Students will be able to enroll in bachelor degree programs in behaviour analysis and American Sign Language
George Brown College’s St. James campus. Photo: courtesy of George Brown College
In order to meet industry needs and rising competition, George Brown College (GBC) has made several developments in its academic degree programs. The college has recently received approval from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for two collaborative degrees in behaviour analysis and American Sign Language.
The Bachelors of interpretation program in American Sign Language (English) will become the first degree in Canada, according to GBC senior vice president of academic Laura Jo Gunter, who made the announcement at a College Council meeting on Sept. 17. “That’s a very unique degree at least in Canada. So we’re very, very happy about that,” she said.
The bachelors of behaviour analysis is an 4-year undergraduate degree program that focuses on the science of human behaviour. This program has a diverse curriculum that will prepare students to work with various areas including: autism, developmental disabilities, mental health, public policy, management, education and research.
“This program is unique in the GTA. There are currently no other approved bachelor’s degrees in behaviour analysis in Ontario. The focus of our curriculum, field experience component and the number and scope of our community partners sets us apart from other general psychology degrees,” said Jennifer Porter, co-ordinator for the behavioural science technology program at George Brown.
The degree also has an entry pathway for students in the second year of the diploma and also a bridging pathway for graduates of the GBC behavioural science technology advanced diploma. This will allow students to upgrade to the degree credential, which is becoming a more important credential in the field of behaviour analysis. This will also elevate the practicing capabilities of graduates and the discipline as a whole, said Porter.
“The bachelor’s level credential in behaviour analysis is designed to satisfy the academic requirements for certification at the assistant level through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board,” said Porter. “This is an American certification body that is gaining acceptance in Ontario as representing the minimum standards of practice. We should emphasize that our program is not an approved sequence yet, but we will be seeking approval.”
