Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate Studies
The benefits of a psychology major
A major in Psychology will help you develop skills in analyzing and interpreting complex material, particularly as it relates to behaviour. You will learn theories of how people interpret the world and act in it, as well as theories of human behaviour.
As a Psychology major, you will learn from those at the forefront of psychological research. Our Faculty members are regularly published in the top journals and make an ongoing contribution to an ever-advancing field.
Psychology is also a wide-ranging field. Some Psychologists have gone so far as to call Psychology “The Propaedeutic Science”—meaning that everyone should take Psychology in order to understand their “built-in” perceptual and cognitive tools in preparation for any other type of scientific or social inquiry.
While this may represent an extreme view, it does emphasize the focus on developing a deep understanding how people and other animals “work.” Whatever your view on the topic you will inevitably become a more savvy and critical consumer of evidence-based information related to people’s behaviour such as self-help, psychological and medical advice.
Unlike many academic disciplines, the subject matter dealt with in Psychology usually has a direct bearing on the day-to-day experiences of people; this makes it easier for students to focus on problems, and, so, learn how to use the tools of the discipline to solve them.
Students in the Faculty of Arts & Science have several unique opportunities available, including:
A major in Psychology will help you develop skills in analyzing and interpreting complex material, particularly as it relates to behaviour. You will learn theories of how people interpret the world and act in it, as well as theories of human behaviour.
As a psychology student, you will learn from those at the forefront of psychological research. Our faculty members are regularly published in the top journals and make an ongoing contribution to an ever-advancing field.
You will inevitably become a savvy and critical consumer of evidence-based information related to people’s behaviour such as self-help, psychological and medical advice.
Gain the specialized practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue graduate studies and/or careers in mental health, from prevention and health promotion to intervention and treatment. Major in both Addictions Counselling and Psychology with five-year combined Bachelor of Health Sciences / Bachelor of Arts degree.
The concentration in animal behaviour is for students who want a deeper understanding of the evolution, function, development, and mechanisms of behaviour in non-human animals. It is recommended for psychology majors who are passionate about animal behaviour, especially those who want to go on to advanced studies in animal behaviour or applied animal behaviour (e.g., animal training, veterinary medicine).
- Applicants must have completed the following courses with a minimum grade of “B” in each, and present a minimum GPA of 3.00 (calculated on all completed University-level courses) to be eligible for the concentration:
- Neuroscience 2610 – Principles of Brain Structure and Function
- Neuroscience 2620 – Principles of Behavioural Neuroscience
- Psychology 2700 – Behaviour and Evolution
- Required courses:
- Four of:
- Biology 3300 - Evolution
- Biology 4740 - Behavioural Ecology
- Neuroscience 3660 - Neurobiological Basis of Learning and Memory in the Mammal
- Neuroscience 3710 - Behaviour and the Evolution of Brains
- Neuroscience 3720 - Play Behaviour
- Neuroscience 4600 - Understanding Behaviour
- Psychology 3525 - Hormones and Behaviour
- Psychology 3760 - Animal Communication
- Psychology 3770 - Primate Lives and Human Cognitive Evolution
- Psychology 3780 - Animal and Human Personalities
- Psychology 3790 - A Biosocial Framework for Human Behaviour
- Psychology 3805 - Social Learning and Culture
- One Independent Study or Applied Studies course at the 3000 or 4000 level with a focus on animal behaviour
What skills will I gain from a major in psychology?
In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop:
✓ Critical and analytical problem solving skills
✓ Research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail
✓ Strong ability to summarize research findings and to critically analyze evidence-based claims
What career opportunities can I pursue with a psychology major?
Your degree in Psychology provides an excellent foundation for Medicine, Dentistry, Education or Law.
Related Fields
Here are just a few of the directions open to you once you’ve earned your degree:
- Police officer
- Community services worker
- Data scientist
- Market analyst/marketing/advertising
- Science writer
- Journalist
- Public Relations
- Customer service manager
- User experience (UX) designer
Ready to apply?
Whether you're beginning with an undergraduate degree or pursuing a graduate program, the Department of Psychology at the University of Lethbridge offers flexible, research-focused pathways to match your goals. Learn from leading researchers, build critical skills, and gain the tools to better understand — and influence — the world around you.