Bachelor of Behavioural Science - Postsecondary Education Quality ...

In the winter of 2012, Ontario organizations (with a concentration in the GTA) were contacted
and invited to complete an online employment survey aimed at deepening our knowledge base
regarding the employment opportunities for Behavioural Science professionals. A number of
large organizations responded to our survey providing employment information for Behavioural
Science professionals in large scale organizations including the educational school boards,
mental health and rehabilitation hospitals, and community service providers. The respondents
represented governmental, non-governmental, and public organizations.
Overall, when asked to rate the job opportunities for graduates with baccalaureate degrees in
behavioural science, the majority of respondents were optimistic in this regard with most rating
the opportunities for work from excellent to fair (80% of respondents). Respondents indicated a
strong hiring potential for those qualified employment seekers in the next 3 years.
A detailed list of the organizations, quality of support offered, and records of support are
detailed in Section G.
4.0 Student Demand
A recent survey of Humber College‟s Developmental Services Worker diploma, Child and Youth
Worker diploma, and Social Service Worker diploma students provided strong indicators of
support for the proposed program. 81% of the diploma students surveyed indicated that they
believe that offering the degree is a good idea. If the option of a Bachelor of Behavioural
Science degree had been available, 89% of the respondants would have chosen the degree
program. 91% of diploma student respondants would be interested in definitely or maybe
considering pursuing degree completion opportunities. 74% of the students surveyed cited their
belief that completion of this degree program would improve their employment prospects over a
diploma (Humber College ITAL Student Survey, 2012). According to Humber statistics, 78% of
the current 206 students enrolled in the Developmental Services Worker diploma program fulfill
the admission requirements for the proposed degree program (Humber Office of the Registrar,
2012).
The introduction of degrees into the CAAT system has resulted in an increase in the number of
Humber students who are interested in completing a degree as part of their postsecondary
plans. In the fall student survey referenced above, the Humber Planning and Development
office discovered that over 90% of respondents indicated that they would be interested in
eventually completing a baccalaureate degree in behavioural science (Humber College ITAL
Student Survey, 2012).
While there is no way of knowing with certainty how program interest would translate into actual
program admissions, the survey numbers do indicate that this is an attractive credential for
students the School currently attracts.
5.0 Conclusion
After a review of the need for a Bachelor of Behavioural Science program, Humber determined
it was valuable to add it to its postsecondary offerings because:
The behavioural science field is growing and actively seeking employees with the
knowledge and skills learned in the program.
The one comparable degree program in Ontario are in high demand, with hundreds of
qualified applicants turned away.
Bachelor of Behavioural Science Section M, Page 5