Degree options and specializations

Features of Three-Year General Psychology

PSYCH 291 (Research Methods) and PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis, required courses for every Psychology plan, will introduce you to the scientific methods for understanding mind and behaviour.

The remaining Psychology courses provide a general overview of the body of knowledge that currently exists in the diverse and exciting field of Psychology.

A Three-Year General Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is usually not sufficient for admission to graduate studies in Psychology. However, a Three-Year General degree can provide opportunities to advance into career focused / post-graduate programs designed for those who have completed a Bachelor's degree.

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Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2019/2020 (current)

• Requirement checklist for Three-Year General Psychology (2018+ calendar requirements)

Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2016/2017

• Access list of undergraduate studies archived calendars first and select 2016/2017.

• The primary difference between the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019+ requirements is the Undergraduate Communication Requirement (required for those admitted to the university for the start of Fall 2018 and after). 

• Requirement checklist for Three-Year General Psychology (2016/2017 calendar requirements)

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Eligibility for graduation in the Three-Year General Psychology academic plan includes successful completion of the following requirements: 

1. Appropriate Program-level requirements. See Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
2. Psychology Plan-level requirements:
   • a minimum Psychology major average of 65%
   • at least six academic course units (12 courses) in Psychology, including:
     • PSYCH 101/PSYCH 101R
     • Methodology Core: PSYCH 291, PSYCH 292
     • four of the following Discipline Core: PSYCH 207, PSYCH 211, PSYCH 238, PSYCH 253/PSYCH 253R, PSYCH 257/PSYCH 257R, PSYCH 261 including at least one of PSYCH 207 or PSYCH 261
     • two PSYCH courses at the 300-level or above 
     • three additional PSYCH courses at any level
3. ***Additional Department of Psychology policies***

Notes: 

PSYCH 291 and PSYCH 292 must be completed in Year Two (2A/2B).

Normally, the Discipline Core courses are completed by the end of Year Two.

Students who have not successfully completed Math 4U (grade 12 university level), or a Grade 12 Math course in a province other than Ontario, or an approved equivalent will be required to take MATH 103 concurrently with PSYCH 291. For those required to take MATH 103, it counts as an "unspecified elective" toward the degree requirements.

Any two of the psychology courses (1.0 units) taken will also satisfy 1.0 of the 2.0 units required in the 'Social Science' category of the (BA) Breadth Requirements

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Features of Four-Year General Psychology

PSYCH 291 (Research Methods) and PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis, required courses for every Psychology plan, will introduce you to the scientific methods for understanding mind and behaviour.

The remaining Psychology courses provide a general overview of the body of knowledge that currently exists in the diverse and exciting field of Psychology.

A Four-Year General Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is usually not sufficient for admission to graduate studies in Psychology. However, a Four-Year General majoring in Psychology will be of particular interest to those who require a Four-Year degree in order to pursue further studies that do not require an Honours degree for admission (e.g., admission to some Faculties of Education or post-degree / certification programs). 

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Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2018 and beyond (current)

• Requirement checklist for Four-Year General Psychology (2018+ calendar requirements)

Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2016/2017

• Access list of undergraduate studies archived calendars first and select 2016/2017.
• The primary difference between the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019+ requirements is the Undergraduate Communication Requirement (required for those admitted to the university for the start of Fall 2018 and after). 

• Requirement checklist for Four-Year General Psychology (2016/2017 calendar requirements)

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Eligibility for graduation in the Four-Year General Psychology academic plan includes successful completion of the following requirements:

1. Appropriate Program-level requirements. See Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements.
2. Psychology Plan-level requirements:
   • a minimum Psychology major average of 65%
   • at least eight academic course units (16 courses) in Psychology, including:
     • PSYCH 101/PSYCH 101R
     • Methodology Core: PSYCH 291, PSYCH 292
     • Discipline Core: PSYCH 207, PSYCH 211, PSYCH 238, PSYCH 253/PSYCH 253R, PSYCH 257/PSYCH 257R, PSYCH 261
     • PSYCH 470 or one Research Seminar from PSYCH 420, PSYCH 451, PSYCH 453, PSYCH 454, PSYCH 455, PSYCH 457, PSYCH 458, PSYCH 459, PSYCH 461, PSYCH 462, PSYCH 463, PSYCH 485
     • five additional PSYCH courses at the 300-level or above
     • one additional PSYCH course at any level
3. ***Additional Department of Psychology policies***

Notes:

PSYCH 291 and PSYCH 292 must be completed in Year Two (2A/2B).

At least five of the six Discipline Core courses must be completed by the end of Year Two.

Students who have not successfully completed Math 4U (grade 12 university level), or a Grade 12 Math course in a province other than Ontario, or an approved equivalent will be required to take MATH 103 concurrently with PSYCH 291. For those required to take MATH 103, it counts as an "unspecified elective" toward the degree requirements.

PSYCH 391 is a corequisite for enrolment in a Research Seminar.

• Typically all Four-Year General students should be taking PSYCH 470. This requirement should only be fulfilled by a Research Seminar if the student was enrolled in Honours Psych when they took the seminar.

Any two of the psychology courses (1.0 units) taken will also satisfy 1.0 of the 2.0 units required in the 'Social Science' category of the (BA) Breadth Requirements

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Features of Honours Psychology (BA)

• Available on a regular or co-op system of study.
• Choose from a single Honours Major or an Honours Double major program.
• Eligible for the Research Intensive Specialization.

PSYCH 291 (Research Methods) and PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis, required courses for every Psychology plan, will introduce you to the scientific methods for understanding mind and behaviour.

Gain a broad perspective of psychological theory by taking courses from several areas in Psychology.

Develop distinctive skills including observation, numeric, analytic, computer, and written and oral communication.

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Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2018 and beyond (current)

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology (BA) (2018+ calendar requirements)

Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2016/2017

• Access list of undergraduate studies archived calendars first and select 2016/2017.
• The primary difference between the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019+ requirements is the Undergraduate Communication Requirement (required for those admitted to the university for the start of Fall 2018 and after). 

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology (BA) (2016-2017 calendar requirements)

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Eligibility for graduation in the Honours Psychology (BA) academic plan includes successful completion of the following requirements:

1. Appropriate Program-level requirements. See Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements.
2. Honours Psychology (BA) Plan-level requirements.
3. Co-op requirements.
4. ***Additional Department of Psychology policies***

Notes:

PSYCH 291 and PSYCH 292 must be completed in Year Two (2A/2B).

At least five of the six Discipline Core courses must be completed by the end of Year Two.

Students who have not successfully completed Math 4U (grade 12 university level), or a Grade 12 Math course in a province other than Ontario, or an approved equivalent will be required to take MATH 103 concurrently with PSYCH 291. For those required to take MATH 103, it counts as an "unspecified elective" toward the degree requirements.

PSYCH 391 is a corequisite for enrolment in a Research Seminar.

Students who complete PSYCH 391 should be attempting a Research Seminar instead of PSYCH 470. PSYCH 391 is an antirequisite to PSYCH 470. 

For those doing an honours thesis (optional), PSYCH 499 A/B/C is worth 1.5 units and will count toward the five additional PSYCH courses to be taken at the 300-level or above requirement. See the Enrolment restrictions for PSYCH 499A​.

Any two of the psychology courses (1.0 units) taken will also satisfy 1.0 of the 2.0 units required in the 'Social Science' category of the (BA) Breadth Requirements

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Features of Honours Psychology, Arts & Business

• Available on a regular or co-op system of study.
• Choose from a single Honours Major or an Honours Double major program.
• Complete business courses along with your major for a more specialized degree.
• Eligible for the Research Intensive Specialization.

See Honours Psychology (BA) above for program features.

Honours Psychology, Arts and Business students follow the same Psychology plan requirements as those in Honours Psychology (BA). 

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Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2019/2020 (current)

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology (BA) (2018+ calendar requirements)

Requirements as per the UG calendar for 2016/2017

• Access list of undergraduate studies archived calendars first and select 2016/2017.
• The primary difference between the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019+ requirements is the Undergraduate Communication Requirement (required for those admitted to the university for the start of Fall 2018 and after). 

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology (BA) (2016/2017 calendar requirements)

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Eligibility for graduation in the Honours Psychology, Arts and Business academic plan includes successful completion of the following requirements:

1. Appropriate Program-level requirements. See Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements.
2. Honours Arts and Business Program-level requirements.
3. Honours Psychology (BA) Plan-level requirements.
4. Co-op requirements.
5. ***Additional Department of Psychology policies***

Notes:

Honours Psychology Arts and Business, Co-op students follow a different work/study sequence than our other Honours Psychology students. Inquires regarding Honours Arts and Business, Co-op should be directed to the Honours Arts and Business Advisor. 

PSYCH 291 must be completed Fall 2A and PSYCH 292 must be completed Spring 2B (online) or in Winter 3A (on-campus). 

Students who have not successfully completed Math 4U (grade 12 university level), or a Grade 12 Math course in a province other than Ontario, or an approved equivalent will be required to take MATH 103 concurrently with PSYCH 291. For those required to take MATH 103, it counts as an "unspecified elective" toward the degree requirements.

PSYCH 391 is a corequisite for enrolment in a Research Seminar.

Students who complete PSYCH 391 should be attempting a Research Seminar instead of PSYCH 470. PSYCH 391 is an antirequisite to PSYCH 470. 

For those doing an honours thesis (optional), PSYCH 499 A/B/C is worth 1.5 units and will count toward the five additional PSYCH courses to be taken at the 300-level or above requirement. See the Enrolment restrictions for PSYCH 499A​.

Any two of the psychology courses (1.0 units) taken will also satisfy 1.0 of the 2.0 units required in the 'Social Science' category of the (BA) Breadth Requirements

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Features of the Research Intensive Specialization

• In-depth training in the analytic skills of experimental design. 
• Students address problems of human motivation, memory, social relations, communication, and many other human capacities and dispositions by translating them into solvable empirical problems. This also entails critical evaluation of the bases of claims about human abilities and inclinations.
• Required courses such as PSYCH 391 (Advanced Data Analysis), PSYCH 389 (Social Science Advanced Research Methods) and PSYCH 390 (Natural Science Advanced Research Methods) further expose students to advanced methods for analyzing, reviewing, and expanding upon data. 
• Research Seminar discussions covering topics in the forefront of the field of Psychology - PSYCH 420, 451-463.
• PSYCH 492
• Opportunities for experiential learning and to work one-on-one with faculty members through the capstone Honours Thesis course PSYCH 499A/B/C (optional)

Please note that the Research Intensive Specialization (RI Spec) is only available to students in the Honours Psychology (BA) / Honours Psychology, Arts and Business programs following the 2016/2017 or further calendar requirements. Honours Psychology (BSc) or Honours Psychology (BA) prior to 2016/2017 are not eligible to declare the specialization. This is because the required courses for the specialization are already a part of the Honours Psychology (BSc) or "Old" Honours Psychology programs. 

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In combination with the Honours Psychology (BA) plan-level requirements, students interested in pursuing the Research Intensive Specialization will be required to fulfil the following requirements:

• A minimum Psychology major average of 75%.
• Successful completion of four additional courses, for a total of 10 academic course units (20 courses) in Psychology:
  • Advanced Quantitative Analysis: PSYCH 391, PSYCH 492
  • Advanced Research Methods: PSYCH 389, PSYCH 390
• Completion of a Research Seminar (PSYCH 420, 451-463, 485) instead of the PSYCH 470 requirement. 

The process to declare the Research Intensive Specialization is through the Plan Modification form. If you are eligible to declare, please contact the Psychology Undergraduate Advisor.  

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What is Make-Up Psychology?

Make-Up Psychology is a subcategory of Post-Degree studies and is not a degree program. The purpose of the program is to permit a small number of individuals access to advanced research courses in an effort to become a more competitive applicant for graduate studies and/or post-graduate work in Psychology (e.g., Master's of Arts (M.A.), Master's of Applied Science (M.A.Sc), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), etc.).

Although our Make-Up Psychology program can prepare you for graduate studies, you should research the graduate programs that interest you. Many graduate programs require an Honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology for admission. Candidates who plan to apply for such graduate programs should do a second honours bachelor’s degree instead of Make-Up Psychology. Admission to Make-Up Psychology does not guarantee admission to graduate studies at the University of Waterloo.

Who is eligible?

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree who have taken at least 6 (six) courses in Psychology or related disciplines (e.g. Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science), and whose cumulative averages are at least 82% overall and in Psychology courses. Enrolment in courses is subject to space and availability, and follows the Psychology Course Policies. Typically, only 3 to 5 students are admitted to Make-Up Psychology per year.

Based on the application requirements for a Canadian study permit, it will not be possible to apply for or obtain a study permit from outside of Canada based on the Make-Up Psychology program alone. This program is a subcategory of Post-Degree Studies where students do not have an official start and end date of enrolment, there are no required courses (only recommended ones), and students do not receive a certificate or diploma upon completion. If you currently hold valid status in Canada and are interested in pursuing this program, please contact Waterloo's Immigration Consultants in the Student Success Office to determine if you are eligible to pursue these courses.

If you obtained your Bachelor's degree out of Canada, please contact the graduate school(s) where you want to apply and make sure that the undergraduate degree possessed suffices for admission. Make-Up Psychology will not give you any diploma or degree, but just an opportunity to enrol in Upper-Year Psychology courses.

How To Apply

The application procedures are the same as those for admission to Post-Degree studies at the University of Waterloo. The application process will differ depending on if you are a returning UWaterloo student or an external applicant.

It is your responsibility to check if Make-Up Psychology suffices for your goals given the degree(s) you have. Please contact the graduate advisor at the school where you want to apply in case you have questions about this.

Before you formally apply, you should contact the Psychology Undergraduate Advisor so that your previous degree/experience can be reviewed.

If you are new to the University of Waterloo, please follow the application procedures outlined on the Admissions web-page for Post-Degree studies.

If you have previously completed a degree at the University of Waterloo in a discipline other than Psychology, please complete the Application for undergraduate readmission form.

Course Planning

Develop a course plan in consultation with the Psychology Undergraduate Advisor as well as the graduate studies program advisor at the institution to which you will be applying.

How quickly you can progress in the studies for Make-Up Psychology will be affected by your current background in:

• the content areas of psychology e.g., PSYCH 207, 211, 253, 257, 261,
• research methods and statistics e.g., PSYCH 291, 292.

Those with limited background in these areas will spend at least two and a half years on course work including the honours thesis because of course prerequisites and course availability.

If you successfully completed a research methods and/or statistics course that might be antirequisite or equivalent to a psychology course (e.g., PSYCH 291, 292, 391), submit a detailed course outline for the course to the Psychology Undergraduate Advisor.

Additional Notes

Those who complete Make-Up Psychology will not receive a degree or diploma. If proof of completion is required, please refer to an official transcript. 

Features of Honours Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Honours Psychology (BSc) is particularly appropriate for students interested in cognitive neuroscience or cognitive psychology, or who plan to seek professional training in medicine, perhaps with specialization in neurology, psychiatry or pediatrics. A strong background in the 'natural science' areas of psychology would complement a student's preparation for research or graduate work in these fields of study.

• Available on a regular or co-op system of study.
• Choose from a single Honours Major or a Joint Honours major program.
• PSYCH 291 (Research Methods) and PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis, required courses for every Psychology plan, will introduce you to the scientific methods for understanding mind and behaviour.
• Required courses such as PSYCH 391 (Advanced Data Analysis), PSYCH 389 (Social Science Advanced Research Methods) and PSYCH 390 (Natural Science Advanced Research Methods) further expose students to advanced methods for analyzing, reviewing, and expanding upon data. 
• Students address problems of human motivation, memory, social relations, communication, and many other human capacities and dispositions by translating them into solvable empirical problems. This also entails critical evaluation of the bases of claims about human abilities and inclinations.
• Research Seminar discussions covering topics in the forefront of the field of Psychology - PSYCH 420, 451-463.
• PSYCH 492
• Opportunities for experiential learning and to work one-on-one with faculty members through the capstone Honours Thesis course PSYCH 499A/B/C (optional)

Gain a broad perspective of psychological theory by taking courses from several areas in Psychology.

Develop distinctive skills including observation, numeric, analytic, computer, and written and oral communication.

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Requirements for students admitted into Life Sciences in Fall 2021 (first year)

• The primary difference between the 2021-2022 and previous calendars is that BIOL 130+130L are mandatory courses for BSc students admitted into Life Sciences in Fall 2021 (first year) who join Honours Psychology BSc in Fall 2022 (second year).

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology (BSc) (2021-2022 and beyond calendar requirements) 

Requirements for students following the Fall 2018/2019/2020 calendar

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology BSc (2018/2019/2020 calendar requirements)

Requirements for students following the Fall 2016/2017 calendar

• The primary difference between the 2016/2017 and 2018+ requirements is the Communication Requirement (required for those admitted to the university for the start of Fall 2018 and after). 

• Requirement checklist for Honours Psychology (BSc) (2016/2017 calendar requirements)

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Notes:

For Science requirement inquires, please contact the Faculty of Science Advisor. 

PSYCH 291 and PSYCH 292 must be completed in Year Two (2A/2B).

At least four of the five Discipline Core (PSYCH 207, 211, 238 or 253, 257, 261) courses must be completed by the end of Year Two.

PSYCH 391 must be completed in Year Three. It is also a corequisite to PSYCH 389, 390, and the Research Seminars. 

Normally, both PSYCH 389 and PSYCH 390 (Advanced Research Method courses) will be completed in Year Three.

For those doing an honours thesis (optional), PSYCH 499 A/B/C is worth 1.5 units and will count toward the 2.0 PSYCH elective units at the 300-400 level category. See the Enrolment restrictions for PSYCH 499A​.

Further notes can be found on the Honours Psychology (BSc) calendar page. 

Science students who prefer not to take the first year Chemistry courses (CHEM 120/120L and CHEM 123/123L) or calculus courses (MATH 127/128) that are required for Honours Psychology (BSc) may enroll in Joint Psychology.

Joint Psychology students follow the same plan-level requirements as those in Honours Psychology (BA) and need 8.0 units of PSYCH courses.

Refer to Double/Joint Honours Psychology below for additional information about completing a Joint Honours major degree. 

A Double or Joint Honours degree allows students to study an Honours Majors in two different disciplines. Inside the Faculty of Arts, the term "Double Honours" is used for students pursuing two majors. Outside of the Faculty of Arts, this is referred to as a "Joint major." The requirements for both are the same.

The Psychology plan-level requirements for Double or Joint Honours Psychology are the same to those of Honours Psychology (BA).

Some students will find it necessary to delay the normal target for graduation  (e.g., beyond 8 full-time school terms) in order to complete the requirements for Double or Joint Honours Psychology. Factors which potentially could affect the target for graduation include:

• Course availability in the two majors for particular school terms.
• Course time conflicts between required courses in the two majors.
• System of study (e.g., regular versus co-op).
  • Those in co-op typically have greater challenges relating to course availability than those in the regular system of study.​​​
• Delayed admission to Double or Joint Honours Psychology (e.g., can affect timing for taking required courses and corresponding requisites for enrolment).

Students whose first major is Psychology are not permitted to take antirequisite courses to PSYCH 291/292. 

The Psychology plan-level requirements for Double or Joint Honours Psychology are the same to those of Honours Psychology (BA).

Those not in the Faculty of Arts follow the degree requirements of their Faculty. 

Those pursuing Honours Psychology as the second major (e.g., Honours Health Studies and Psychology) are not eligible for Psychology Departmental Co-op.

Double/Joint Honours students whose first major also has required research methods and statistics courses may be exempt from PSYCH 291 and PSYCH 292. However, students still need to take a minimum of 8.0 units of PSYCH courses to complete the Psychology plan-level requirements. This means that if you are exempt from PSYCH 291 or 292, you must replace those missing credits with two additional PSYCH courses at any level.

Students whose first major is Psychology are not permitted to take antirequisite courses to PSYCH 291/292. 

The Psychology Minor is a fantastic option for those who want a general overview of the study of mind and behaviour.

Those who pursue a Psychology minor can take advantage of reserved space in PSYCH courses and priority on waiting lists for enrolment in PSYCH courses (when applicable).

Those interested should declare a Psychology Minor after successfully completing PSYCH 101/101R.

Declaring a Psychology Minor

Refer to the official policies of your home Faculty regarding enrolment in a Minor.

To add a Psychology Minor all of the following criteria must be met:

1. satisfactory academic standing in the primary academic plan(s),
2. successful completion of at least 4.0 academic units (at least level 2A),
3. successful completion of PSYCH 101 or PSYCH 101R,
4. cumulative Psychology course (PSYCH) average of at least 65%.

Submit a Plan Modification Form to the Psychology Minor advisor, Claudia Labahn, in PAS 3008. Forms can be submitted in person or via email to Claudia Labahn. 

There is also a departmental drop box on the third floor of the PAS building, across from the elevator (3E waiting area).

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Requirements as per the UG calendar (current) 

Requirement checklist for the Psychology Minor (PDF)

Notes:

At least half (2.0 academic units) of the total number of psychology courses required (4.0 academic units) for the Psychology Minor must be successfully completed at the University of Waterloo on a numerical grading basis and the final grades for those courses must be included in the cumulative psychology average.

Please refer to your respective Faculty's policy on Double Counting courses.