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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 Honours Psychology is the perfect launchpad for a career in behavioural neuroscience, forensic psychology, or cognitive psychology — or for a medical career specializing in neurology, psychology, or pediatrics.
Waterloo’s Department of Psychology is one of the strongest in North America, with an international reputation for excellence in clinical and research programs.
Enrol in one of our apprenticeship courses, or choose the co-op system of study. Meanwhile, if you opt for an honours thesis in fourth year, you’ll pursue your own scientific research project.
As part of your BSc in Psychology degree, you'll be able to get hands-on experience through research projects.
in Canada for psychology research productivity and impact
Earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Honours Psychology
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
Admission averages: Low 80s
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Physical Sciences (which is the entry program for Psychology majors).
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 first-year courses must be at least 60%, your average in first-year Science courses must be at least 60%, and your average in your first-year Psychology courses must be at least at 75%
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Most of the 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.
PSYCH 226 – Positive Psychology
PSYCH 253 – Social Psychology
PSYCH 314 – Cognitive Development
PSYCH 356 – Personality
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.
Apply to Life Sciences, select Psychology as your major
Offered through the Faculty of Science
Research areas within the Department of Psychology
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Graduates typically find a wide variety of career opportunities in counselling, therapy, mental health services, neuroscience, human relations, psychiatry, speech pathology, research, and education.
Learn about the future of careers in science.
Available as a