Mental Health Studies Specialist

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Program Overview

Mental Health Studies is a sub-discipline in the field of Psychology that examines psychological well-being and mental disorders. This program focuses on processes relevant to abnormal thought, feelings and behaviour. The program seeks to understand the causes of mental disorders from the level of the brain to the impact on everyday life. Students in this program are often interested in moving into careers in the mental health field. The program aims to provide preparation for students in fields such as clinical psychology, psychiatry or psychiatric social work. Programs in Psychology and Mental Health Studies cannot be combined.

Complementary Programs: Neuroscience, Health Studies, Human Biology, Sociology, Anthropology, Linguistics.

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

1. Competencies & Skills

  • Communication (oral and written)
  • Interpersonal abilities
  • Mediate and negotiate
  • Knowledge of mental health issues
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Research
  • Teamwork
  • Planning/Organizing
  • Problem-solving and reasoning
  • Leadership

2. Careers for Graduates

  • Case Manager in Social Services
  • Psychometrist’s Assistant in Psychological Services
  • Research Assistant in Hospitals
  • Human Resource Assistant in Business
  • Youth Worker in Community Services
  • Marketing Representative in Business Services
  • Employment Consultant in Non-Profits

3. Further Education

  • Psychology
  • Clinical or Counselling Psychology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • ABA Behaviour Therapy
  • Human Resources

Program Pathway

Year 1
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

  • Get involved in the Psychology & Neuroscience Undergraduate Journal Club to learn how to critically analyze scientific literature, and discuss articles with peers.
  • Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the ISC to gain valuable international and research experiences.

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (
  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

  • Complete PSYC37H3.
  • Continue taking B- and C-level courses toward the Psychosocial and Psychobiological and Additional credits in Psychology program requirements (see the UTSC Calendar for details).
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • 0.5 credit in Psychology at the D-level.
  • Complete any other outstanding program requirements.
  • Ensure you have at least 2.0 credits in your program at the C-level or higher.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Consider completing a Thesis course [PSYD98]. Plan ahead to ensure you meet prerequisite requirements.
  • Apply for a travel award through the DSL or Department of Psychology.
  • Again, consider competing for UTSC Library, NSERC, and UTEA awards.
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Attend the Summer & Full-Time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; and for access to full-time job listings.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Contacts

Glossary of acronyms:

Did You Know

UTSC is home to the Graduate Dept. of Psychological Clinical Science, offering an MA/PhD program in clinical psychology.