Section 14: Non-Duplication of Programs
14.5 Comparison with University Degree Programs
Several Ontario universities do offer Psychology degrees. Most of these degrees tend to focus on cognitive psychology rather than behavioural psychology. As a result, university graduates with Psychology degrees who are interested in a career in Behavioural Analysis often consider obtaining a college credential to develop the skills needed to specialize in behavioural psychology.
The Canadian university programs that most closely align with George Brown’s proposed degree are:
University Program
1. Brock University / St. Lawrence College Honours Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree or Major Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree 2. Canadian University College Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Science
3. Capiliano University Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behaviour Analysis (Autism)
4. Simon Fraser University / Douglas College Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major with Concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis 5. University of Windsor Bachelor of Science in Behaviour, Cognition &
Neuroscience
1. Institution: Brock University / St. Lawrence College (Ontario)
Program: Honours Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree or Major Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree
Program Description: Graduates obtain a 4-year Honours Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree or a 4- year with Major Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree from Brock University upon completion of a St. Lawrence College Behavioural Science Technology Advanced Diploma.
Analysis of Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Students take courses related to ABA.
Differences: Students in the George Brown degree program will receive an education specifically in ABA, rather than general psychological theory. The George Brown degree will focus on behavioural research and single subject research design with course content that is behavioural in nature and which places emphasis on cognitive psychology or cognitive theories of behaviour.
2. Institution: Canadian University College (Alberta) Program: Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Science
Program Description: The program is designed to prepare students to work within the mental health care field or the areas of government and business which require behavioural science skills, such as a personnel department. Course areas include psychology, sociology, anthropology, social work and ethics.
Analysis of Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Students take courses related to behavioural science, psychology and ethics.
Differences: Canadian University College has an emphasis on behaviour therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based interventions for mental health populations. The George Brown program places a greater emphasis on ABA and the use of tactics in various combinations to change behaviour.
3. Institution: Capilano University (British Columbia)
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behaviour Analysis (Autism)
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis - Autism is a unique degree program in British Columbia. Course work includes principles of ABA, single-subject research design, ethics, group dynamics and autism spectrum disorders. Students work as Behaviour Interventionists (BI’s) throughout the third year of the program providing context for and a personal connection with the course work. There are 100 hours of the BI work is part of a practicum. The program includes a 500-hour intensive practicum completed in the fourth year.
Analysis of Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Students take courses related to ABA, IBI and research design.
Differences: This program lacks the breadth and depth of the Behavioural Psychology degree. The George Brown program will focus on a wider range of populations and students will be taught a wider range of assessment and intervention techniques.
4. Institution: Simon Fraser University (SFU) / Douglas College (British Columbia) Program: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major with Concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Program Description:
This program is a collaborative initiative by SFU, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology and Douglas College, Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies. The program prepares students for employment in careers in ABA and ASD support and treatment.Analysis of Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Students take courses related to ABA and psychology.
Differences: The George Brown degree will have a greater breadth and depth of knowledge in assessment and intervention techniques with application to a wider range of populations.
5. Institution: University of Windsor (Ontario)
Program: Bachelor of Science in Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience
Program Description: The Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience program is an interdisciplinary program that includes research in the life/behavioural sciences as part of its undergraduate academic training. It combines the biological aspects of psychology and biology relating to the brain and behaviour.
Analysis of Similarities and Differences:
Similarities: Students are required to complete a thesis in their fourth year in the program.
Differences: The University of Windsor degree focuses on the biological basis of behaviour and does not include the depth of behaviour analytic content proposed for the George Brown degree. George Brown’s program will prepare students to work in behaviour analysis and/or continue toward obtaining a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification.
14.6
Conclusion
Based on the comparative analysis conducted, the proposed Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology satisfies the Board’s requirement for non-duplication of programs.
The only comparable Ontario degree is offered by St. Lawrence College. Similarities with this program, including nomenclature and alignment of program learning outcomes, are intentional to promote provincial consistency and public understanding of the credential. A key differentiating factor is that the St. Lawrence degree serves a different Ontario region (Kingston area) while George Brown serves the GTA.
The George Brown degree will provide Ontario with students who have:
An in-depth understanding of the key concepts, methodologies, current advances, theoretical approaches and assumptions related to behaviour analysis and intensive behaviour intervention. Upon approval of BACB, course work that can be applied toward BACB requirements for application
to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
Completed courses and field experience structured to align with ONTABA Standards of Practice. Received the breadth of core curriculum needed to evaluate the appropriateness of different
approaches to solving problems across a wide spectrum of situations, disabilities, and learning needs. Developed leadership skills that will assist in promoting the field of behaviour analysis within
community-based organizations and programs, and at a level that includes policy change and regulation considerations.
Developed skills and knowledge related to working in an inter-professional health care team. Completed hands-on, 1,008 hours of applied field experience.
In summary, the proposed Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program satisfies PEQAB’s requirement by: 1. Surpassing the standards of related diploma programs.
2. Being related to, but sufficiently different from, existing degree programs offered in Ontario. 3. Meeting a need, by virtue of the preceding two facts, that is not adequately addressed by other post-