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Honours Bachelor Applied Psychology

HBAPSchool of Community Services

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Degree

Program Duration

9 Semesters / 4 Years
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Dr. Shelley Watson

Coordinator

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Dr. Sherry Mongeau

Chair School of Community Services

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School of Community Services
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Program Overview

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Turn your ability to lend a compassionate, listening ear into a career where your commitment to helping others is front and centre

If you have an interest in understanding the behaviours of others, have an investigative nature, excel in social situations, and care deeply about the well-being of others, then a rewarding career in psychology may be for you! 

Through a trauma-informed approach to care, you will gain knowledge and skills in psychology over the course of four years to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and improve socially important behaviour, including addictions, health, education, psychological disorders, traumatic injuries, and the treatment of prevalent developmental disabilities.

This unique program allows you the ability to specialize in therapeutic practices, behavioural sciences, or pursue a general degree in applied psychology in your second year. Included are opportunities for a fully paid internship, applied research, preparation for graduate studies, and applying your training in community settings.

As a graduate, you will be able to pursue graduate studies in various Psychology programs (e.g., Applied Psychology, clinical/Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology), Applied Disability Studies, or Applied Behavioural Analysis.

Already have a diploma in the field of community services? Connect with us!

Graduates who hold an Ontario diploma in child and youth care, social service worker, social service worker – Indigenous specialization, or development services worker can complete the degree in as little as two years!

For more details about this option please email us at cips@cambriancollege.ca

Receive up to $2,000 when you take Cambrian’s Applied Psychology degree program!

Start your four-year Bachelor of Applied Psychology program with a financial edge! Become a full-time student in semester one in September 2025 and you will automatically qualify for a $1,000 entrance scholarship. Maintain a grade point average of 75% and you could receive another $1,000 when you start semester two!

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Only program of its kind in Ontario to offer three streams of specialization
  • Complete your degree as a psychology generalist or specialize in either therapeutic practices or behavioural sciences
  • Opportunity for a paid internship
  • Gain hands-on, practical work experience throughout the program  
  • Opportunity to complete a thesis or major paper to prepare for further research and graduate programs
  • Focus on diversity and inclusion to provide culturally sensitive care to Indigenous communities and special populations

Admissions

Admission requirements

To be eligible to enter the Honours Bachelor of Applied Psychology program, graduates of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSS; 30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status must complete at least six grade 12 U/M courses with a minimum overall average of 65% and must qualify to obtain their OSSD. 

Ontario High School applicants require the following Grade 12 credits:

  • Any grade 12 English (U) (minimum 60%)
  • Any 5 additional grade 12 courses (U) or (M)

Applicants with previous post-secondary education will be assessed on an individual basis in accordance with College and PEQAB guidelines/policies for advanced standing. 

Additional admission requirements

Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:

  • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT 88, paper-based test 570
  • CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
  • PTE Academic 61

Note:

To participate in the Internship, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR C, CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check, WHIMIS, AODA, Workplace Health & Safety, Workplace Violence & Prevention, and a WSIB Student Agreement. 

Additional medical clearance may be required for some placement sites which support vulnerable populations, including: MMR, TB Step 1 and 2, Varicella, Tetanus/ Diphtheria (Td), Pertussis, Polio, and Hepatitis B.

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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027
  • Semester 5: Fall 2027
  • Semester 6: Winter 2028
  • Semester 7: Spring 2028
  • Semester 8: Fall 2028
  • Semester 9: Winter 2029

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Semester 1Credits
PSY 1107Principles of Psychology I 3
PSY 1108Human Development I3
PSY 1109Intro Practice and Self Care3
EDI 1100Equity Diversity Inclusion3
ENG 1108Critical Information Literacy3
 Credits15
Semester 2
PSY 1201Models of Couns Practice3
PSY 1205Intro to ABA3
PSY 1206Principles of Psychology II 3
PSY 1208Intro to Trauma and Behaviour3
SCI 1201Human Sexuality3
 Credits15
Second Year
Semester 3
EDI 2301Dimension of Social Inequality 3
PSY 2304Motivation3
PSY 2305Research Methods3
PSY 2307Counselling Ethics 3
One Degree Breadth Elective Course. 13
 Credits15
Semester 4
MTH 2404Statistics I3
PSY 2401Biological Psychology3
PSY 2404Trauma Informed Practices3
One Degree Breadth Elective Course. 13
One course from Group A ot B.3
 Credits15
Third Year
Semester 5
IND 3501Indigenous Healing3
PSY 3503Observation and Documentation3
PSY 3505Social Psychology3
One Degree Breadth Elective Course. 13
One course from Group A.3
 Credits15
Semester 6
PSY 3602Psychological Assessment 3
PSY 3605Personality3
PSY 3603Placement Seminar3
One course from Group B.3
MTH 3604Statistics II3
(OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) 1
 Credits15
Semester 7
PSY 3701Internship12
 Credits12
Fourth Year
Semester 8
PSY 4806Cognition and the Brain3
EDI 4801Inclusive Practice Topics3
One Degree Breadth Elective Course. 13
One course from Group A or B.3
PSY 4801Thesis I3
(OR Degree Breadth Elective Course for students taking the Major Research Paper in Semester 9) 1
 Credits15
Semester 9
COM 4906Interprofessional Collaborations3
PSY 4902Psychopharm3
One course from Group A or B.3
One Degree Breadth. 13
PSY 4901Thesis II3
(OR PSY 4904 Major Research Paper)
 Credits15
 Total Credits132

Majors

During the degree program, students will be exposed to general Psychology education through core courses, knowledge in other domains through non-core degree breadth courses, and specialized majors in a chosen discipline.

1. General Psychology

In the Bachelor of Applied Psychology program (HBAP), students will learn about the history and main theoretical approaches to the broader field of psychology. Through the selection of courses from the HBAP Group A and Group B lists, students can deepen their understanding of behavioural sciences and therapeutic practices to prepare them as graduates with well-rounded knowledge and skills in the field of applied psychology.

Students wishing to graduate with a General Psychology degree without a major can select electives from any of the areas listed above to develop a more rounded skill set.

Note: Some courses have required pre-requisites. Please plan accordingly.

GROUP A
PSY 2308ABA Concepts and Principles3
PSY 2309Autism and Developmental Disabilities3
PSY 2409ABA Measure and Experimental Design3
PSY 3507Dual Diagnosis3
PSY 3508ABA Assessment3
PSY 3606ABA Behavioural Change Procedure3
PSY 4807Compassionate Care in ABA3
PSY 4905Applications of ABA3
GROUP B
PSY 2310Models of Counselling Practice II3
PSY 2408Mental Health and Addictions3
PSY 3607Counselling for Couples/Groups3
PSY 3509Grief and Loss3
PSY 4808Trauma-Informed Interventions3
PSY 4903Trauma In Organizations3

2. Behavioural Science

Students wishing to graduate with a major in the Behavioural Science Stream will note the following changes in delivery:

Honours Bachelor of Applied PsychologyGeneral StreamBehavioural Science Stream
SEM 3EDI 2301 Dimensions of Social InequityPSY 2308 ABA: Concepts and Principles
Degree BreadthPSY 2309 Autism and Develop. Disabilities
SEM 4Select 1 course from Group A or BPSY 2403 Ethics and Behavioural Analysis
Degree BreadthPSY 2409 ABA: Measurement and Experimental Design
SEM 5Select 1 course from Group APSY 3507 Dual Diagnosis
Degree BreadthPSY 3508 ABA: Assessment and Intervention
SEM 6Select 1 course from Group BPSY 3606 ABA: Behavioural Change Procedure
SEM 8Select 1 course from Group A or BPSY 4807 Compassionate Care in ABA
SEM 9Select 1 course from Group A or BPSY 4905 Applications of ABA

3. Therapeutic Practices

Students wishing to graduate with a major in the Therapeutic Practices Stream will note the following changes in delivery:

Honours Bachelor of Applied PsychologyGeneral StreamTherapeutic Practices Stream
SEM 3Degree BreadthPSY 2310 Models of Counselling Practice II
SEM 4Select 1 course from Group A or BPSY 2408 Mental Health and Addictions
SEM 5Select 1 course from Group APSY 3509 Greif and Loss
SEM 6Select 1 course from Group BPSY 3607 Counselling for Couples and Groups
SEM 8Select 1 course from Group A or BPSY 4808 Trauma-Informed Interventions
SEM 9Select 1 course from Group A or BPSY 4903 Trauma in Organizations

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$7,519.35Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Community Services

Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.

Learn more

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Practitioner in:

  • Community and social agencies
  • Education settings
  • Therapeutic services
  • Research settings
  • Health care and mental health services

Graduates can also pursue graduate studies. 

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Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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