Diploma in Behavioral Science Technician/Diploma in Behavioral Science Technician (Accelerated)
Toronto, Canada
Diploma
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
CAD 16,731 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for Behavioral Science Technician. $24,616 for Diploma in Behavioral Science Technician (Accelerated). for international students. All fees are subject to change, without notice
Key Summary
Leadership Claims
Preparing students to work in the field of behavioral science for more than 15 years.
All full-time program faculty are board-certified behavior analysts (some of whom are alumni).
Behavioral Science Technician is a two-year diploma program that provides students with an opportunity to study applied behavior analysis (ABA). This field of study helps prepare you for work that is often related to developmental disabilities, brain injury, gerontology, and behavioral disorders. A common misconception about this program is that it involves teaching students counseling and "talk therapy." It does not.
The themes in the program include:
- behavioral theory and application
- program development
- scientific method
- ethics and professionalism
- diversity
- general education with an emphasis on practical application in the field
Coursework, practicum, and employment is often related to autism and developmental disabilities; however, the program also covers behavior analysis in the areas of dementia, brain injury, and childhood disorders.
Students who elect to transfer to our degree program and/or continue their education in behavior analysis may find employment opportunities in a variety of settings.
Accelerated Option
For applicants who have a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology or a related discipline, we offer an intensive delivery of this program [Behavioral Science Technician (Accelerated) (C156)] leading to a diploma in less than one year.
Your Field Education Options
Field placement gives students the opportunity to apply the theory they've learned in the classroom to a real-world environment.
Offered in semesters 2, 3, and 4, each field experience builds upon the previous one and gives access to different clinical populations across the lifespan. The depth and breadth of these opportunities not only enrich the overall learning experience but allows students to start building their own professional network within the sector.
George Brown faculty work with students and our extensive network of community partners to secure placement.
Note: Field education may require travel due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Students may be required to travel to locations as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington, and as far north as Vaughan.
Accelerated Option
The accelerated program offers two intensive field placements in semester 3 (January placement) and semester 4 (May/June placement).
Each placement is seven weeks long. Students can expect to be with the field partner four days per week off-site (approximately 7.5 hours per day) and in-class on-site at George Brown on the fifth day. The in-class day allows students the opportunity to reflect on their placement experience and help to connect classroom theory with the work they are doing off-site.
Placements will be conducted with a variety of populations and agencies whose clients could have autism, mental health issues, acquired brain injury, developmental disabilities, behavioral concerns, or issues related to aging. Partner agencies are located across the GTA and students may be required to travel.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Required Courses
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
|
|
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|
|
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
Accelerated Program Required Courses
| Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Implement effective behavior analytic intervention strategies based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in order to increase desired behaviors, teach new skills and decrease contextually problematic behaviors.
- Integrate background information and knowledge of special populations into therapeutic practice, in order to develop behavioral interventions using a behavior analytic approach.
- Communicate with various stakeholders the behavior analytic principles, processes, and concepts central to the interventions being provided in order to enhance the quality of service.
- Compile measurements of behavior in accordance with the ONTABA standards of practice and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's Guidelines for Responsible conduct in order to conduct behavioral assessments and develop behavioral interventions.
- Apply systems thinking to behavioral processes related to socially significant behavior change in order to ensure the sustainability of behavior change programs that increase an individual’s quality of life.
- Adhere to federal, provincial, and professional policies and regulations associated with the ethical practice of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) among various populations or service sectors.
- Apply input gained from the collaboration with stakeholders (including individuals, family members, and community members) and professionals in the field of service into effective client service intervention.
- Develop a reflective practice, using professional development and self-care strategies to enhance professional competence.
- Develop client-centered behavioral intervention plans that account for individuals’ rights, needs, goals, and social and community context.
- Integrate the conceptual and philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis into a comprehensive case formulation of human behavior to assist in the assessment, design, and implementation of behavior change programs.
Your Career
Graduates are employed in a variety of settings with diverse clinical populations of all ages who frequently present challenging behaviors. They may work to develop and implement behavioral interventions designed to teach skills and manage challenging behaviors.
Employment is often related to autism and developmental disabilities; however, it can also include working with clients and families experiencing the impact of dementia, brain injury, and mental health issues.
Graduates may find employment in:
- schools
- treatment centers
- residential facilities
- community and vocational agencies
Educational Pathways
Graduates of any approved two-year Ontario College behavioral science technology program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be eligible to enter the bridging pathway into the third year of the Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis degree program (S303). For more information about this degree pathway, please email Don Togade.
International students who have successfully completed the Behavioural Science Technician (C146) program may apply to the S303 Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis (Year 3 Bridge) program stream by contacting Program Co-ordinator Don Togade at Don.Togade@georgebrown.ca.
Future Study Options
Graduates of a health sciences program who have an interest in working in long-term care facilities should consider applying to our Interprofessional Complex and Long-Term Care postgraduate certificate (S417).