Department of Applied Behaviour Analysis - Autism
Applied Behaviour Analysis explores the links between learning and human behaviour. This is a field for compassionate, dedicated and analytical individuals who seek to improve people’s lives.
Why study ABA - Autism at CapU?
Capilano University is among the leading institutions in Western Canada offering specialized programs for Applied Behaviour Analysis with a focus on autism.
It’s estimated that 1 in 59 children meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018) and applied behaviour analysis is the most scientifically proven treatment.
While CapU’s programs focus on autism, the practice of applied behaviour analysis is applicable to many populations over their life span, and coursework covers all ages from toddlers to adults.
Academic rigour and flexible study options
Earn the credential you need to work with children, youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Our graduates are eligible to sit the exam to become Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs).
CapU is home to the only Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism degree program of its kind in Western Canada. This program blends rigorous academic training with a supervised intensive practicum.
We also offer two programs for those who have existing bachelor’s degrees. Our multiple entry options as well as the flexibility of online upper level courses and part-time studies mean you can earn these qualifications at a pace that works with your schedule, from anywhere in Canada.
On campus, our small class sizes allow for personalized contact with instructors. You’ll learn from faculty with extensive and varied clinical experience.
Careers paths and further education
Graduates can work as assistant behaviour analysts in private practice, for agencies or school districts. They can find satisfying careers in social work, counselling, casework and psychological assistant roles.
Many of our students advance to graduate studies to become graduate-level clinicians. You may also apply your education to other fields including education, counselling and law.
Applied Behaviour Analysis - Autism programs
CapU’s Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism programs will prepare you for professional certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
Applied Behaviour Analysis (Autism) Post Baccalaureate Certificate
This post-baccalaureate certificate program is an option if you have previously completed a bachelor’s degree and only seek the coursework to qualify for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam (practicum must be completed independently).
Some use this program as a stepping stone to graduate studies. This course may be completed on campus or online and offers the flexibility of full- or part-time studies.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (Autism) Post Baccalaureate Diploma
If you already have an existing bachelor’s degree, this two-year post-baccalaureate diploma can give you an additional credential to work with children, youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
The coursework and supervised practicum qualify students to write the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification exam to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Coursework may be completed on campus or online.
Bachelor of Arts Degree – Applied Behaviour Analysis (Autism)
This four-year degree program is the only one in Western Canada that blends rigorous academic training in ABA with professional supervised experience. Graduates are eligible to take the exam needed to become Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs).
Students work as behaviour interventionists throughout the program and complete an intensive 500 hour practicum in the final year. We offer the flexibility to access the bachelor’s degree at varying stages of the program, whether you’re entering directly from high school or transferring in to year two or three.
Applied Behaviour Analysis courses
CapU offers courses on autism spectrum disorder across all age groups.
- ABA 100 Introduction to Behaviour Principles
- ABA 101 Observations of ABA in Community Settings
- ABA 200 A Survey of Applied Behaviour Analytic Applications
- ABA 201 Observation Practicum
- ABA 312 Single Subject Research Design and Statistics
- ABA 313 Supporting Individuals with ASD and Their Families Across the Lifespan
- ABA 341 Applied Behaviour Analysis I: Principles of Behaviour
- ABA 342 Applied Behaviour Analysis II: Procedures for Behaviour Change
- ABA 343 Ethics and Professional Standards
- ABA 344 Autism Spectrum Disorders - I
- ABA 345 Behavioural Assessment and Positive Behavioural Support
- ABA 346 Autism Spectrum Disorders - II
- ABA 410 Practicum II - Assistant Behavior Analyst®
- ABA 411 Practicum III - Assistant Behavior Analyst®
- ABA 412 Directed Studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis
- ABA 415 Adults with Developmental Disabilities: ABA Interventions
- ABA 426 Assessment and Intervention Planning for Young Children with ASD
- ABA 443 Advanced Topics in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Student opportunities
There are many opportunities to enrich your studies through hands-on learning. Also check out the Student Resources section below for links to relevant industry information.
Jobs
Due to high demand for ABA – Autism skills, students often seek paid work within the field during their studies. Visit CapU’s Job Board for opportunities, or contact the department.
Experiential learning
Through observation exercises and practical work, we step outside the classroom to gain hands-on experience in the ABA community. We also invite guest speakers to CapU to speak about working in the field, networking and building connections.
The diploma and degree programs involve an intensive 500-hour practicum.
Bursaries
The Kapoor Singh Siddoo Foundation Applied Behaviour Analysis Bursary is open to all existing ABA – Autism students. Visit CapU’s Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards pages for further details.
Student resources
Get connected and access information about behaviour analysis and autism through these resources.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): information about the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst qualification (BCaBA).
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI): membership organization providing events, job placement services, scholarly journals and other useful information.
British Columbia Association for Behaviour Analysis (BC-ABA): disseminates information about behaviour analysis; and connects and supports ABA practitioners in BC, including working towards regulation of behaviour analysis practitioners in the province.
Autism Community Training: local not-for-profit that provides information and training relevant to the autism community.
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA): addresses issues of common concern that are relevant to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Amy Tanner
Instructor, Applied Behaviour AnalysisSchool of Social Sciences
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
604 986 1911 ext. 3547
Fir Building, room FR451
amytanner2@capilanou.ca
Brenda Fossett
Instructor, Applied Behaviour AnalysisSchool of Social Sciences
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
604 986 1911 ext. 7460
Fir Building, room FR461
brendafossett@capilanou.ca
Judy Te Kanawa
Emergency Floor Warden Fir, DDA 1, School of Social SciencesSchool of Social Sciences
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Criminology
Anthropology
Economics
Geography
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Women's & Gender Studies
604 986 1911 ext. 2036
Fir Building, room FR401
jtekanawa@capilanou.ca
Miriam Elfert
Coordinator / Instructor, ABA-AFaculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Applied Behaviour Analysis
604 986 1911 ext. 3479
Fir Building, room FR403
miriamelfert@capilanou.ca
Richard Stock BA (Hons), MS, PhD
Instructor, ABA-ASchool of Social Sciences
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
604 986 1911 ext. 2525
Fir Building, room FR439
rstock@capilanou.ca
Sandra Cooper
Emergency Floor Warden Fir, Divisional SupervisorSchool of Social Sciences
Anthropology
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Criminology
Economics
Geography
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Women's & Gender Studies
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
604 983 7525 ext. 7525
Fir Building, room FR415
scooper@capilanou.ca
Tyla Frewing
InstructorFaculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Applied Behaviour Analysis
604 986 1911 ext. 3610
tylafrewing@capilanou.ca
Contact
Have questions about this department?
Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism Department
604 984 4953 Fir Building, room FR401 aba@capilanou.ca
Coordinator
Miriam Elfert
604 986 1911 ext. 3479
miriamelfert@capilanou.ca
Student Information Services
604 984 4900 604 984 1798 (fax) Birch Building, room BR230 registration@capilanou.ca