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Ministry-approved title: Bachelor of Behavioural Science
Designed specifically for graduates who hold an Ontario College Diploma in Social Service Worker (SSWK). This unique streamlined pathway to a degree allows students to earn an Honours Bachelor in Behavioural Science with a reduced course load.
In addition to a focus on the behavioural sciences, the program includes essential curriculum elements aimed at developing the professional and therapeutic communication skills that are vital to success in the field. Equipped with the real-work experience gained through a 420-hour field placement, graduates go on to draw on this science and communication foundation to effectively collaborate with other health professionals, clients and their caregivers.
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The Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science (HBBS) is designed to provide students with professional competencies that link science, clinical, communication and ethical aspects of behavioural science. There is a strong focus on Applied Behaviour Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies, to ensure that graduates possess broad knowledge, skills and judgement, leading to a variety of professional employment opportunities or future studies, including at the master’s degree level. The HBBS program examines the application of these theories for individuals across the lifespan and a variety of settings.
The approach taken in the program is reflective of the application of behavioural sciences in community organizations to teach adaptive skills and decrease challenging behaviours for clients including children, youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, individuals with acquired brain injury and those with behaviour issues associated with addictions, mental health and illness, and dementia.
Along with the behavioural sciences, the HBBS program includes essential curriculum elements aimed at developing the professional and therapeutic communication skills that are vital to success in the field. Equipped with the real-work experience gained through a 420-hour field placement, graduates go on to draw on this science and communication foundation to effectively collaborate with other health professionals, clients and their caregivers.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students will have the opportunity to apply the theories, concepts and strategies they have learned in a supervised setting through a 98-hour observatory practicum in Semester 5 and a 420-hour field placement between the sixth and seventh semesters. This allow students to gain hands-on, real work experience in a variety of supervised organizational settings to help build their resumes and begin establishing professional networks.
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement components of this program.
Students eligible for the pathway will receive the following transfer credits:
Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue further studies at the graduate level, including graduate certificates and a master’s degree.
Recent graduates have been accepted into the following master's degree programs:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Courtney Bishop holds a PhD in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst working in community-based settings as a researcher. Her focus is on improving policy and practices in organizations supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the use of community-engaged methods.
Sarah is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who has provided behavioural consultation to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Sarah has extensive experience supporting people with complex behavioural needs over the past 18 years. Sarah holds a Masters of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University and a Doctorate of Education from Western University. Sarah has been a full-time faculty at Durham College, teaching and developing curriculum for the past four years and has been acting as Program Coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science since 2021.
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