Welcome to the Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology at UWaterloo offers several programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Our faculty are internationally renowned and our graduate and undergraduate programs are consistently ranked among the top departments in Canada. Our department conducts high-impact research in each of the six major subdivisions of psychology listed below.
Undergraduate Major Programs
The University of Waterloo offers two undergraduate degrees in Psychology: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
For information about our BSc Psychology program, please check the Faculty of Science website.
Students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts can major in Psychology through one of the following programs:
- BA Honours Psychology (regular or co-op)
- BA Honours Arts and Business, Psychology (regular or co-op)
- BA Four-Year General Psychology (regular only)
- BA Three-Year General Psychology (regular only)
It is also possible to graduate with a double major in Psychology and another discipline. Learn more about our degree options and specializations at the undergraduate level.
Undergraduate Minors and Diploma
Psychology Minor
Along with the wonderful major program options, the psychology department also has a Psychology Minor consisting of eight courses. This Minor gives students a chance to experience a variety of psychology disciplines.
Human Resources Management Program
The Human Resources Management (HRM) program here in the Department of Psychology is made up of two possible academic plans: a Minor for undergraduates and a Diploma for post-degree students. We are excited to be able to provide students with the opportunity to learn from working professionals in various areas of the HR world while also being able to complete the course requirements needed for the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Cognitive Science Minor
Another great Minor to consider is the Cognitive Science Minor. Cognitive Science courses include courses from a variety of disciplines and faculties, including Computer Science, English ECE, Biology, Psychology, Philosophy, and more!
Psychology Graduate Programs
The Department of Psychology offers three types of programs at the graduate level.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The University of Waterloo offers a full-time, two year Master of Arts in Psychology program that can be completed in the following research areas. Please visit the area webpage to find more information on the area of study.
Master of Applied Science in Psychology
The University of Waterloo offers two Master of Applied Science level programs.
The Master of Applied Science (MASc) program in Developmental and Communication Science (DCS) is a full-time, one-year program offered within the Developmental Area of the Department of Psychology.
The Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a full-time, two-year program offered within the Industrial-Organizational Area of the Department of Psychology.
PhD in Psychology
The University of Waterloo offers a PhD in Psychology that can be completed in the following research areas. Please visit the area webpage to find more information on the area of study.
Resources
News
Dr. Kate Ratliff named Tier 1 Canada Research Chair
Please join us in celebrating that Dr. Kate Ratliff has been named a Tier 1 SSHRC Canada Research Chair in Intergroup Attitudes! Kate is an Associate Professor of Psychology and the area head of social psychology.
Along with her CRC, she has also received a grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (CFI-JELF) to support her research infrastructure.
Congratulations!!!
Dr. Ramona Bobocel recognized with 2025 Distinguished Contributions Award
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ramona Bobocel on being recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Contributions Award from the Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology in Canada.
Dr. Clara Colombatto receives support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leader Fund
Dr. Clara Colombatto is one of 26 researchers at the University of Waterloo to receive funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Events
Julia McNeil's PhD Oral Defence
Julia McNeil's thesis is entitled: "Love, Resilience, and the Past: The Role of Positive Emotion Regulation in Overcoming Childhood Maltreatment and Building Strong Romantic Relationships."
All are welcome to attend.
Emilie Caron's PhD Defence
Emilie Caron's thesis is entitled: "Posture and Attention."
All are welcome to attend.