Applied Disability Studies (MA)

Faculty of Social Sciences Master of Arts

  • Experiential learning
  • Main Campus, Hamilton

The Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Disability Studies is a thesis-based research program geared toward students interested in research careers and/or pursuing a doctoral degree. In addition to coursework and practicum/internship placements, the MA program requires students to complete an original research study under the supervision of a faculty member. Brock is the only University in Ontario offering a MA degree in Applied Disability Studies. The Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture (LDCC) specialization provides graduate-level training across key areas for career advancement in the disability sector. The course sequence in our Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) specialization meet the coursework requirements for those applying to the Ontario College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts (CPBAO) to become an Ontario Registered Behaviour Analyst and those applying to write the Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA®) exam outside of Ontario.

Upcoming Info Sessions:

Specializations:

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

Program Details:

  • Pathway: Thesis-based
  • Study Options: Full-time
  • Program Length: 6 terms (2 years)
  • Program Delivery: Primarily St. Catharines campus (occasional weekend classes in Burlington). Full details relating to locations, scheduling and program delivery are outlined on the Program Options webpage.

Looking for a course-based pathway instead? Brock also offers the course-based Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS).

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

  • A four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution, in a related field with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of study.
  • One or more undergraduate statistics courses (minimum 75% average).
  • Coursework related to disability studies and/or behaviour analysis (minimum 75% average), volunteer or work experience in the disability sector and/or ABA, and research experience is preferred.
  • 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 references (academic 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 using the ADS template for the CV. This should indicate the applicant’s education, employment, teaching and research activities/experience and publications/presentations (if any).
  • Statement of Intent demonstrating commitment to the field of disabilities and/or Applied Behaviour Analysis, and describing your academic, employment, volunteer, and/or personal experience in the field. Two pages maximum, Times New Roman, 12 pt font, single or double spaced. Applicants are encouraged to review faculty research interests and publications, and to describe their own research interests and preferred potential supervisor(s) in their statement of intent.

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.