B.Sc. Major in Psychology
Note: The UBC Okanagan campus also offers a B.A. Major in Psychology.
The Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology provides a strong foundation in psychology.
Students gain a broad perspective in psychology with courses in such diverse areas as biopsychology, cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology. In addition, students gain an understanding and appreciation of the empirical method as it is applied across the disciplines. Students may complete a B.Sc. Major in Psychology with a minor in any other Social Science area.
Students who have not earned the 6 credits of required English or Communications coursework by the time they enter fourth year will not be permitted to enroll in any courses other than courses that satisfy the English or Communications requirement. Students intending to pursue graduate studies in Psychology are advised to consider taking the Honours degree since many Canadian universities expect potential graduate students to have completed an Honours degree.
Enrolling as a Psychology Major
Students are encouraged to declare their Major in Psychology at the end of their first year. To be admitted to the Major program, students must successfully complete both PSYO_O 111 and 121 (or equivalent) and a minimum of 24 credits. To continue as a Psychology Major, a student must complete both PSYO_O 270 and 271 (or equivalent); these courses should be completed in second year.
First and Second Years
| First Year | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENGL_O 1091, or two of ENGL_O 1121, 113, 1141, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, or 156; CORH_O 203 or 205 | 6 |
| MATH_O 100 | 3 |
| One of COSC_O, DATA_O, STAT_O, additional MATH_O courses | 3 |
| At least 3 credits of experimental science in any BIOL_O, CHEM_O, EESC_O, or PHYS_O courses with labs | 3 |
| Science electives2 | 9 |
| PSYO_O 111, 121 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Science [non-Psychology] electives2 | 12 |
| INDG_O 100 or ENGL_O 1141 | 3 |
| PSYO_O 270, 271 | 6 |
| PSYO_O 2202 | 3 |
| PSYO_O 200-level or highter3 | 3 |
| Non-science designated courses4 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Third and Fourth Years | |
|---|---|
| PSYO_O 300-level or higher3 | 30 |
| Non-PSYO_O science courses 300-level or higher | 6 |
| Electives 300-level or higher | 6 |
| Non-science designated courses4 | 6 |
| Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
1 Credit will only be granted for one of ENGL_O 109, 112 or 114. Courses that are listed under two requirements may only fulfill one requirement, not both.
2 By taking PSYO_O 220, students will meet the Developmental breadth area requirement.
3 Students must complete 3 credits from each of the breadth areas, see table below.
4 PSYO_O courses are science courses for B.Sc. PSYO students.
| Psychology Breadth Area Courses | |
|---|---|
| Many Psychology courses fall within one of the following four breadth areas. Students must take at least one 3-credit course from each of the four breadth areas. For Developmental, this will generally be met by taking PSYO_O 220. Other Developmental courses are listed for students interested in taking additional courses within that area. | |
| Cognitive & Behavioural Neuroscience: | PSYO_O 219, 230, 310, 311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 334, 335, 434, 442 |
| Developmental: | PSYO_O 220, 321, 322, 323, 420, 421 |
| Mental Health & Wellness: | PSYO_O 280, 335, 343, 346, 348, 349, 357, 402, 440 |
| Social Psychology & Personality: | PSYO_O 241, 252, 349, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 452, 455 |
Note:
- Relevant special topics courses (PSYO_O 380/480) may be used to meet breadth area requirements with permission from the program advisor.
- Courses that are listed in two breadth areas may only fulfill one breadth requirement, not both.
- Not all of the identified courses are offered each year. A number of courses are offered in alternate years, and some may not be offered for several years. Students are advised to check the current schedule of course offerings. Moreover, timetabling conflicts may mean that courses have to be taken in a different order.
B.Sc. Psychology Honours Program
The Honours degree program in Psychology enables high-achieving Psychology Major students to increase their concentration in Psychology and gain research experience by the completion of an Honours thesis. Students are expected to satisfy high levels of competency in their academic achievement and to successfully complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Students admitted to B.Sc. Psychology Major program, or in any of the concentration areas, may apply to the Honours program provided all admission requirements outlined below are satisfied.
Admission Requirements
- Fourth-year standing;
- Minimum weighted average of 76% from all courses taken in Psychology;
- Minimum weighted average of 76% over the last 60 credits;
- Preliminary thesis topic approved by a thesis supervisor (note: the department head must approve the thesis supervisor) and
- Completion of PSYO_O 372 and PSYO_O 373 with a minimum of 76% in each of these courses.
Program Requirements
The program requirements for year one and two of the BSc Honours in Psychology are the same as the major in Psychology.
| Third and Fourth Years | |
|---|---|
| PSYO_O 372 | 3 |
| PSYO_O 373 | 3 |
| PSYO_O 490 | 6 |
| PSYO_O 300-level or higher1 | 24 |
| Non-PSYO_O science courses 300-level or higher | 6 |
| Electives 300-level or higher | 6 |
| Non-science designated courses2 | 6 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total | 60 |
1 Students must complete 3 credits from each of the breadth areas, see table above
2 PSYO_O courses are science courses for B.Sc. PSYO students
Graduation Requirements
- All general program requirements for the Bachelor of Science;
- All requirements for the Psychology Major, including the breadth requirement;
- A minimum of 76% in PSYO_O 490 (Undergraduate Honours Thesis and associated seminar);
- A minimum of 54 credits of Psychology, of which 36 must be upper-level Psychology;
- Minimum weighted average of 76% from all courses in Psychology;
- Minimum weighted average of 76% over the last 60 credits; and
- Public presentation of the thesis.
Residency Requirements
Same as for B.Sc. Major in Psychology.