This Association for Behavior Analysis International verified course sequence (VCS) prepares students to be competent, inclusive, professionals in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Our flexible, online programming is grounded in practice and prepares students to apply behavior analytic principles across domains and populations.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® Examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
The Laboratory of Practice course (Year 2) requires a site for a hands-on application of the principles of ABA. This site should be obtained by students in the program. Hours for this course do not count towards practical experience as outlined by the BACB. To become better informed about the BACB's full experience requirements, please go to the BACB website
Important Note
The successful completion of a Master of Professional degree does not lead to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
The MPEd is designated as a full-time program. Full-time status requires that students complete four half-courses in one year. MPEd students will complete one course a time (i.e. one course in the fall, winter, intersession, summer sessions) for two years. Full-time students have access to all Western student services. See SGPS for details.
This program of study is a course-based cohort model. Approximately 20 students will be admitted to each cohort. This cohort structure will provide ongoing support within the course work, enabling students to develop a professional community of practice. To ensure the integrity of the cohort model, continuous enrollment is required, and will necessitate that students complete all the required courses within the timeframe stipulated.
Each course will incorporate case studies to emphasize the application of knowledge of the principles of ABA. This format will serve as the catalyst for identifying other problems and issues of practice students encounter in their own work and for developing problem solving skills. The goal is to develop students reasoning skills as they weave together theoretical formulations, results of empirical research, and facts from real-life situations into a comprehensive analysis of the presenting problem. Ultimately, our goal within each course is for students to develop in critical thinking skills to collaboratively examine and solve, from both a behavioural and research perspectives, real problems found in their everyday practice.
Year 1 Fall
ED 9460 Basic Behaviour Principles
Introduction to the philosophical underpinnings, concepts, and principles of behaviour analysis and their application to different populations. Readings will be from radical behaviourism, experimental, and applied behaviour analysis.
Year 1 Winter
ED 9464 Behaviour Analysis Research Design: Single Subject Designs
This graduate course will focus on research methodology to evaluate interventions with single subjects, including individuals, families, organizations or other social systems. Readings will be drawn from a variety of textbooks and research articles.
Year 1 Summer - Intersession
ED 9461 Behaviour Assessment and Treatment
This graduate course focuses on functional behaviour assessment and treatment methods. Specific topics include the use of indirect, descriptive, and functional analysis, and positive behaviour support plans.
Year 1 Summer - Summer Session
ED 9462 Advanced Topics in Behaviour Analysis
This graduate course covers advanced concepts and principles of applied behaviour analysis including Verbal Behaviour, rule governed behaviour, and Relational Frame Theory.
Year 2 Fall
ED 9463 Ethics in ABA
This graduate course will focus on ethics/jurisprudence specific to Applied Behaviour Analysis and the legal context of working in the field.
Year 2 Winter
ED 9465 Laboratory of Practice in ABA
This course offers a hands-on application of the principles of ABA. Hours in the field count as course hours, not experience hours required by the BACB. The Laboratory of Practice may be undertaken in schools, private practice, and clinical programs in agencies. Students are encouraged to use their current work placements as supervised placements. If a student does not have access to an environment appropriate for the Laboratory of Practice, please contact the Graduate Programs Office.
Year 2 Summer - Intersession
ED 9466 Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in ABA
This graduate course covers topics related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of Applied Behaviour Analysis programming. Topics include clinical implementation, effective leadership and supervisory practices, and behavioural consultation.
Year 2 Summer - Summer Session
ED 9467 ABA in the Classroom and School
This graduate course will focus on how to implement behaviour principles in the classroom and on a school wide basis. Assessment and intervention practices will be covered that are practical for the busy teacher and administrator.