Program Overview

Autism and Behavioural Sciences (graduate certificate)

Program Overview

As the rate of Ontarians living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to rise, so is the need for skilled professionals who are prepared to use evidence-based interventions to support individuals, as well as their families and caregivers. Students in the Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificate program will develop expertise in the collaborative design, implementation and evaluation of effective behavioural intervention plans, according to the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. They will also gain valuable work experience through two supervised field placements.

Intakes and Availability

• September 2025: Open (Domestic and International)
• January 2026: Open (Domestic and International)

Program Highlights

• Success Stories
• Resources

Admission Requirements

• Degree in Behavioural Science, Child Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work or Sociology.
• Proof of English language proficiency required

OR

• Ontario College Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Behavioural Science, Child and Youth Care, Developmental Services Worker or Social Service Worker.
• Proof of English language proficiency required

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,723 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,310 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Field Placement 1 (ATBS 1600)
• Specialized Instruction Strategies (EDUC 1600)
• Ethics and Professionalism (ETHC 1600)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (PSYC 1600)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (PSYC 1601)
• Working With Family and Teams (PSYC 1602)

Career Options

• Instructor therapist
• Behavioural technician

Experiential Learning

Students will have the opportunity to apply the theories, concepts and strategies they have learned in a supervised setting through two field placements. Students will begin to build their resumés and professional networks while gaining hands-on, real work experience in their chosen field.

Tech Requirements

• 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

Program Details

As an Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate, you will be able to:

• Assess life skills, language skills, and challenging behaviour under appropriate supervision using a variety of assessment tools.
• Implement behavioural intervention and transition plans collaboratively, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans using a range of data collection and summary methods.
• Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
• Provide leadership in the promotion and provision of evidence-based intervention services to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and their communities.
• Develop evidence-based interventions by evaluating empirical data to inform practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Assess life skills, language skills, and challenging behavior under appropriate supervision using a variety of assessment tools.
2. Implement behavioural intervention and transition plans collaboratively, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans using a range of data collection and summary methods.
4. Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers, and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with ASD.
5. Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
6. Provide leadership in the promotion and provision of evidence-based intervention services to meet the needs of individuals with Autism and Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their communities.
7. Develop evidence-based interventions by evaluating empirical data to inform practice.

Courses

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.

Semester 1

• Field Placement 1 (ATBS 1600)
• Specialized Instruction Strategies (EDUC 1600)
• Ethics and Professionalism (ETHC 1600)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (PSYC 1600)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (PSYC 1601)
• Working With Family and Teams (PSYC 1602)

Semester 2

• Field Placement 2 (ATBS 2600)
• Parent and Staff Training (EDUC 2600)
• Behavioural Skill Building (PSYC 2600)
• Treating Challenging Behaviours (PSYC 2601)
• Measurement Of Behaviour and Data Collection Strategies (RSCH 2600)

Costs

The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.

Autism and Behavioural Sciences (graduate certificate) Year 1 Costs

• Semester 1:
  • Tuition: $1,361.5
  • Program Fee: $0
  • Ancillary Fee: $493.77
  • DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
  • Total: $2,285.27
• Semester 2:
  • Tuition: $1,361.5
  • Program Fee: $0
  • Ancillary Fee: $493.77
  • DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
  • Total: $1,975.27

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

• Instructor therapist
• Behavioural technician

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

• Elementary or secondary school boards
• Early intervention programs
• Clinical programs
• Community agencies
• Private family setting
• Public or private-sector agencies