Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology is a traditional degree focusing on core areas in psychology including biopsychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social/personality psychology, and clinical/abnormal psychology. As KPU's flagship Psychology degree program, the BA is a flexible degree that allows students to explore many different content areas of psychology as well as other areas within the social sciences and humanities. Because of the flexibility of the program, BA students have the opportunity to consult with advisors, faculty and peers to determine their own degree specialization. The emphasis is on transferrable skills, including critical thinking, writing, group work, and oral presentations. Students also have the option of completing a workplace practicum coordinated by KPU and co-supervised by faculty and employers in relevant fields of employment.

Those interested in further study and graduate school or who prefer more extensive research experience may augment their knowledge and skills by taking the research-focused Honours program in Psychology. The Honours program affords students an opportunity to develop and report on a research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member within the Psychology Department.

Career Opportunities

The value of a BA in Psychology has been documented many times and BA Psychology graduates can be found working in a variety of roles such as: group home coordinator, behaviour analyst, residential and youth counselor, and mental health worker to list but a few examples. Many employers are interested in the critical thinking and research skills that psychology majors bring and, as a result, psychology graduates are marketable well beyond the boundaries of psychology. For example, our BA psychology graduates have also been successful in finding employment as loans officers, probation officers, office managers, and customer relations representatives.

Careers as practitioners of psychology (e.g., Psychologist or Counsellor) require further study at the graduate level and, to this end, the Honours program is available to students interested in pursuing graduate degrees. BA students who have completed the Honours program have gone on to graduate studies in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Gerontology, Education, School Psychology, and Experimental Psychology, to name only a few examples.

High School: A graduate of a BC secondary school or an equivalent school system. (Note: Proof of June graduation must be received in order to be eligible for Fall admission. High school students graduating in August are eligible for Spring admission. High school students graduating in January are eligible for Summer admission.)