Program

Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (Advanced Certificate)

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Credits
18.00
Length of Program
One year
Credential Type
Advanced Certificate
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment

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-to-12 teachers working toward a higher pay level and specialized knowledge base.

As a provider of a BACB verified course sequence (VCS), please go to the BACB website and view the published VCS Pass Rates. You can find the pass rates of previous Douglas College students by selecting the BCaBA pass rate information.

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 B.C. 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

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • General College Admission Requirements AND
  • Have a graduate or bachelor degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 OR be enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor degree program from a recognized institution and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33, OR have completed a 2-year diploma or 60 credits from a recognized institution and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or equivalent
  • Submit a Letter of Intent outlining the reasons for choosing this program, long-and short-term goals, and strengths and limitations.
  • Submit an up-to-date resume.
  • Submit two professional letters of reference that support your application.

The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria.

 

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 For Students Completing By Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 18 credits
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 18 credits
  • At least 50% (9 credits) of all courses must be completed at Douglas College
  • Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

 

CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

This program must be completed in one academic year. Some courses are online, some hybrid, and some in-person. Students must take all DABA program courses offered in a semester unless they have approved transfer credit.

Year 1

DACS 4114: Functional Behavior Assessment and Clinical Applications*+ (3 credits)

DACS 4123: Applied Behaviour Analysis: Research and Applications *+ (3 credits)

DACS 4115: Ethics in ABA* (3 credits)

DACS 4122: Foundational Principles and Empirical Basis of Behaviour Analysis *+ (3 credits)

DACS 3430:Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan (3 credits)

DACS 4116: Advanced Topics in ABA: Intervention *+ (3 credits)

* - verified by the ABAI for 5th Ed. BCaBA coursework + - approved by TQS

** DACS 5111 or DACS 4111 may be used as a substitute for DACS 3430.

Students who were admitted to the program prior to Fall 2020:

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