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 100 psychology programs worldwide, according to the 2020 Shanghai World University Rankings. 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.
Program highlights
- 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.
- Build an impressive résumé. 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.
- Available as a regular or co-op program
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Offered through the Faculty of Science
As part of your BSc in Psychology degree, you'll be able to get hands-on experience through research projects.
What will you learn?
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.
Learn more about courses you'll take for your Psychology - Science degree.
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.
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Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Science student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
"The best thing about my program is the variety of courses and the flexibility I have. Co-op has shown me that I don't necessarily have to go into a professional school or pursue a master's degree. My options are a lot more open than I thought they were."Jerika, third-year Psychology student (minor in Biology)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, your average in
- all your first-year courses must be at least 60%,
- first-year Science courses must be at least 60%, and
- your average in your first-year Psychology courses must be at least at 75%.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Katelyn, our Science recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.
