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Psychology

Psychology at York University (Video transcript)

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour viewed from social, developmental, clinical, and biological perspectives. At York University’s Keele Campus, the Department of Psychology offers the most extensive and diverse selection of courses among Canadian universities, taught by internationally recognized educators, researchers and clinical practitioners. 

Our program is ranked 4th in Canada and in the top 75 Psychology programs worldwide by ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024. Macleans magazine has listed Psychology as one of York’s “standout” programs.

Why Choose Psychology at York U?

Our strength comes from the diversity and breadth of the interests we explore ranging from studies of infancy to mental health disorders of childhood through the challenges of adolescence to adulthood and old age.

Psychology student conducting a study in a lab
  • Choose from the most extensive course selection of any Canadian psychology program.  
  • Learn from award-winning instructors who are world-leading experts in psychology.
  • Enjoy flexible study options with evening, online and blended courses.
  • Customize your learning by completing our unique undergraduate concentrations.
  • Benefit from academic advising, (free) peer mentoring and tutoring, and an extensive student community (e.g., Undergraduate Psychology Student Association and Black Students in Psychology).
  • Stay on track with your academics, career planning, and the available resources to support your degree progress by using our exclusive Psychology Major Maps!

Degree Options

We offer both an honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) and honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) option. Both share the same core psychology requirements. However, BSc students take additional math, science, and computer science courses while BA students have more flexibility with those credits.

In both options, students begin with PSYC 1010 Introductory Psychology, exploring various topics such as personality, memory, learning, intelligence, psychological disorders, the biological basis of behaviour, perception, motivation, cognition, child development, abnormal and social psychology.  

Specialized Honours Program

The Specialized Honours Psychology program, available to current BA and BSc Psychology students, offers advanced training in research methods, statistical analysis, scientific communication, and critical thinking. Students gain hands-on research experience through faculty-supervised research projects in their third and fourth years, and complete a final thesis project. This program targets those students who are ultimately interested in pursuing research-based graduate studies (including clinical psychology). The program also provides mentorship to prepare students for the graduate school application process.

Psychology student performing a brain scan on another student
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Writing in Psychology
  • Introduction to Research Methods
  • Statistical Methods I and II
  • Critical Thinking in Psychology
  • Psychological Health, Distress and Impairment
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Psychology of Intimate Relationships
  • Cultural Psychology

Psychology Concentrations

Earn a digital credential and customize your degree by completing up to two Psychology Concentrations. Concentrations allow students to complete clusters of courses within specific areas of psychology like Counselling and Mental Health; Psychological Humanities, Contexts, and Communities; Child and Youth Development; Applied Methods and Analysis; Neuropsychology; Aging and Late Life Development; and Our Social World and Social Minds.

Undergraduate Certificates

We also offer four certificate options students can complete alongside their degree. Certificates provide further specialization and training in specific subfields of psychology.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) [OUAC code YHA]:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • ENG4U 
  • And five additional 4U or M courses
  • Overall average of at least mid to high 70s

Bachelor of Science (BSc) [OUAC code YHB]:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • ENG4U
  • 4U math
  • SBI4U or SCH4U or SPH4U 
  • And three additional 4U or M courses
  • Overall average of at least mid to high 70s

Requirements will vary depending on your curriculum and previous training, please visit Future Students Admission Requirements for more information.

Experiential Learning Opportunities in Psychology

Students can apply classroom learning through experiential education in diverse settings, including research and community experiences such as:

  • Analyzing brain imagery in our fMRI lab
  • Studying vision and perception in the Centre for Vision Research
  • Engaging in community-service learning in courses like Atypical Development, Advanced Community-Based Applied Research
  • Completing work-integrated learning in collaboration with various community organizations 

Experiential education provides students the opportunity to integrate psychological theories, methods, and skills through hands-on experiences that address real-world challenges.

Many of these experiences are made possible through partnerships with organizations such as CAMH and Black Creek Community Health Centre, aiding students to build broader networks outside of the program and university.

Career Outcomes

Psychology graduates pursue diverse career options in fields like health, law, business, and education. The program prepares students for graduate studies, professional schools (e.g., medicine, applied behavioral analysis), or direct entry into the workforce.

Our alumni work as psychologists, teachers, social workers, lawyers, marketing managers, therapists, and more!

Becoming a Psychologist or Psychotherapist

To become a psychologist or psychotherapist in Ontario, a master’s or PhD is required. You can use your BA or BSc in Psychology to apply to accredited graduate programs. Start researching program requirements early through school websites or reliable online resources.

Becoming a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. This requires pursuing a medical degree after your BA or BSc in Psychology. Admission requirements vary for medical schools. Begin your research early to help ensure you meet the application requirements.

Learn More

Please contact us if you have any questions about applying for Faculty of Health programs, your application status, or your next steps after receiving an offer of admission.

Faculty of Health Recruitment Office
hlthrec@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 x 33164