Psychology Bachelor of Arts

Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and other people by earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major, extended minor, or honours in Psychology.

As the scientific study of the mind, behaviours, and motivations of people, psychology is concerned with almost every aspect of our lives. In fact, this field of study has assumed an increasingly important role in understanding and addressing social and individual problems.

Psychology has developed as both a profession and a science. Its findings have applications not only in the field of clinical psychology and counselling, but also in related fields such as human resources, marketing, management, social services, and more.

Psychology major

In your first and second year, you are introduced to some of the major research areas within the field of psychology including: motivation, psychological disorders, neuropsychology, etc. You learn about research methods used in psychology and apply them yourself when you conduct your own psychological research study.

In your third and fourth year, you begin to specialize by selecting courses that inspire you such as:

• Perception
• Learning
• Music
• Memory
• Consciousness
• Health
• Child and adolescent psychology
• Language
• Neuropsychology
• Drugs and Behaviour

View the program outline for a major in psychology in the Academic Calendar.

Psychology extended minor

Interaction with people is a huge part of any degree, and having a knowledge of psychology can be a great benefit — equipping you with a greater understanding of how people think, feel, and act. Pair a Psychology extended minor with a major in Criminology, Sociology, or another Arts discpline of your choice.

Once you have taken the first and second year courses for the Psychology extended minor program, you have freedom to choose any upper-level psychology courses that spark your interest. View the course descriptions page in the Academic Calendar for a list of upper-level courses you can take.

View the extended minor in psychology program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Psychology Honours

The Psychology Honours program is designed for students who have performed at a high level throughout their studies and want to enhance their degree for employment or graduate studies. It requires that you develop a working relationship with a professor who will supervise your thesis and oversee your Honours project. They will also assist you with any questions that you may have in completing your project.

• See the entrance requirements for psychology honours
• See the program outline for psychology honours
• To get the Honours Application form, please contact the psychology department assistant.

Additional Features:

Get involved with the Student Psychology Association (SPA). SPA holds a variety of activities to support students in the psychology program and operates out of the Psychology Resource Room in D building, room D125. Meetings are held weekly, and all students are welcome to attend.

Take a directed studies course in Psychology. Directed Studies (DS) courses make it possible for one or more students to work under the guidance of a faculty member on a reading or research project of mutual interest. DS courses are not to duplicate material covered in other psychology courses, but bring an element of originality to a topic of interest.

• B.C. high school graduation or equivalent;
• Or completion of a minimum of nine UFV or transferable post-secondary credits with a minimum 2.00 GPA (C average) based on all credits attempted;
• Or a minimum of 19 years of age by the start of the first class;
• Or, for admission into preparatory level programs only, a minimum of 17 years of age and out of high school for at least one year by the start of the semester.

The career of psychologist has been identified by WorkBC as a top opportunity profession, with favourable job prospects from now to 2028. To become a counsellor and practice as a registered psychologist in B.C., psychology undergrads need to complete graduate studies. A Bachelor of Arts with a Psychology major is a good foundation for further studies in psychology or counselling, or for other professional programs such as law, medicine, social work, and education.

You may also immediately apply your understanding of human behaviour, clear thinking, and communications skills to a career in the areas of human resources, labour relations, marketing, management, corrections, research, or social services.