Program

Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (Certificate)

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Credits
21.00
Length of program
One year
Credential type
Certificate
Admission type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall

Overview

The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (DABA) credential is an advanced certificate (post-diploma/degree) that provides graduates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) within a disability context. 

This credential is intended to build on lower-level coursework and to present a consistent professional standard of education and qualifications via specialized courses. The core of the program is built on the principles of ABA, an evidence-based, scientific approach to changing human behaviour. Once you graduate, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work with people who have autism. 

Get a professional education

The DABA credential is approved by both the Association for Behaviour Analysis International® (ABAI) and the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS). These approvals make the credential highly attractive to professionals aspiring to become Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCaBA) and/or K-12 teachers working toward a higher pay level and specialized knowledge base.

Future studies and transfer options

The DABA program has partnered with Simon Fraser University (SFU) to offer a BA Psychology Major with Applied Behaviour Analysis Concentration.

DABA courses can also be used as specialty or elective courses within a number of degree programs at Douglas College, such as the BA in Applied Psychology, as well as other Canadian institutions. Visit the BC Transfer Guide and your transfer university’s website regularly to confirm which courses transfer.

NOTE: International students are not currently eligible for this program. For more information, contact Douglas College International.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

  • General College Admission Requirements
  • Minimum of one of the following: 
    • Graduate or bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
    • Enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor's degree program from a recognized institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33 
  • The following are required to determine suitability for the program: 
    • Letter of Intent outlining the reasons for choosing this program, long-and short-term goals, and strengths and limitations. 
    • A current resume.
    • Two professional letters of reference that support your application. 

The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants.

 

 

Cost

Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more. 

For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts. 

Program Requirements

Curriculum framework

Graduation Requirements

  • Successful completion of 21.00 credits
  • In good academic standing
  • Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 4 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.
  • Up to 50% (10.50 credits) of coursework used towards a previously received credential can be used to meet graduation requirements (see the Credentials Awarded Policy)

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

DACS 4114 (see note 1)

Functional Behaviour Assessment and Clinical Applications

3.00

DACS 4123 (see note 1)

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Research and Applications

3.00

DACS 4115 (see note 1)

Ethics in ABA

3.00

DACS 4122 (see note 1)

Foundational Principles and Empirical Basis of Behaviour Analysis 

3.00

DACS 4117 (see note 1)

Organizational Behaviour Management

3.00

DACS 3430 (see note 2)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan

3.00

DACS 4116 (see note 1)

Advanced Topics in ABA: Intervention

3.00

Total Credits 

21.00

Notes:

1. Meets the 6th Edition Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements for Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) coursework.

2. DACS 4111 may be used as a substitute for DACS 3430.

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Career Pathways

Career opportunities include:

  • Behaviour Interventionist
  • Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst
  • Board Certified Behaviour Analyst