Applied Disability Studies (MA)

Faculty of Social Sciences Master of Arts

  • Experiential learning
  • Main Campus, Hamilton

Brock University is the only University in Ontario offering a Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Disability Studies. Students can specialize in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture (LDCC). The Association for Behavior Analyst International verified the ABA course sequence for completing the course requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. The LDCC program provides graduate-level training across key areas for career advancement in the disability sector. In addition to coursework and practicum/internship placements, the MA program requires the student to complete an original research study and write an MA thesis under the supervision of a faculty member and a thesis committee. The program is highly competitive, with enrollment in the MA program currently limited to 6-10 new students per year (including both specializations). This program is geared toward students interested in research careers and pursuing a doctoral degree.

Specialization Option:

  • Applied Disability Analysis (ABA)
  • Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture

Some courses may be offered during the week, on weekends, and fully or partially online.

Entry point:

  • September (full-time and part-time options)

Duration:

  • Thesis – 6 terms (2 years)

Application deadline:

  • December 1st (ABA specialization and LDCC specialization)

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:

[email protected]

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Kimberley Zonneveld

Apply now Graduate Studies at Brock

Graduate calendar Tuition and financial information

Program website Faculty research Faculty of Social Sciences

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. This statement should include the applicant’s research interests and an indication of which faculty members the applicant would prefer as possible thesis supervisors.

Career outcomes

  • PhD programs in ABA, Disability Studies, Child and Youth Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Education and related disciplines
  • Positions in social service agencies supporting people with disabilities
  • Behavior Consultants/Therapists
  • Program evaluators
  • Research and development specialists
  • Clinical supervisors
  • Special education specialists
  • Professional positions in related fields
  • Public affairs
  • Public policy/administration
  • Non-profit sector policy/administration
  • Government positions
  • College instructors