:

  • Pathway: Thesis-based
  • Study Options: Full-time
  • Program Length: 12 terms (4 years)
  • Program Delivery: Primarily St. Catharines campus (occasional weekend classes in Burlington)

Entry point:

  • Fall (September)

Application Timelines:

  • Applications Open: Mid-September
  • Application Deadline: December 1
  • Late Applications: The application portal may remain open after the deadline and will close when all spots are filled. International applicants interested in applying after the posted deadline should contact the program for information on availability.

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Kimberley Zonneveld
Graduate program coordinator
Sha Shuang Uppal

Apply now Graduate Studies at Brock

Graduate calendar Tuition and financial information

Program website Faculty research Faculty of Social Sciences

Admission requirements

  • Successful completion of a master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or a master’s degree in a related field with successful completion of a Verified Course Sequence set forth by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, with a minimum average of 80%.
  • Evidence of beginning to collect supervised independent fieldwork hours towards certification as a BCBA®.
  • Background in ABA, knowledge of research design and analysis, evidence of scholarly activities (e.g., peer reviewed journal publications, research assistant positions, conference presentations), evidence of academic excellence, and supervised ABA field experience.
  • Applicants that are required to provide proof of English language proficiency must meet the standard graduate minimum requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, or an approved equivalent), as outlined on the Graduate English Language Proficiency webpage.

See also the full program admission requirements as outlined in the Graduate Academic Calendar and the general admission requirements for graduate-level study.

Application materials

In addition to the online application and payment of the non-refundable application fee, applicants are required to submit:

  • Transcripts from all previous post-secondary study
  • Three academic references (must provide an academic email)
  • CV (using the ADS template for the CV)
  • A statement of intent demonstrating commitment to Applied Behaviour Analysis and your interest in pursuing doctoral studies, no more than two pages in length (12pt font, Times New Roman, double spaced). Please include:
    • Why the PhD in ABA at Brock University is the best place for you to pursue your academic and scholarly interests/your short-term and long-term career goals;
    • How your past experiences and education have prepared you for success in our rigorous graduate training program; 
    • State your specific research interests and explicitly state any work you've done in this area;
    • Provide the names of up to three faculty members with whom you would like to work and briefly provide your rationale for selecting each of them. If more than one name is provided, please present these in order of preference; 
    • Connect your area of interest to work being done by the faculty with whom you are interested in working (when applicable, state specific faculty members and projects by name).

Visit our How to Apply page for a full overview of the application process, and our Application Documents page for details on document requirements and upload instructions.