Psychology

Modern scientific psychology studies brain processes and behaviour, human and animal, under various conditions. It examines how internal and external factors influence development, cognition, perception, and motivation. The Department of Psychology has a well-earned reputation as one of the elite departments of its kind in Canada with groundbreaking research in many fields. The Department accepts a limited number of top students directly into Honours.

BA and BSc
The Department of Psychology offers program leading to either a BA or BSc degree in Psychology. These degrees do not differ in terms of the psychology courses which are available and/or required. However, the BSc requires a number of science prerequisites. These courses are normally completed before application, but they can be completed as part of the undergraduate program.

Common Core
All Psychology programs have a common core consisting of courses in statistics, research methods, behavioural neurobiology, and the history of psychology, plus a selection of courses from the areas of social, abnormal, personality and development, and from perception, cognition, learning, and memory.

Honours in Psychology — 66 credits

An intensive program designed for students who are committed to pursuing graduate studies. It builds on the most intensive level of the Specialization by adding two Honours seminars and an Honours thesis. The entrance requirements for Honours, either on admission or by transfer from another program are demanding, but graduates have an impressive record of success in terms of admission to select Graduate. This program can be completed as a BA or BSc degree.

Specialization in Psychology — 60 credits

Designed for students planning on careers in psychology-related fields, especially those requiring professional qualifications and graduate training. The Specialization adds to the Major a number of more intensive courses (Tier 2). These are more in-depth and specialized extensions of the core courses and may also include more extensive background in statistics and methodology, and the possibility of the equivalent of a thesis course. This program can be completed as a BA or BSc degree.

Major in Psychology — 42 credits

The Major in Psychology is the basic psychology program pursued by approximately half of our students. It provides a solid background in psychology, while allowing students to pursue courses in a number of other departments or faculties, possibly organized into an elective group, a Minor or even a second Major. Students planning on careers in psychology or closely related areas may be better served by a more intensive program. This program can be completed as a BA or BSc degree.

Minor in Psychology — 24 credits

This program provides a core background in psychology to support a Major or Specialization in a related discipline. For example, Fine Arts students planning to pursue art or drama therapy, or political science students planning on a career in law.

Also see:
BSc Honours/Specialization in Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience Option)

See the BA degree or BSc degree descriptions for information on the core and elective requirements. For a complete list of courses: Undergraduate Calendar

Sample courses include:

Introductory Psychology, Research Methods and Designs I and II, Statistical Analysis I and II, Psychopathology: Mood, Anxiety and Personality Disorders, Psychopathology: Schizophrenia and Neurocognitive Disorders, Foundations of Animal Behaviour, Fundamentals of Behavioural Neurobiology, Neurobiology of Drug Abuse and Addiction, Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Neurobiology of Sensation and Perception, Fundamentals of Life-Span Development, Infancy, Adolescent Development, Ageing

Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Concordia University bases its undergraduate and Graduate in psychology on innovative research and community practice. Our faculty specializations include behavioural neuroscience, clinical and health research, cognitive science, and human development and developmental processes. Learn more about the Department of Psychology

Admission Requirements

Psychology (BA - Honours/Specialization/Major) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.

Psychology (BSc - Honours/Specialization/Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.

Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.