Note: The UBC Okanagan campus also offers a B.Sc. Major in Psychology.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Major in Psychology provides a strong foundation for advanced training that can lead to a career in Psychology or other professions.
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 discipline.
Students intending to pursue graduate studies in Psychology are advised to consider taking the Honours Program since many Canadian universities expect potential graduate students to have completed an Honours degree.
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 111 and 121 (or equivalent) and a minimum of 24 credits. To continue as a Psychology Major, a student must complete both PSYO 270 and 271 (or equivalent); these courses should be completed in second year.
B.A. requirements, including the following:
1Each area is defined by the centre digit in the course number (e.g., PSYO 219 satisfies category 1; PSYO 321 satisfies category 2; etc.); students may complete this requirement with 200-level as well as upper-level courses.
Note: not all Psychology 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.
The Honours degree program in Psychology enables high-achieving students in the Psychology Major to increase their concentration in Psychology and to gain research experience in 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 intending to pursue graduate studies in Psychology are advised to consider taking the Honours Program since many Canadian universities expect potential graduate students to have completed an Honours degree.
To complete a Minor in Psychology, students must accumulate no fewer than 30 credits in Psychology out of the 120 credits required for the B.A. degree. At least 18 of these credits must be numbered 300 or above.