阿卡迪亞大學(xué)

Psychologists study the brain, behaviour, and mental processes. If you’ve ever wondered why people act the way they do, or how you might help people change their thoughts and behaviours for the better, psychology is an ideal field of study for you.

You can pursue either a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology. The entrance requirements and the requirements for the major are identical for both, but you have the flexibility to select courses outside your major that are best-suited to your interests and career goals. You can do a minor, or (if desired) a second major, in almost any other discipline.

Applied Psychology Option

Starting in September 2011, BA and BSc students majoring in Psychology can focus on courses of relevance to applying psychological principles to assist in the effective management of human behaviour and obtain an "Applied Psychology Option" designation with their degree. The Applied Psychology option provides a good overview of psychology theory, research and methodology relevant to clinical/counselling psychology, health psychology, organizational psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, school psychology and sports psychology.

Neuroscience Option

Neuroscientists study the nervous system at a wide range of levels, including the molecular (e.g., genes, neurotransmitters, hormones), cellular (e.g., sensory and motor neurons), behavioural (e.g., sleep, sexual behaviour, drug effects), perceptual (e.g., vision, audition, taste), and cognitive (e.g., language, attention, emotion). The neuroscience option is a program that allows science students to take a collection of specialized courses related to the field of neuroscience. A specialization in neuroscience provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in experimental and neuroscience research, medicine, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology.

The Honours Program

If you are planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in psychology, you should plan on taking an honours degree, which can also be in either Arts or Science. An honours program is also useful for some other graduate programs (e.g., Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology). If you are planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in neuroscience or related disciplines, you should consider the honours degree with specialization in neuroscience. This program provides a very strong foundation for postgraduate studies in experimental and neuroscience research, medicine, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology.

Future Careers

• Audiology
• Clinical psychology
• Community services
• Correctional services
• Counselling
• Education
• Health services
• Human resources

Co-op Available: Yes

Health Sciences Option Available: Yes

Honours: Thesis-based, with research