Psychology
Learn how the mind works, understand human behaviour and see how we impact each other. Examine oneself and become critically self-reflective. Explore how people with psychological disorders can be helped, and how modern psychology evolved. Focus on your greatest area of interest through a choice of four orientation areas: clinical studies, culture and psychology, human development and neuropsychology. Develop skills, attitudes and insights that are relevant to today's complex, rapidly changing and diverse world.
Go beyond traditional classroom learning with opportunities to conduct hands-on research with faculty. Designing and carrying out your own independent research study is equivalent to an honors degree, helping you to stand out after graduation when entering graduate studies or professional work. Being one of the few universities that enables undergraduate students to do research in the context of a student-centered environment, you don't want to miss this rare opportunity to join a program that exceeds the standards for undergraduate training in psychology set out by the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
Designed like an honours degree, Psychology is offered in a four-year, 120-credit degree program. This timeline is based on a full course load (five courses/semester), with courses usually being three credits. To be considered a full-time student, you must take 3 or more courses per semester.
Pursue a career in non-profit human or social services, data analysis, research or counseling. We recommend students continue their studies upon graduation of the Psychology program, positioning students for the jobs our soon-to-be graduates are looking to enter:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Caseworker (Children/Youth)
- Law
- Medicine
Featured Courses
PS 285 - 1 Abnormal Psychology
This course provides an introduction to psychopathology and abnormal behavior. Using a bio-psycho-social etiological framework, attention is given to the classification, assessment, and methods of therapy related to the major areas of psychopathology. A focus is also to understand the importance of prevention and education in the field of mental health.
PS 230 Adolescent Development
This course focuses on normal human development as it occurs during adolescence. It looks at development by way of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional contexts, as well as giving special attention to prevalence, prevention, and treatment of several issues of concern most common during adolescence.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 402 Psychology of Immigration
This class addresses basic background knowledge about transmigration and tensions it raises in pluralistic societies. It will provide students with insight into transmigration and adjustment by discussing how culture is a meaningful part of life that cannot be reduced to funny food and dances. This course will also introduce students to the practicalities of overcoming barriers to adjustment.
PS 440 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
This course offers an exploration of the major topics in clinical psychology, including assessment and intervention approaches. It addresses theoretical, professional issues and emerging trends within the field of clinical psychology. The lecture component will include lecture, class discussion, and individual reflection on theoretical and professional aspects of clinical psychology.
PS 307 Psychological Impacts of Poverty
This course explores the impacts of poverty on human psychological development. It examines the effects of poverty on the maturation of the brain; cognitive, social and emotional abilities; and health outcomes. Participants will also consider the influence of living in poverty on the understanding of self and others and on how this influence contributes to risk and resilience