Psychology (Bachelor of Science)

Get inside the human mind (and earn a science degree at the same time)

a Psychology student putting a brain activity monitor on another student's head

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.

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.


    A student in the Psychology degree program flips through a book with a younger child.

    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.

     

    Get tips from Waterloo students

    Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.

    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.

     


    megaphone icon"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, 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).

    Connect with us

    Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

    Please contact Alisia, our Science recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have. 

    Alisia Mar

     


    Related programs