Psychology

Be thoughtful. Be Purple. BU.

Psychology is the science of how we think, feel and behave. It is a field with both broad purpose in enhancing our knowledge of human behaviour, as well as having important applications for the local and wider community. Studying Psychology at Bishop’s is being part of a warm, tightly-knit community with many benefits.

Why Study Psychology at Bishop’s?

How do our thoughts and feelings affect our experience of pain? Why is music so important to so many people and how does it affect our emotions and actions? How does time perspective influence health and well-being? How can we stem the tide of stigmatization towards those faced with mental illness? These are just a few of the important questions you may be asked to consider in psychology. We maintain a firm commitment to the core competencies of Psychology; critical thinking and analysis, experimental design and data analysis, and knowledge of both historical theory and current research.

students in the quad

Future Studies & Career Possibilities

Psychology is a broad field that can lead to a wide array of exciting careers. Our Recent Graduates generally follow one of these three career paths: 

About a third (often our Honours graduates) go into graduate studies in various fields Another third is employed in psychology, health and education related fields A final third either work in the public sector or move towards business, either as entrepreneurs or employees. See this extensive list of both graduate programs and career opportunities that are available to holders of a Psychology degree (PDF).

person meditating outside

Life outside the Classroom

Being part of Bishop’s is to have opportunities to develop fully; to have confidence when communicating your knowledge of your subject and your own ideas, to have a broad range of skills and interests, and to approach life with an open outlook. Many students pursue more than one degree in their time here, allowing for the opportunity to gain diverse knowledge and experience.

Undergraduate Psychology Society

The goal of Bishop’s University Undergraduate Psychology Society as an academic club is to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to explore the different fields of Psychology. Throughout the year, students will be invited to volunteer in the community, giving them a chance to explore by themselves the different spheres of Psychology. Students will also have the opportunity to meet other peers within their program through social events like Article Night.

Students in the old Library in McGreer

Is an Honours Degree Right for Me?

The honours program provides the opportunity for the students to conduct their own research under the direct, individual supervision of a faculty member. This program is recommended for students planning to attend graduate school. Students arriving from CEGEP can usually complete the program in three years and those from grade twelve typically require four.

Watch the following video in English or French to learn more about the benefits of pursuing an honours degree:

English video: Should I Pursue a Psychology Honours Degree?

French video: Devrais-je Rédiger une Thèse d’Honneurs?

Courses and Programs

Psychology aims at giving students an understanding of the human mind and behavior. We offer several Major and Honours programs that emphasize Psychology as an objective science, cover the various subfields of Psychology and allow the students who desire to do so to gain specialization into specific areas of interest. For those with a more casual interest in psychology we offer minor and certificate programs, including a Graduate Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization.

Undergraduate Degree ProgramBachelor of Arts (BA) – Major and Honours in Psychology (60 and 78 credits)

This classic program is our most popular. It covers the whole field of Psychology. The major includes 42 credits of Core courses and 18 credits of options for a total of 60 credits. The honours option adds an additional 18 credits of Core courses for a total of 78 credits.  

Students may be admitted into Honours if they maintain a cumulative average over 80% and good standing (75%) in methodology and stats courses. The Honours program provides the opportunity for the students to conduct their own research under the direct, individual supervision of a faculty member, recommended for students planning to attend graduate school. 

Québec students entering one of the Psychology programs with a DEC and appropriate background can usually complete either the Major or Honours program in three years. Students entering from Grade 12 will normally require four years. 

Undergraduate Degree ProgramBachelor of Arts (BA) – Major in Psychology – Humanistic Concentration (54 credits)

This program is our most flexible and is designed for the student looking to truly benefit from the liberal arts experience, while completing a major in psychology. The major includes 39 credits of Core courses and 15 credits of options for a total of 54 credits. Students coming from CEGEP may receive advanced credits for PSY 101, PSY 102 and PMA 113, reducing the Core credits count to 30. 

Undergraduate Degree ProgramBachelor of Arts (BA) – Major and Honours in Psychology – Pre-Clinical Concentration (69 or 93 credits)

This program emphasizes the applied/clinical side of Psychology.  The Major includes 39 credits of Core courses and 30 credits of options for a total of 69 credits. The honours option adds an additional 18 credits of Core courses and 6 credits of honours courses specific to the application of psychology, for a total of 93 credits.  

Students may be admitted into Honours if they maintain a cumulative average over 80% and good standing (75%) in methodology and stats courses. The Honours program provides the opportunity for the students to conduct their own research under the direct, individual supervision of a faculty member, recommended for students planning to attend graduate school.

Québec students entering one of the Psychology programs with a DEC and appropriate background can usually complete either the Major or Honours program in three years. Students entering from Grade 12 will normally require four years.

Undergraduate Degree ProgramBachelor of Science (BSc) – Major and Honours in Psychology – Neuroscience Concentration (81 or 102 credits)

This program focuses on the physiological aspects of psychology and the brain-behavior relationship. It includes a number of physiological psychology, biology and biochemistry courses. The strong science component makes this program an excellent preparation towards graduate school or medicine.The major includes 66 credits of Core courses and 15 credits of options, for a total of 81 credits. The honours option adds 21 credits of Core courses, for a total of 102 credits.  

 Students may be admitted into Honours if they maintain a cumulative average over 80% and good standing (75%) in methodology and stats courses. The Honours program provides the opportunity for the students to conduct their own research under the direct, individual supervision of a faculty member, recommended for students planning to attend graduate school. 

Québec students entering one of the Psychology programs with a DEC and appropriate background can usually complete either the Major or Honours program in three years. Students entering from Grade 12 will normally require four years. 

Undergraduate Degree ProgramMinor in Psychology (24 credits)

The Minor involves completing any 8 courses in Psychology section of the Academic Calendar.  This flexible and popular program has been joined with Majors/ Honours in almost every discipline offered at Bishop’s. The most popular and most useful combinations include, among others:  Biology, Political Studies, Sociology, Business, Philosophy, English and Education. 

Undergraduate Degree ProgramMinor in Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies (24 credits)

This program provides students with a platform to investigate the psychological, philosophical, and scientific bases of human contemplative experience. It will prepare students who are thinking about clinical work using mindfulness-based interventions; those who are planning research in the area of contemplative neuroscience; as well as those who want to deepen the understanding of themselves and the world they live in.

Undergraduate Degree ProgramCertificate in Human Psychology (30 credits)

This program is typically taken by lifelong learners and cannot be taken at the same time as a Bachelor’s degree. It has particular relevance for teachers, health or social workers, and managers. It involves taking any 10 psychology courses that relate to human behavior.

Graduate Degree ProgramGraduate Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization (15 credits)

Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) is the process by which we share and uptake information for the benefit of society. The goal of this Graduate Certificate is to develop students’ knowledge, skills and values with respect to KMb and build the capacity to select and apply KMb tools and techniques in research and/or applied contexts. The basic entry requirement will be an undergraduate degree in any field from a recognized university with at least a B standing in the final two years of study. There are no specific prerequisites, though it is highly recommended that students have some background in research methods and scientific concepts. Students in this program will complete 3 courses (15 credits), including a 6-week practicum. 

Graduate Degree ProgramDoctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology Profile

This program is designed for bilingual students (French and English), including prospective applicants from systemically underrepresented backgrounds, who intend to practice clinical psychology. As a Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) program offered by extension at Bishop’s University, it focuses on professional clinical psychology and will equip students to conduct psychological assessments and perform psychological interventions.

teachers writing on blackboard

About your professors

As class sizes are relatively small, our students are able to work closely with our friendly, approachable professors. It is a comforting feeling to be known by your name and not your student number when approaching them. We are particularly proud of the quality of our teaching, with members of our department regularly being recognized with teaching awards. 

Questions?

Have questions about studying Psychology at Bishop’s?

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