Applied Disability Studies (MADS)

Faculty of Social Sciences Master of Applied Disability Studies

  • Experiential learning
  • Main Campus, Hamilton

Brock University is the only University in Ontario offering a Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS). Students can specialize in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture (LDCC). The ABA course sequence is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® 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. The MADS program is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time basis or three years on a part-time basis (for ABA students only) and is geared toward current and future professionals. The program offers courses during the week and on weekends for full-time students and weekends for part-time students in different locations in Ontario.

Specialization Option:

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

Entry point:

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

Duration:

  • Full-time – 2 years
  • Part-time – 3 years (ABA specialization only)

Application deadline:

  • January 15

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

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Rosemary Condillac

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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.

Career outcomes

  • Positions in social service agencies supporting people with disabilities
  • Behavior Consultants/Therapists
  • Program evaluators
  • Applied Researchers
  • 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