Chair
Elizabeth Bowering, BSc (MUN), BEd ( Dalhousie), PhD (McMaster), Associate Professor
Students intending to major in psychology must consult with the departmental chairperson, so that a program can be planned in consultation with an advisor. A student may obtain a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology. A Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology requires a three unit arts or professional studies minor and a Bachelor of Science degree requires a three unit science minor. Majors and honours degrees in psychology are offered. Potential majors are strongly advised to take MATH 2208 and 2209 as part of their first five units of study (see MATH 2208 for prerequisites).
Selected courses are available via distance learning.
Psychology Core ProgramA degree with a major in psychology requires completion of the psychology core program. This program consists of MATH 2208 and 2209, PSYC 1110, 1120, 2209, 2221, 2222, 3307, and one of 3330 or 3331 (PSY 100 may be substituted for PSYC 1110 and 1120). In addition, at least one full unit must be taken from each of the following core areas:
Experimental: 2214, 2215, 2216, 2250, 3312, 3320, 3332,3350
Clinical/Applied: 2205, 3302, 3309, 3370, 4410
Social/Personality: 2208, 2265, 2267, 3313, 3315, 3317, 4415
Major (20 Units) Students must declare their major before registering for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not declare their intention to complete a major or a general studies program within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.
A major in psychology consists of one unit of English, the psychology core program, and an additional 1 ½ units of psychology. A further two units of psychology may be included. This degree requires that at least three units of psychology be at the 3000 level or above: PSYC 3307 and 3330 or 3331, and at least two additional units. In addition, students must also fulfill all general university requirements for the Bachelor of Arts major and Bachelor of Science major.
A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree may be awarded with a psychology major. Requirements for a minor are described with the 15-unit degree requirements.
Major CertificateStudents who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Arts General Studies or Bachelor of Science General Studies degree may apply to do a major certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the major degree listed above.
Honours DegreeStudents wishing to do an honours degree must make formal application through the departmental chairperson. Typically, application would be made after successful completion of 15 university credits. Minimum requirements for honours program application are a grade of at least B+ in PSYC 3312 (a student is expected to reach this standard the first time this course is taken), a GPA of at least 3.0 in psychology courses, and the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the thesis. Admission to honours, however, is subject to department approval.
An honours degree in psychology requires fulfilment of the requirements listed for the major above, with the exception that PSYC 4405 or 4406 must be taken: PSYC 3330 or 3331 is not a requirement but may be counted as an elective. Additionally, PSYC 2260, 3312, 3332 and 4499 are required courses. Honours students must take one half unit of the Experimental core in addition to PSYC 3312 and 3332. In addition, students must also fulfill all general university requirements for the Bachelor of Arts honours and Bachelor of Science honours.
A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in psychology requires a three unit arts or professional studies minor and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in psychology requires a three unit science minor.
Honours CertificateStudents who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology may apply to do an honours certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the honours degree listed above and meet the University regulations regarding honours certificates.
ConcentrationA four unit concentration in Psychology is available. Please consult the Department of Psychology for more information.
MinorA psychology minor consists of PSYC 1110 and 1120 plus any other two units in psychology.