Bachelor of Behavioural Science - Postsecondary Education Quality ...

SECTION M: ECONOMIC NEED
The need to develop a Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree was based on an analysis of
the field, student interest, employer support, current program offerings and several other factors.
These included:
1. An assessment of the field and resulting educational and training requirements. These
were assessed to be far more complex in scope and depth compared with the skills and
knowledge addressed in diploma programs.
2. The recognition of the growing trend in behavioural science for the highest paid jobs to
continue to be filled by those with degrees.
3. An analysis of other programs offered by other Ontario postsecondary degree granting
institutions and the conclusion that while there are no behavioural science programs
offered by Ontario universities there is an opportunity to offer a broad and contemporary
program specialty in behavioural science with emphasis on Applied Behaviour Analysis,
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Interprofessional Collaboration.
4. The acknowledgement that the current diploma in Developmental Services Worker
offered by Humber attracts students who already have requirements for degree level
admission.
5. The opportunity to build on a program area of strength of the college.
6. Employer and Advisory Committee support for the program.
This section of the application is an examination of the economic need for the program, which
has been evaluated from a number of perspectives. Data was gathered through a number of
mechanisms including a literature review, a search of related websites and surveys of
employers and students. The appendix includes not only an analysis of the trends and data, but
also indicates how the program curriculum was developed in response to the findings. A
detailed list of the organizations and the type of support each offered can be found in Section G
of this submission.
1.0 Overview of the Behavioural Science Field
The term behavioural science encompasses a diverse and far-ranging field which includes
multiple disciplines that “explore the activities of and interactions among organisms in the
natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal
behavior through controlled and naturalistic observation, and disciplined scientific
experimentation. It attempts to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous
formulations and observation” (Wikipedia, 2012). The disciplines of study may include
psychology, neuropsychology, and cognitive science.
This degree focusses on the specific area of behavioural science which is strongly grounded in
the research and application of applied behaviour analysis and cognitive behavioural
approaches as applied to a wide range of individuals throughout the lifespan including people
with autism, developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis, addictions and those with dementia
and aging issues. Behaviour Analysis has achieved mainstream attention through the
application of principles of behaviour to children with autism. In Ontario, some postsecondary
educational programs have developed and adapted curriculum to educate and train students in
this field. Behavioural Science has wider application and the potential to contribute and develop
in many ways in addition to autism. A degree level program with opportunities for students to
pursue this field in diverse ways is needed. Humber‟s Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee have
Bachelor of Behavioural Science Section M, Page 1