Psychology
About
Our Psychology Department is one of the strongest in North America, with an international reputation for excellence in clinical and research programs, especially in the areas of behavioural neuroscience and clinical, cognitive, developmental, industrial-organizational, and social psychology. Emphasizing a balance of content and research methods, Waterloo's Psychology program offers an especially solid grounding if your career goal is behavioural neuroscience, cognitive psychology, or medicine with a specialization in neurology, psychiatry, or pediatrics.
Visit the Psychology undergraduate program website.
First-year courses
From second to fourth year, you'll receive extensive training in research methods and data analysis. Upon graduation, you'll be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree. Begin your first year in Honours Science, then apply to Honours Psychology when you select your courses for second year.
First-year courses you'll take:
| Fall Term | Winter Term |
|---|---|
| CHEM120/120L Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter MATH 127 Calculus 1 PHYS111/111L or PHYS 121/121LMechanics, Wave Motion and Heat 1 PSYCH101 Introductory Psychology One Biology (100- or 200- level) course |
CHEM123/123L Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics MATH128 Calculus 2 PHYS112/112L or PHYS 122/122LMechanics, Wave Motion and Heat 2 or Physics 2 One 200-level Psychology course One Biology (100- or 200-level) course |
Upper-year courses
Detailed list of all psychology courses that can be taken can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Upper year course sequencing, (including specializations), is found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Psychology co-op employment
What is co-op?
In the second term of your second year, you are able to begin a co-op job. You will complete 4 months of co-op, then return for 4 months of school. This pattern will continue the rest of your stay at University of Waterloo.
For more information visit the Co-operative Education website.
Psychology students at work
- Research Assistant, London Regional Cancer Centre
- Employment Officer, Human Resources Development Canada
- Research Therapist, Royal Ottawa Hospital
Other jobs psychology students have had, are here in the Find Out More Website.
Psychology co-op earnings
| work term | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| earnings/week (avg $) | 545 | 585 | 619 | 661 | 673 |
Beyond University of Waterloo
Because our psychology program emphasizes research and computer skills, employers find that our students are valuable team members who quickly learn new techniques and who are able to quickly problem solve.
Sample graduate careers
- Residential Counsellor, Community Living
- Epidemiologist, Brant County Health Unit
- Personnel Officer, Brock University
- Clinical Research Fellow, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Occupational Therapist, Chedoke-McMaster Hospital
Other careers students are following can be found in our Careers in Science page.
