Psychology | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Psychological & Health Studies

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/welcome-department-psychology

Program Overview

Psychology examines how and why people think and act the way they do, with the ultimate goal of understanding and improving the human condition. The psychology programs offer the opportunity to understand and further investigate into various areas of psychology: how humans learn, adapt, and remember; how they change over their lifetimes; how they are affected by the presence of others; and, how their behaviour relates to their physiological functions. The Specialist program is a research-intensive program, and provides an opportunity to study typical thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, through courses in the fields of Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Behavioural Neuroscience. Programs in Psychology and Mental Health Studies cannot be combined.

Complementary Programs:

Neuroscience, Human Biology, Health Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Linguistics

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

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

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

Further Education

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

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.0 credit from Intro Psychology courses: PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3.
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer and our program checklists to plan your future courses.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply to the Psychology Department’s Budding Scholars program.
Apply to the UTSC chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honour Society in Psychology.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA) to connect with students in neuroscience; explore other student groups as well.
Volunteer in the Alternative Reading Week to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development; visit Department of Student Life (DSL) for details.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete core courses in research, writing, and statistics: PSYB07H3, PSYB70H3, PSYC02H3, PSYC08H3 or PSYC09H3, and PSYC70H3.
Begin taking B-level Psychology credits. Choose courses from both the 10-20 & 50-60 series.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider completing a Supervised Study course [PSYB90H3].
Seek out volunteer positions in faculty research labs.
Apply to the Budding Scholars Research Award to receive funding toward a faculty-supervised project.

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)

Check CLNx (
Complete the Global Citizenship Certificate; look into Global Learning opportunities such as the Summer Abroad program and the Explore program through the International Student Centre (ISC).

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 PSYC85H3 and one of: PSYC06H3 / PSYC71H3 / PSYC72H3 / PSYC74H3 / PSYC75H3 / PSYC76H3.
Continue taking B- and C-level PSY courses to meet the Breadth in Psychology and Additional Credits in Psychology requirements (check the UTSC Calendar for details).
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider completing a Supervised Study course [PSYC90H3].
Compete for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize, the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards, and the U of T Excellence Award (UTEA).

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)

Run for an elected position in the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA).
Take part in the Wellness Peer Programs in the Health & Wellness Centre to help foster a healthy community.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit at the D-level from the PSY 10-20 series courses.
0.5 credit at the D-level from the PSY 50-60 series courses.
Complete any remaining program requirements.
Ensure you have at least 4.0 credits in your program at the C- or D-level.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider completing a Thesis course [NROD98Y3]. 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 into the work field or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors and get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
NSERC - Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp)
PNDA - Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/psychology-and-neuroscience-departmental-association-pnda)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
UTEA - U of T Excellence Award (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/research/university-toronto-excellence-award)