Get inside the human mind (and earn a science degree at the same time).
If you have a passion for psychology and a strong scientific orientation, we have the program for you. As it happens, it's one of the top five in Canada for Psychology, according to the 2023 Academic Rankings of World Universities. And it offers co-op, which is paid work experience, on top of that.
You’ll take a blend of psychology, science, and math courses with an emphasis on research methods and data analysis. In your third and fourth years, you’ll have the chance to work in small groups, get hands-on laboratory training, and work one-on-one with professors.
Your Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology is the perfect launchpad for a career in behavioural neuroscience, forensic psychology, or cognitive psychology — or for a medical career specializing in neurology, psychiatry, or pediatrics.
What courses will you take in Psychology (Science)?
First-year courses
In your first year, you'll take a mixture of Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, most of your classes will be Psychology and Science courses.
January to April
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
Most of the required classes you’ll take will be Psychology and Science courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View a list of all the courses required for your degree.
Sample upper-year courses
PSYCH 226R – Positive Psychology
PSYCH 253 – Social Psychology
PSYCH 314 – Cognitive Development
PSYCH 356 – Personality
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Communication
- Research
- Problem solving
- Adaptability
- Data analysis
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Psychology major can provide.
Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.
Customize your Psychology degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Popular areas of focus for Psychology students include Biology, Cognitive Science, and Human Resource Management.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Build an impressive resume. Enrol in one of our apprenticeship courses or choose the co-op system of study. Meanwhile, if you opt for an honours thesis in your final year, you’ll pursue your own scientific research project.
Learn from top researchers. Waterloo’s Department of Psychology is one of the strongest in North America, with an international reputation for excellence in clinical and research programs.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Child youth program assistant
- Marketing assistant
- Personal care worker
- Health promotion assistant
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Science peer tutor
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
Your first work term will be after you complete second year (May to August 2027).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Life Sciences (which is the entry program for Psychology majors).
How to apply
Apply to Life Sciences and select Psychology as your major at the end of first year. To continue on to second year as a Psychology major, you must have
- a minimum 60% cumulative overall average (all your first-year courses),
- minimum 60% cumulative Science average (just your science courses), and
- minimum 75% cumulative Psychology average (just your Psychology courses).
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.