Psychology (BA)

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Program Information

Build a strong understanding of how people think, feel and behave in a flexible Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree that combines psychology with electives in the social sciences and humanities. In the Psychology (BA) program at Carleton, you will study major areas of psychology in an active research environment while developing critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that can support many career paths.  

In Carleton’s Psychology (BA) program, you will learn through:  

  • Coursework in psychology’s major areas 
  • Research-informed learning about the human mind, behaviour, well-being and performance 
  • Co-op 
  • Work-integrated and applied learning opportunities 
  • Flexible electives 
  • Optional concentration and mental health-related study pathways 

Quick facts

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology 
  • Focus: Study thoughts, emotions and behaviours 
  • Academic style: Psychology with electives in the social sciences and humanities 
  • Customization: Five concentrations plus mental-health-related study options 
  • Hands-on learning: Co-op, practicum courses and lab volunteering 
  • Career direction: Academic research, counselling, education, health and social services, human resources and marketing 
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Why Psychology at Carleton University?

What makes Carleton’s Psychology (BA) program different? 

  • Students can tailor their learning through a concentration: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, or Social/Personality Psychology.  
  • A stream in Mental Health and Well-Being is unique to Carleton. 
  • Applied learning opportunities include co-op, practicum courses and volunteering in psychology labs.  
  • The BA option combines psychology with electives in the social sciences and humanities, while a Bachelor of Science (BSc) option is available for students who prefer electives in the natural sciences.  
  • National Capital advantage with access to government, community, and private sector opportunities across the region.  

How to Apply

Admission requirements to the Psychology program depend on your educational background and the country you studied in. Applicants should review the official admission requirements that relate to them before applying.  

Application overview

Canadian students should follow general application steps and international students should follow international application steps.   

Courses & Curriculum

Carleton’s Psychology (BA) curriculum is designed to help students build a strong foundation in psychological theory, research, and applied learning while keeping room for electives in the social sciences and humanities. Across the program, students move between introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, core topic areas, senior-level psychology courses and electives.  

How is the Psychology (BA) program structured?  

The structure of the Psychology (BA) program depends on which pathway you decide to take. Check out the undergraduate calendar for the detailed curriculum for the Psychology program

Students sitting in chairs and working together in the lobby of the MacOdrum Library.

Sample Courses

PSYC 1001 - Introduction to Psychology I

A survey of topics associated with psychology's role as a natural science, including neuroscience, cognition, and learning.

PSYC 3402 - Criminal Behaviour

A review of theoretical and empirical research in the study of criminal behaviour. Examination of offender assessment and classification, prevalence and types of offenders, and effectiveness of offender treatment including understanding specific populations of offenders such as Indigenous offenders, women offenders and violent offenders.

View more courses in the Psychology (BA) program 

Tuition & Scholarships

What funding is available for Psychology students? 

Most undergraduate students at Carleton can explore entrance scholarships, bursaries, awards and government aid. Students should review the official tuition and awards pages for the most current information before applying.  

Careers & Outcomes

Carleton’s Psychology (BA) program is designed to help students build knowledge of human behaviour, research literacy, and transferable skills that can support many different career paths.  

What can the Psychology (BA) program lead to?

Carleton’s psychology program supports preparation for careers in a wide range of fields.  

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The Bachelor of Arts Psychology program at Carleton University offers an exceptional opportunity for students to delve into the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and practical applications. Students will have opportunities to explore diverse topics such as cognitive processes, developmental psychology, mental health, forensic psychology, and social interactions, gaining valuable insights into how individuals think, feel, and behave across different contexts.  Graduates of the BA Psychology program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in fields such as mental health, education, human resources, business, and much more. Choosing Carleton means joining a vibrant academic community dedicated to making a positive impact on society through the understanding and application of psychological principles in everyday life. 

Dr. Vivian Lee, Psychology Professor
Dr. Vivian Lee
Psychology Professor

FAQs

 
Why study Psychology at Carleton?  

Studying Psychology in Ottawa means learning in Canada’s capital, where government, community, health and research settings can help connect psychology to real-world questions about people and behaviour. Students at Carleton University also benefit from an active research environment, strong student support and access to opportunities across the National Capital Region. 

What concentrations can I explore in Psychology (BA)?  

Students can choose from one of five concentrations in Psychology: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology or Social/Personality Psychology. 

What other options are available besides concentrations?  

In addition to concentrations, the psychology program offers a stream in Mental Health and Well-Being. 

What kinds of work experience are available?  

Co-op, practicum courses and volunteering in psychology labs are ways to gain applied experience. These could happen in settings such as community agencies, government departments and the private sector. 

What support services are available for Psychology students?  

Students at Carleton University can access career support through Career Services, including career advising, job search support, networking events, job postings and workshops.  

Students can also get support through:

What is the difference between BA and BSc in Psychology?  

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology includes electives in the social sciences and humanities, while the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology includes electives in the natural sciences. This gives students two different ways to shape their degree depending on their broader academic interests. The core courses in either degree are the same. 

What is the difference between honours and non-honours?  

Carleton University offers different Psychology pathways, including a 15-credit non-honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a 20-credit Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology. The non-honours BA provides a strong foundation in Psychology and transferable skills, while the Honours program is designed for students who want a more advanced academic pathway, including honours-level coursework and the option to complete a thesis or research project. Many graduate programs require an honours degree. 

What can I do with a BA in Psychology? 

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can support career paths in areas such as academic research, corrections, counselling, early childhood education, education, health and social services, human resources, marketing, mental health work, parole and probation, psychiatry, psychotherapy, public relations, teaching and more. 

Can I become a psychologist with this degree?  

The Bachelor of Arts (Non-Honours) in Psychology offers a strong foundation, but if you are interested in a career as a professional psychologist, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology will prepare you to continue your education with advanced graduate studies in psychology. 

Can international students apply to the Psychology program?  

Yes, international students can apply to Carleton’s undergraduate programs and should review academic requirementsEnglish language requirements and study permit guidance early in the process. Check this out through the International Undergraduate Admissions website.

Do I need to meet English language requirements for the Psychology program?  

The language of instruction at Carleton is English. To be admitted, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for academic success. Applicants can demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:  

  • Proof of English Language Education 
  • English Language Test Results/Qualifications 

Detailed accepted tests, score requirements and exemption criteria can be found on the official English language requirements website.

How do I track my application?  

After you apply, you can track your application through Carleton360. For more information on how to set this up, check out the steps to track your application.