Program Overview
Psychology seeks to understand scientifically such diverse topics as aggression, attachment between infants and caregivers, reading, psychological disorders, romantic relationships, and effective behaviour in organizations. These and other topics are examined from multiple perspectives, including basic biological processes, early environment, the impact of poverty and other stressors, social context, and culture.
Students are encouraged to select courses from various areas that make up its core: physiological psychology, perception, learning, cognition, developmental psychology, personality, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students also take courses on the scientific methods that psychologists use to understand human behaviour and experience, from observations and surveys to biological procedures. Outside of class, students have opportunities to participate in psychological research, to work with faculty on specific research projects, and to attend interesting talks.
This program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree (3-year, 4-year, or 4-year Honours). The 4-year Honours degree is recommended for anyone planning further studies at the graduate level. Students may also complete a Certificate of Applied Psychology by enrolling in selected courses in psychology and completing a work-integrated learning experience in the field. Students taking another Major may choose to add a Minor in Psychology as a secondary area of interest. For more information on specific course requirements for degrees, please see the Academic Calendar entry for Psychology.