Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
Description
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology is ideal for students interested in pursuing a health sciences career. This is also the Psychology degree program most suited for students who have an interest in neuroscience, particularly at the graduate level. The BSc is the most interdisciplinary of our psychology degrees, exposing students to biology, chemistry, math, and physics in addition to a broad array of psychology courses. This degree is also very “hands-on” with students being exposed to lab and research experiences as well as developing technical writing skills and workplace expertise.
The degree was developed in close connection with employers in the field and community partners, and has an applied focus that prepares students for employment upon graduation, for research-focused graduate studies, or for entry into professional programs of study. Many courses within this program have a lab component. The program takes a systems/ecological approach, recognizing the interrelationships between humans and their environments.
As part of their upper-level coursework, students will take courses across three main topical areas within Psychology:
- research skills;
- biological psychology; and
- health psychology.
The degree will be embedded throughout with psychological application, including hands-on lab experience and courses focusing on human interaction with modern technology, professional business practices, and technical writing. Students also participate in a workplace practicum coordinated by KPU and co-supervised by faculty and employers in relevant fields of employment. This practicum placement will assist students in gaining workplace experience and in meeting potential future employers.
Students interested in applying to graduate school or who prefer a more extensive research experience are encouraged to apply to the Honours program. The Honours program affords students an opportunity to develop and report on a research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member within the Psychology Department. BSc. in Applied Psychology students can complete the Honours program within the 40 courses required for the degree.
Career Opportunities
A student who successfully completes the BSc in Applied Psychology, will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Critically examine the research literature
- Contribute effectively to a seminar discussion
- Deliver a presentation based on primary source research
- Communicate ideas effectively in written and oral forms
- Critically evaluate primary and secondary source material
- Develop a research program
- Apply skills in a relevant work setting
- Demonstrate solid ethical decision making both in research and practice
- Work within an interdisciplinary framework
- Demonstrate comprehensive and critical understanding of statistical and methodological approaches to scientific inquiry
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of various scientific technologies and techniques
The degree was developed in close collaboration with industry/employers to ensure positive outcomes and maximum opportunities. Graduates of this degree could therefore find employment in areas such as health sciences, vocational rehabilitation mental health services, disability services, software usability research, program evaluation, research and design, and pharmaceutics, among other opportunities. They would also be well prepared for post-graduate programs in a variety of health professions. Students who complete the Honours option would be well prepared for research-focused graduate studies in neuroscience, psychology, counselling, public policy, and other areas.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/arts
Department's website: kpu.ca/arts/psychology
Admission Requirements
The Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, apply to this program.
Declaration Requirements
Students intending to graduate with this degree must declare the credential by the time they complete 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- In good academic standing with the University
- Completion of a minimum of 24 credits of undergraduate coursework, including the following:
Curricular Requirements
Applied Psychology Degree
All students must meet the following minimum requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology:
- 127 credits of undergraduate coursework
- 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including the following:
- 9 credits at the 4000 level
- 33 credits in PSYC
- 3 credits in a subject area other than PSYC
- 6 credits in MATH
- 30 credits in BIOL, CHEM or PHYS
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- 32 credits overall, including a minimum of 16 credits in 3000- or 4000-level PSYC courses, completed through courses taken at KPU.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1000 Level Requirements | ||
BIOL 1110 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
BIOL 1210 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
CHEM 1110 | The Structure of Matter | 4 |
CHEM 1210 | Chemical Energetics and Dynamics | 4 |
ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 |
ENGL 12xx | A course at the 1200 level designated as Writing Intensive | 3 |
PSYC 1100 | Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes | 3 |
PSYC 1200 | Introduction to Psychology: Areas and Applications | 3 |
PHYS 1101 | Physics for Life Sciences I | 4 |
or PHYS 1120 | Physics for Physical and Applied Sciences I | |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Differential Calculus | ||
Calculus for Life Sciences I (recommended) | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Integral Calculus | ||
Calculus for Life Sciences II (recommended) | ||
2000 Level Requirements | ||
BIOL 2321 | Cell Biology | 4 |
CHEM 2320 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
PSYC 2300 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
PSYC 2315 | Brain and Behaviour | 3 |
PSYC 2330 | Social Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 2385 | Cognition | 3 |
PSYC 2400 | Research Methods in Psychology I | 3 |
BIOL 2320 | Genetics | 3-4 |
or BIOL 2421 | Cellular Biochemistry | |
3000 and 4000 level Requirements | ||
CMNS 3100 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
PSYC 4010 | Practicum in Psychology | 6 |
PSYC 4700 | Culture and Psychology | 3 |
Select at least two of the following Statistics and Research Methodology courses: | 6 | |
Applied Statistics II | ||
Quantitative Methods II | ||
Program Evaluation | ||
Tests and Measurement | ||
Research Methods II: Qualitative Methodologies | ||
Select at least two of the following Biological Psychology courses: | 6 | |
Drugs and Behaviour | ||
Sensation & Perception | ||
Brain Dysfunction and Recovery | ||
Neuroscience | ||
Select at least two of the following Clinical and Health Psychology courses: | 6 | |
Advanced Topics in Psychopathology | ||
Clinical Psychology | ||
Health Psychology | ||
Developmental Psychopathology | ||
Rehabilitation | ||
Select at least two of the following Applied Psychology courses: | 6 | |
Industrial and Organizational Psychology | ||
Group Dynamics | ||
Consumer Psychology Research & Applications | ||
Cognitive Ergonomics | ||
Human Factors | ||
Interpersonal Relations | ||
Electives | ||
Select 27 additional credits chosen from any subject area and at any level provided all core requirements are met | 27 | |
Total Credits | 127-128 |
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the degree program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology.
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