Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (Certificate)
DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS
Fall 2025: Apply Now!
Overview
The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (DABA) credential is an advanced certificate (post diploma/degree) that provides graduates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) within a disability context.
This credential is intended to build on lower-level coursework and to present a consistent professional standard of education and qualifications via specialized courses. The core of the program is built on the principles of ABA, an evidence-based, scientific approach to changing human behaviour. Once you graduate, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work with people who have autism.
Get a professional education
The DABA credential is approved by both the Association for Behaviour Analysis International® (ABAI) and the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS). These approvals make the credential highly attractive to professionals aspiring to become Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCaBA) and/or K-to-12 teachers working toward a higher pay level and specialized knowledge base.
As a provider of a BACB verified course sequence (VCS), please go to the BACB website and view the published VCS Pass Rates. You can find the pass rates of previous Douglas College students by selecting the BCaBA pass rate information.
Future studies and transfer options
The DABA program has partnered with Simon Fraser University (SFU) to offer a BA Psychology Major with Applied Behaviour Analysis Concentration.
DABA courses can also be used as specialty or elective courses within a number of degree programs at Douglas College, such as the BA in Applied Psychology, as well as other Canadian institutions. Visit the B.C. Transfer Guide and your transfer university’s website regularly to confirm which courses transfer.
NOTE: International students are not currently eligible for this program. For more information, contact Douglas College International.
Admissions Requirements
- General College Admission Requirements
- Minimum of one of the following:
- Graduate or bachelor degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor degree program from a recognized institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33
- Graduate from a 2-year diploma or have completed 60 credits from a recognized institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or equivalent
- Letter of Intent outlining the reasons for choosing this program, long-and short-term goals, and strengths and limitations.
- Up-to-date resume.
- Two professional letters of reference that support your application.
The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria.
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements:
- Successful completion of 18 credits
-
At least 50% (9 credits) of all courses must be completed at Douglas College
-
Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years
Course Requirements (see note 1)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| DACS 4114 (see notes 1 and 2) | Functional Behaviour Assessment and Clinical Applications | 3.00 |
| DACS 4123 (see notes 1 and 2) | Applied Behaviour Analysis: Research and Applications | 3.00 |
| DACS 4115 (see note 1) | Ethics in ABA | 3.00 |
| DACS 4122 (see notes 1 and 2) | Foundational Principles and Empirical Basis of Behaviour Analysis | 3.00 |
| DACS 3430 (see note 3) | Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan | 3.00 |
| DACS 4116 (see notes 1 and 2) | Advanced Topics in ABA: Intervention | 3.00 |
| Total Credits |
18.00 |
|
Notes:
1. Verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) for 5th Ed. Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) coursework
2. Approved by Teacher Qualification Service (TQS)
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Behaviour Interventionist
- Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst
- Board Certified Behaviour Analyst