Bachelor of Science (Honours) 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:

  1. research skills;
  2. biological psychology; and
  3. 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:

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.
1000 Level Requirements
BIOL 1110Introductory Biology I4
BIOL 1210Introductory Biology II4
CHEM 1110The Structure of Matter4
CHEM 1210Chemical Energetics and Dynamics4
ENGL 1100Introduction to University Writing3
3 credits of ENGL designated as Writing Intensive3
PSYC 1100Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes3
PSYC 1200Introduction to Psychology: Areas and Applications3
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)
PHYS 1101Physics for Life Sciences I4
or PHYS 1120 Physics for Physical and Applied Sciences I
2000 Level Requirements
BIOL 2321Cell Biology4
CHEM 2320Organic Chemistry I4
PSYC 2300Applied Statistics3
PSYC 2315Brain and Behaviour3
PSYC 2330Social Psychology3
PSYC 2385Cognition3
PSYC 2400Research Methods in Psychology I3
BIOL 2320Genetics3-4
or BIOL 2421 Cellular Biochemistry
3000 and 4000 level Requirements
CMNS 3100Technical Report Writing3
PSYC 4010Practicum in Psychology6
PSYC 4700Culture and Psychology3
Select at least two of the following Statistics and Research Methodology courses. Note: PSYC 3300 and PSYC 3400 are prerequisites for the Honours program. Students pursuing the Honours program should select PSYC 3300 and PSYC 3400 to fulfill this cluster requirement.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 met27
Total Credits127-128

Honours

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology Honours degree must complete the following 12 credits, and can do so in lieu of elective credits, and within the 127 credits required for degree completion:

PSYC 4990Honours Thesis I6
PSYC 4995Honours Thesis II6
Total Credits12

Note: Enrolment is competitive and requires the permission of the Psychology Honours Committee. In order to be considered, students are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3, and a minimum grade of 'B+' in PSYC 3300 and PSYC 3400. Students must also obtain endorsement from a faculty member who will serve as their thesis advisor.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of the honours program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Psychology.

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