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Psychology (Bachelor of Science degree)

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.

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 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.

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 fourth year, you’ll pursue your own scientific research project.

 

Student teachingGet hands-on experience through research projects.

About the Psychology (Science) program

Breifcase Available as a co-op and regular program

ClickApply to Life Sciences, select Psychology as your major

CapEarn a Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology 

#1in Canada for psychology research productivity and impact

BeakerOffered through the Faculty of Science

6Research areas within the Department of Psychology
 

Psychology admission requirements

  • Ontario students: 6 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)
    • 2 of: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics (Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics are recommended)
  • Admission averages: Low 80s
  • An Admission Information Form is recommended.
  • Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

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 first-year courses must be at least 60%
  • average in first-year Science courses must be at least 60% and
  • average in your first-year Psychology courses must be at least at 75%

Careers 

Psychology graduates can find a wide variety of career opportunities in counselling, therapy, mental health services, neuroscience, human relations, psychiatry, speech pathology, research, and education.

Recent graduates

  • Youth Worker and Volunteer Resources Coordinator, Vietnamese Women's Association of Toronto
  • Coordinator, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

First-year Psychology courses

September to December

CHEM 120/120L - Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter/Laboratory
MATH 127 - Calculus 1 for the Sciences
PSYCH 101 - Introductory Psychology
SCCOM 100 Communication in the Sciences
Any 100-level BIOL course and associated lab

January to April

CHEM 123/123L - Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics/Laboratory
MATH 128 - Calculus 2 for the Sciences
Any 100-level BIOL course and associated lab
200-level Psychology course (choose from PSYCH 207, 211, 238, 253, 257, or 261)
1 elective

 

After first year

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.

Sample upper-year courses

PSYCH 226 – Positive Psychology
PSYCH 253 – Social Psychology
PSYCH 314 – Cognitive Development
PSYCH 356 – Personality

 

Customize your Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology degree

You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor/minors as part of your degree.

 

Gain relevant work experience through co-op

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.

Sample co-op job titles

  • Research Assistant in Developmental Psychology
  • Personal Care Worker
  • Quality Measurement Student
  • Outdoor Education Intern

Sample co-op employers

  • Ontario Health Quality Council
  • Toronto District School Board
  • University of Waterloo
  • The Landen Group
 

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