Psychology Program
It is important for one to find one’s calling by learning to think critically about what one is doing and why one is doing it. Learning about research methods helps one think critically about oneself because doing so teaches students about how to gain a deep understanding of topics like human thinking, emotion, biology, development, social experience, and so forth. Psychological theory exposes students to ways of seeing themselves and others in a new light because one learns to see oneself and others through the eyes of a scientist. This sort of awareness enables students to be agents of change by seeing their own biases.
The Canadian Psychological Association and American Psychological Association set the standards for undergraduate education in Psychology. This program meets and exceeds these standards. You will also have the potential to gain valuable experience working one-on-one with faculty, which is an experience that will make you exceptionally competitive if you seek further studies. The standards upheld by this program prepares you for graduate programs that make you eligible for registration with bodies like the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Profile of the Graduating Student
The graduating student will:
- Demonstrate critical self-reflexivity of one’s vocation.
- Demonstrate an appropriate knowledge base in the discipline of psychology. This outcome includes demonstration of sufficient knowledge in the following content areas:
- sociocultural and diversity issues,
- human development,
- learning and information processing, and
- biological bases of behavior.
- Demonstrate the capacity to engage in scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical and socially responsible behaviour in a pluralistic society.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Demonstrate professional development skills for the workplace.
Career and educational paths
The Psychology program is aimed at preparing students for graduate school. It is ideal for those wanting to go into graduate school in clinical psychology or do further work in basic research. It prepares students to work in the helping profession or in an academic research profession. The program also equips you with expertise in collecting and assessing information, which is necessary in our current informational economy.
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Major
Program Requirements (4 year - 120 credits)
Foundational Learning in Psychology (21 credits)
PS 121 Introduction to Psychology
One of:
PS 220 Child Development
PS 230 Adolescent Development
PS 240 Adulthood and Aging
PS 250 Social Psychology
PS 270 Introduction to Neuroscience
PS 274 History of Psychology
PS 350 Cognitive Psychology
BHS 400 Social Sciences Capstone
Research and Methodology (15 credits)
BHS 240 Research Methods
BHS 310 Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences
BHS 311 Qualitative Research
BHS 410 Basic Multivariate Statistics
PS 415 Tests and Measurement
University 101 (non-credit)
Christian Formation (9 credits)
REL 105 Introduction to the Bible
REL 161 Introduction to Christian Theology
3 credits in Religion (REL) at the senior level
English (3 credits)
EN 130 Introduction to English Literature
Fine or Performing Arts (3 credits)
(ART, DA, FA, MU, TH, EN 100, EN 200, EN 350)
History (3 credits)
HI 140 Themes in World History
Philosophy (3 credits)
PH 125 Introduction to Philosophy
Science (3 credits)
(ASTR, BCH, BIO, BOT, CHE, ECOL, GEO, GEOG, KIN*, MED, PHY, SC, ZOO)
*Note: Not all KIN courses can be used as Science credits; check the course descriptions.
Science or Mathematics (3 credits)
(the above, plus MA)
Psychology Electives* (27 credits)
*Note: Students can structure their electives according to areas of orientation. Details are below.
Open Electives * (30 credits)
*BHS practicums, FE courses, and PST courses will not fulfill this requirement.
Orientation Areas
When selecting psychology electives above, students can focus their selections in an orientation area. That is, when selecting psychology electives, the Psychology degree offers students the opportunity to explore specific areas that can orient them to an area of study. These areas include Clinical Studies, Culture and Psychology, Human Development, and Neuropsychology. The purpose of these focal areas is to allow students to get a sense of a potential area of interest. It is important to note that these are not professional designations and are not formally noted on a degree. Students are NOT required to take an orientation.
Orientation to Clinical Studies (15 credits)
PS 285 Abnormal Psychology
PS 320 Developmental Psychopathology
PS 420 Introduction to Counseling Psychology
PS 440 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
PS 441 Drugs and Behaviour
Orientation to Culture and Psychology (12 credits)
PS 342 Culture and Psychology
PS 346 Language, Culture and Communication
PS 354 Culture and Human Development
PS 402 Psychology of Immigration
Orientation to Human Development (15 credits)
PS 220 Child Development
PS 230 Adolescent Development
PS 240 Adulthood and Aging
PS 344 Psychology of Religion
PS 430 Social Development: Child, Family, School, Community
Orientation to Neuropsychology (15 credits)
PS 215 Sensation and Perception
PS 270 Introduction to Neuroscience
PS 330 Brain and Behaviour
PS 351 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
PS 441 Drugs and Behaviour
General Requirements for Completion and Graduation
- Completion of The Ambrose Experience (UNI 101) (non-credit; this course is required for all programs, and must be completed within the first two semesters of enrolment. Students who do not complete UNI 101 may not be permitted to continue in their program.)
- Completion of Core Requirements
- Completion of a total of 120 credits (as outlined above)
- A minimum of 72 credits must be taken at the 200 level or higher
- A maximum of 72 credits is permitted in any one discipline (Psychology)
- A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.0, with a CGPA of at least 2.5 in PS courses