Applied Disability Studies (Graduate Diploma)

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies (ABA specialization) is meant for persons with a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Psychology or Education who would like to take a Behaviour Analyst Certification Board Verified Course Sequence to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)®. Courses are offered during the week and on weekends for full-time students and on weekends for students working part-time.  Some courses may be fully or partially online.

Entry point:

  • September (full-time)

Duration:

  • Course-based – 6 terms (2 years)

Application deadline:

  • January 15th

Applications submitted after the deadline may be looked at on a first-come, first-served basis. International applicants interested in applying after the posted application deadline should contact the program for details on availability.
Applications typically open in October.

Academic administrator:

ads@brocku.ca


Admission requirements

  1. Check the university requirements and the program requirements.
  2. Complete the online application and submit the non-refundable application fee.
  3. You will need to submit your transcripts as well as the following program-specific materials:
    • Three references are required. Academic references are preferred.  Some applicants may have difficulty obtaining academic references, and therefore, it may be more appropriate to obtain references from professionals with whom you have worked (e.g. Manager, Supervisor, Senior Colleague…). In all cases, the information should relate to the ability of the applicant to undertake graduate studies in the diploma program.  You will provide your references when you complete the online application.
    • Curriculum Vitae: this should indicate the applicant’s education, employment, teaching and research activities/experience and publications/presentations (if any). Please use the following template for the CV.
    • A Statement of Intent and demonstrated commitment to the field of disabilities and/or Applied Behaviour Analysis, of no more than two pages in length (12 pt font Time New Roman, single or double spaced), describing your academic, employment, volunteer, and/or personal experience in the field.

Career outcomes

  • Behavior Consultants/Therapists
  • Positions in social service agencies supporting people with disabilities
  • Program evaluators
  • Clinical supervisors
  • Special education specialists
  • Positions in government agencies
  • Professional positions in related fields
  • Public affairs
  • Public policy/administration
  • Non-profit sector policy/administration
  • Government positions
  • College instructors