- Instructional therapist
- Behaviour technician
- Educational assistant
- Educational resource facilitator
- Employee of group homes, community living centres and other specialized agencies
Behavioural Sciences (BHS)
Campus
Duration
4 Semesters (Fall start - 24 months, Winter start - 16 months)Credential Awarded
Ontario College DiplomaSchool
School of Public SafetyProgram and course delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
About the Program
In this two-year program, you will study theories and clinical applications including the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – the science of understanding, analyzing and modifying human behaviour. Through applied learning and placement, you will learn the applications of ABA, including its use in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.
As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to pursue Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program. This unique pathway allows you to earn a degree within two years (4 semesters plus a work-term) after completion of a summer bridging stream.
If you meet the admission requirements, you may also be eligible to receive a 42 credit block transfer when entering the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology within the Faculty of Health at York University.
Skills
Throughout this program, you will be trained in intervention techniques used in clinical areas, such as gerontology, educational services, healthcare services, mental health, special education and working with children and adults with developmental disorders, along with other areas where the use of behavioural sciences is expanding rapidly.
Work Experience
Field Work
Over the course of this program, you will work in a professional capacity with the help of a field placement opportunity. Your field work placements will give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and apply what you have learned in a work environment. You will work individually and in a group in a professional capacity, with specific job tasks and responsibilities, time management requirements and appropriate interpersonal skills.
Program Availability
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
What Our Graduates Say
Holly Clarke
Graduate, Behavioural Sciences and Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology
"I chose Seneca in 2015 to start my postsecondary educational journey. The courses in my programs were aligned with the topics that I was most interested in learning about. I started by enrolling in the two-year diploma program, and when those two years were up, I decided to transfer into the four-year degree program. I made some great friends, and incredible connections. I am still in touch with a number of my inspiring professors. Following my time at Seneca, I have since furthered my education with a master’s degree and board certification in my field! It all started at Seneca."
Jennifer General
Graduate, Behavioural Sciences and Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology
“I am grateful for the many opportunities offered by Seneca while I attended the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology degree program and Behavioural Sciences diploma program. The classes and the co-op placement prepared me with the necessary skills and experience I needed in order to be interviewed then hired at an amazing agency. Through Seneca I was able to work as a program tutor, work as a behavioural therapist, be the lead research assistant on a research project, help start a club and present research findings at a conference. All the knowledge, advice and experience helped me to get hired as a Behavioural Technician at one of the largest Autism service providers in North America. I would like to thank all my professors and friends for their encouragement and support throughout my time at Seneca where I obtained both a diploma and an undergraduate degree within four years through the diploma-degree pathway.”
Mitchell Myers
Graduate, Behavioural Sciences
“The Behavioural Sciences diploma at Seneca opened more doors for me than I thought possible. Since graduating I’ve worked as a forensic behaviour specialist, a researcher, an instructor therapist, a product tester for an Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC) software company and a humanitarian aid worker. I’ve worked for hospitals, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) clinics, speech pathology teams and The Red Cross. I learned quickly that employers take this diploma seriously, and that it is valued across many fields.”
Saba Nassem
Graduate, Behavioural Sciences
"I entered the Behavioural Sciences program at Seneca with a dream to eventually support people with special needs. The faculty and staff in the program made my learning experience a wonderful one, providing a high level of personalized attention throughout my time at Seneca. As a bonus, I had the opportunity to build deep relationships with other students, leading to friendships that will last a lifetime. With the support of everyone involved in the program, I now have the necessary skills and work as an Instructor Therapist with amazing individuals who deserve the best attention and care from us all."