Honours Bachelor of Applied Psychology (HBAP)

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 science, 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 can pursue graduate studies in various Psychology programs (e.g., Applied Psychology, clinical/Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology), Applied Disability Studies, or Applied Behavioural Analysis.

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 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

Program of study for 2025-26 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.

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 Practice (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 pre-requisites. 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.

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:

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:

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.

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

Year 1

SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026

Year 2

SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:   Winter 2027

Year 3

SEMESTER 5:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 6:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 7:   Spring 2028 (Internship)

Year 4

SEMESTER 8: Fall 2028
SEMESTER 9:  Winter 2029

Specific program pathways

Pathways for graduates from Child and Youth Care, Social Services Worker, Social Services Worker – Indigenous Specialization and Developmental Services Worker programs are currently being developed. Please email CIPS@cambriancollege.ca for further details.

Employment opportunities

Positions in:

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

Graduates can also pursue graduate studies.