Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Degree
Program Duration
9 Semesters / 4 YearsProgram Contacts
Coordinator
Chair School of Community Services
Program Overview
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 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 to specialize in therapeutic practices or behavioural science or pursue a general degree in applied psychology in your second year. It also includes opportunities for a fully paid internship, applied research, preparation for graduate studies, and application of your training in community settings.
As a graduate, you can 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 2026, 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
- The 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 science
- 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 (OSSD; 30 credits) (or equivalent) must complete at least six grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent) with a minimum overall average of 65%. Alternatively, applicants must meet mature student status. The following are the program-specific prerequisite requirements:
- Any grade 12 English (U) (minimum 60%)
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.
"I was happy to be accepted into the inaugural start of the Honours Bachelor of Applied Psychology program at Cambrian College. I am from the Sudbury area and wanted the opportunity to complete my post-secondary studies here. I have experience working as a Student Therapy Assistant through the Ontario Autism Program. I have supported neuro-affirming feeding, augmentative and alternative communication, and sensory safe play groups and summer camps. I think the Psychology program is the first step for me in my educational goals working towards a possible BCBA or other therapy related occupation degrees."
Current HBAP student
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2026-2027
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2026
- Semester 2: Winter 2027
- Semester 3: Fall 2027
- Semester 4: Winter 2028
- Semester 5: Spring 2028
- Semester 6: Winter 2029
- Semester 7: Spring 2029
- Semester 8: Fall 2029
- Semester 9: Winter 2030
Ministry consent
This college has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a 7 year term starting July 23, 2024.
The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.
Program of Study
Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year
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, students can deepen their understanding of behavioural science and therapeutic practices, preparing them to graduate with well-rounded knowledge and skills in the field of applied psychology.
In the first year of study, the program of study is the same for all program majors. In the second year, the program of study will vary by major, as outlined under Program Streams.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
| EDI 1100 | Equity Diversity Inclusion | 3 |
| ENG 1108 | Critical Information Literacy | 3 |
| PSY 1107 | Principles of Psychology I | 3 |
| PSY 1108 | Human Development | 3 |
| PSY 1109 | Intro Practice and Self Care | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| PSY 1201 | Models of Couns Practice | 3 |
| PSY 1205 | Intro to ABA | 3 |
| PSY 1206 | Principles of Psychology II | 3 |
| PSY 1208 | Intro to Trauma and Behaviour | 3 |
| SCI 1201 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Program Streams
Majors
After a common first year, students will declare a program major and select courses according to their desired areas of interest. Students may choose to deepen their understanding of Behavourial Science (HBAB), Therapeutic Practices (HBAT), or may choose an opportunity to develop a more rounded skill set in General Psychology (HBAP) by selecting electives across multiple areas.
Note: Some courses have required prerequisites. Please plan accordingly.
General Psychology
Program of study for semesters 3-9.
Students wishing to graduate with a major in General Psychology will follow the program of study below and select electives from any of the areas listed to develop a more rounded skill set.
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | Credits | |
| PSY 2304 | Motivation | 3 |
| PSY 2305 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 2307 | Counselling Ethics | 3 |
| SOC 3902 | Dimensions of Social Inequality | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| MTH 2404 | Statistics I | 3 |
| PSY 2401 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2404 | Trauma Informed Practices | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| One Course from Group A or B | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Semester 5 | ||
| IND 3501 | Indigenous Healing | 3 |
| PSY 3503 | Observation and Documentation | 3 |
| PSY 3505 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| One Course from Group A | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| PSY 3602 | Psychological Assessment | 3 |
| PSY 3605 | Personality | 3 |
| PSY 3603 | Placement Seminar | 3 |
| MTH 3604 | Statistics II | 3 |
| (OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) 1 | ||
| One Course from Group B | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| PSY 3701 | Internship | 12 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Semester 8 | ||
| EDI 4801 | Inclusive Practice Topics | 3 |
| PSY 4801 | Thesis I | 3 |
| (OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) | ||
| PSY 4806 | Cognition and the Brain | 3 |
| One Course from Group A or B | 3 | |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| COM 4906 | Interprofessional Collaborations | 3 |
| PSY 4901 | Thesis II | 3 |
| (OR PSY 4904 Major Research Paper) | ||
| PSY 4902 | Psychopharm | 3 |
| One Course from Group A or B | 3 | |
| One Degree Breadth 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 102 | |
Behavourial Science
Program of study for semesters 3-9.
Students wishing to graduate with a major in Behavioural Science will note the following changes in delivery:
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | Credits | |
| PSY 2304 | Motivation | 3 |
| PSY 2305 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 2308 | ABA Concepts and Principles | 3 |
| PSY 2309 | Autism and Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| SOC 3902 | Dimensions of Social Inequality | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| MTH 2404 | Statistics I | 3 |
| PSY 2401 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2404 | Trauma Informed Practices | 3 |
| PSY 2403 | Ethics & Behavioural Analysis | 3 |
| PSY 2409 | ABA Measure and Experimental Design | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Semester 5 | ||
| IND 3501 | Indigenous Healing | 3 |
| PSY 3503 | Observation and Documentation | 3 |
| PSY 3505 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 3508 | ABA Assessment | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| MTH 3604 | Statistics II | 3 |
| (OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) 1 | ||
| PSY 3602 | Psychological Assessment | 3 |
| PSY 3603 | Placement Seminar | 3 |
| PSY 3605 | Personality | 3 |
| PSY 3606 | ABA Behavioural Change Procedure | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| PSY 3701 | Internship | 12 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Semester 8 | ||
| EDI 4801 | Inclusive Practice Topics | 3 |
| PSY 4806 | Cognition and the Brain | 3 |
| PSY 4807 | Compassionate Care in ABA | 3 |
| PSY 4801 | Thesis I | 3 |
| (OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) 1 | ||
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| COM 4906 | Interprofessional Collaborations | 3 |
| PSY 4901 | Thesis II | 3 |
| (OR PSY 4904 Major Research Paper) | ||
| PSY 4902 | Psychopharm | 3 |
| PSY 4905 | Applications of ABA | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 102 | |
Therapeutic Practices
Program of study for semesters 3-9.
Students wishing to graduate with a major in Therapeutic Practices will note the following changes in delivery:
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | Credits | |
| PSY 2304 | Motivation | 3 |
| PSY 2305 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 2307 | Counselling Ethics | 3 |
| PSY 2310 | Models of Counselling Practice II | 3 |
| SOC 3902 | Dimensions of Social Inequality | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| MTH 2404 | Statistics I | 3 |
| PSY 2401 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2404 | Trauma Informed Practices | 3 |
| PSY 2408 | Mental Health and Addictions | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Semester 5 | ||
| IND 3501 | Indigenous Healing | 3 |
| PSY 3503 | Observation and Documentation | 3 |
| PSY 3505 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 3509 | Grief and Loss | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| MTH 3604 | Statistics II | 3 |
| (OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) 1 | ||
| PSY 3602 | Psychological Assessment | 3 |
| PSY 3603 | Placement Seminar | 3 |
| PSY 3605 | Personality | 3 |
| PSY 3607 | Counselling for Couples & Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| PSY 3701 | Internship | 12 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Semester 8 | ||
| EDI 4801 | Inclusive Practice Topics | 3 |
| PSY 4801 | Thesis I | 3 |
| (OR One Degree Breadth for Research Paper Stream) 1 | ||
| PSY 4806 | Cognition and the Brain | 3 |
| PSY 4808 | Trauma-Informed Interventions | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| COM 4906 | Interprofessional Collaborations | 3 |
| PSY 4901 | Thesis II | 3 |
| OR PSY 4904 Major Research Paper | ||
| PSY 4902 | Psychopharm | 3 |
| PSY 4903 | Trauma In Organizations | 3 |
| One Degree Breadth Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 102 | |
"I am from Sudbury and initially came to Cambrian for the Child and Youth Program and Varsity soccer. From there I worked for the Rainbow District School Board for two years before coming back to the Psychology program. Just to let people know that you don't have to be fresh out of a program to join this one."
Current HBAP student
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.
"I am from the Eastern region of Nepal, a small landlocked country in South Asia. I came to Cambrian as an International student in 2020 and did a diploma in the Developmental Services Worker program. I have worked with individuals with developmental disability, deafness, blindness, physical disability, and behavioral issues, which made me want to understand human psychology. Hence, I decided to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Cambrian and returned as a domestic student. I am a mom too, so taking this course has helped me understand my toddler a little better! "
Current HBAP student
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 and course outlines 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.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Before starting your program it’s important to understand the requirements.
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.
Career Outcomes
"I joined Cambrian after 25 years in sales and marketing, and after running my own business as a coach and consultant for small business owners. In my past work, I had the opportunity to work with some team members who support the trades side of Cambrian, and I had a lot of respect for how Cambrian helps its students not only learn but also achieve their goals and enter the workforce successfully while working with the community to ensure they are supporting the needs of the community. My husband is a Cambrian grad from the Heavy-Duty Mechanic program and spoke highly of his experience. When I heard the radio ads for the Applied Psychology degree program, I was very interested in complementing my consulting and business work by pursuing a career in organizational psychology. I knew the program would be high-quality and would prepare me for the future work I wanted to do. I trusted that Cambrian was a welcoming environment that wanted to ensure our success, even though the program was new. I have lived in Sudbury since 2007, and I am from Southern Ontario, but call Sudbury my home now. "
Current HBAP student
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.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
"As a mature student, mother, and entrepreneur, I feel fortunate to be part of the first cohort in Cambrian’s Applied Psychology degree program. Returning to school for a new career is a big step, but this program has made the transition clear and manageable. Our courses ask us to look at real-life situations and connect them to readings that are practical and grounded in everyday experience. There is a strong focus on inclusion, equity, diversity, and genuine 'unconditional positive regard' for individuals, and that comes through in both the material and the way the program is run. It feels like we are being prepared to work as caring, authentic mental health clinicians, not just to pass exams. Our classes are diverse, and I benefit from the range of perspectives in the room. The professors are skilled in their fields, approachable, and grounded, which creates a strong environment for learning. The use of different types of media for projects keeps the work engaging and helps what we learn actually stick. This has been a very positive experience so far. I recommend this program to anyone who is considering studying psychology."
Current HBAP student
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!
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!