Psychology BA Major or Minor


  • Program Length 
    4 Years
  • Credential 
    Bachelor Degree
  • Options 
    Honours, Major, Minor
  • Location Offered 
    Nanaimo

Are you interested in how the human mind ticks? In the Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree program, you will be unpacking the scientific behaviour and impact of human thought, emotion, biological and cognitive behaviours.

With many areas of specialty from sports psychology, child psychology, addictions and more, VIU’s degree in Psychology program is a place to learn in a research/practitioner model that combines both theory and practical psychological research training.

A Bachelor degree in Psychology prepares graduates to continue their studies as psychologists or start their careers in education, social work, healthcare, non-profits and any other field that values critical thought and cognitive and behavioural understanding.

The Psychology (BA) Program

The Psychology Major allows students to become familiar with current work in four main areas of psychology in order to understand the mechanisms believed to underlie thought and behaviour. In addition, this degree provides training in a number of skills related to social research, statistical analysis, and interpersonal relations. This integration of theory and practice is in keeping with the research/practitioner model, which encourages an integration of basic research with applied topics. While the Major does not prepare graduates to practice as psychologists (this requires a Ph.D. and registration with the provincial regulatory organization), it is excellent preparation for work in many related fields, and it is the first step toward further training to obtain professional qualifications.

High school students interested in completing a Major in Psychology are strongly encouraged to take Grade 12 Mathematics and Biology.

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2

Credits

A minimum combined "C+" average grade in both of:
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) and, 
PSYC 112 - (Contemporary Psychology II)

6

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than 2.0 ("C") in each of the following: 
PSYC 204 - (Research Methods)
PSYC 205 - (Intro to Biological Psychology) 
PSYC 210 - (History and Systems of Psychology)
Note: It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken in the first two years of a student's program.

9

Years 3 and 4

Credits

Psychology majors will require a combined minimum average of 2.0 ("C") in all upper division Psychology courses.

PSYC 300A - (Statistical Methods in Psychology I)

3

PSYC 300B - (Statistical Methods in Psychology II)

3

PSYC 400 - (Applied Methods in Psychology)

3

Select up to twenty-four credits of 300-400 level PSYC courses. 
Note: At least 3 credits must be taken from each of the following four categories: 
1. Biological Psychology
PSYC 305 - (Introduction to Biopsychology II)
PSYC 315 - (Intro to Neuropsychology I)
PSYC 345 - (Drugs and Behaviour - Basic Principles)
2. Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 313 - (Cognitive Psychology)
PSYC 318 - (Sensation and Perception)
PSYC 326 - (Learning Theory and Behaviour Change)
3. Clinical and Health Psychology
PSYC 327 - (Health Psychology)
PSYC 430 - (Abnormal Psychology)
PSYC 432 - (Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology)
4. Social and Developmental Psychology
PSYC 331 - (Social Psychology)
PSYC 335 - (Infant and Child Development)
PSYC 336 - (Adolescent Development)
PSYC 339 - (Adult Development and Aging)

24

Requirements outside Psychology

  1. Philosophy: 3 credits chosen from PHIL 100, 111, or 112.
  2. Social Sciences outside of Psychology: 6 credits chosen from Anthropology, Criminology, Economics, Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Political Studies, Sociology, or Studies in Women and Gender numbered 100 and above.
  3. Degree English Requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each.

Note: Students wishing to go to Graduate School are strongly recommended to have completed eight credits of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Requirements for a Minor

While a Minor in Psychology does not provide students with an adequate coverage of undergraduate courses to continue graduate work in Psychology, it can be very useful in developing ancillary skills and knowledge that highly increase employability and, at the same time, strengthen understanding of their other studies by providing an alternate perspective.

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2

Credits

A minimum combined average grade of 2.33 ("C+") in both of:
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) and, 
PSYC 112 - (Contemporary Psychology II)

6

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than 2.0 ("C") in each of the following: 
PSYC 204 - (Research Methods)
Select at least one of the following courses:
PSYC 205 - (Intro to Biological Psychology) 
PSYC 210 - (History and Systems of Psychology)

6

Note: It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken in the first two years of a student’s program because no more than 12 credits of courses numbered 300 and above may be counted toward a Minor degree before the PSYC 111, 112, 204, and one of 205, or 210 grade requirements are satisfied.

Years 3 and 4

Credits

A minimum of eighteen credits of Psychology courses numbered 300 and above.

18
Updated 
Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year*

Amount

Tuition (30 credits x $163.14 per credit)

4,894.20

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)

195.77

Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit)

216.30

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

1,500.00

Total

7,283.99
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year*

Amount

Tuition (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester)

21,741.44

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester)

926.80

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

1,500.00

Total

24,645.96
Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Updated
Monday, April 3, 2023

The Program

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. The goal of the program is to cultivate a broad and multidisciplinary perspective on human behaviour spanning levels of analysis from the molecular and cellular to broad external factors, including the social and natural environment, as well as growth in general intellectual skills including communication, numeracy, critical thinking, and learning ability. The program prepares students well for graduate studies in psychology, professional programs in health-related disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, etc., and a wide range of potential careers that benefit from an improved understanding of human behaviour (e.g., human services, counseling, banking, retail, law, business, education, management, etc).

Program Outline

Students must fulfill all the Institutional degree requirements as outlined in the Calendar, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.

Year 1:
A minimum combined 2.33 (“C+”) average grade in both of PSYC 111 and PSYC 112.

Year 2:
A minimum grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than 2.0 (“C”) in each of the following: PSYC 204, PSYC 205, PSYC 210.

Years 3 and 4:
Honours students need an average GPA of 3.33 ("B+") in all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the discipline.

Required upper division Psychology courses: PSYC 300A, PSYC 300B, PSYC 400, PSYC 490, and PSYC 491.

Select an additional minimum of twenty one credits of upper division Psychology courses for a total of 36 upper division credits in psychology. Note: At least 3 credits must be taken from each of the following four categories:
1. Biopsychology: PSYC 305, PSYC 315, PSYC 345
2. Cognitive Psychology: PSYC 313, PSYC 318, PSYC 326
3. Clinical and Health: PSYC 327, PSYC 430, PSYC 432
4. Social and Developmental: PSYC 331, PSYC 335, PSYC 336, PSYC 339

Completion Requirements

Honours students need an average GPA of 3.33 (B+) in all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the psychology discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program. Further, a minimum grade of B- must be obtained in PSYC 490 and PSYC 491 to fulfill requirements for completion of the Honours program in psychology.

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum "B+" average on the most recent 30 credits attempted and completed.
  • A minimum combined average of a 3.33 ("B+") in the following courses: PSYC 204, PSYC 300A, and PSYC 300B.
  • Submission of an application form.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Students must apply on or before March 31 of the year preceding their final year of study.

Acceptance is dependent upon approval of the application by the Psychology Honours Advisor and supervisor during the selection process. Spaces are limited.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erin Johnson
Phone: 604.485.8033
Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca

Comments

Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604-485-2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact

Name: Elham Akhoundi
Email: Study@viu.ca

Comments

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca.
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 8, 2024
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact

Name: Elham Akhoundi
Email: Study@viu.ca

Comments

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Psychology (BSc) (Science, Engineering, and Technology Programs)

The Program

The Psychology Major allows students to become familiar with current work in four main areas of psychology in order to understand the mechanisms believed to underlie thought and behaviour. In addition, this degree provides training in a number of skills related to social research, statistical analysis, and interpersonal relations. This integration of theory and practice is in keeping with the research/practitioner model, which encourages an integration of basic research with applied topics. While the Major does not prepare graduates to practice as psychologists (this requires a PhD and registration with the provincial regulatory organization), it is excellent preparation for work in many related fields, and it is the first step toward further training to obtain professional qualifications.

High school students interested in completing a Major in Psychology are strongly encouraged to take Grade 12 Mathematics and Biology.

Program Outline

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2

Credits

A minimum combined "C+" average grade in both of:
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) and,
PSYC 112 - (Contemporary Psychology II)

6

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than 2.0 ("C") in each of the following:
PSYC 204 - (Research Methods)
PSYC 205 - (Intro to Biological Psychology)
PSYC 210 - (History and Systems of Psychology)
Note: It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken in the first two years of a student's program.

9

Years 3 and 4

Credits

Psychology majors will require a combined minimum average of 2.0 ("C") in all upper division Psychology courses.

PSYC 300A - (Statistical Methods in Psychology I)

3

PSYC 300B - (Statistical Methods in Psychology II)

3

PSYC 400 - (Applied Methods in Psychology)

3

Select up to twenty-four credits of 300-400 level PSYC courses.
Note: At least 3 credits must be taken from each of the following four categories:
1. Biological Psychology
PSYC 305 - (Introduction to Biopsychology II)
PSYC 315 - (Intro to Neuropsychology I)
PSYC 345 - (Drugs and Behaviour - Basic Principles)
2. Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 313 - (Cognitive Psychology)
PSYC 318 - (Sensation and Perception)
PSYC 326 - (Learning Theory and Behaviour Change)
3. Clinical and Health Psychology
PSYC 327 - (Health Psychology)
PSYC 430 - (Abnormal Psychology)
PSYC 432 - (Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology)
4. Social and Developmental Psychology
PSYC 331 - (Social Psychology)
PSYC 335 - (Infant and Child Development)
PSYC 336 - (Adolescent Development)
PSYC 339 - (Adult Development and Aging)

24

Requirements outside Psychology

  1. Philosophy: 3 credits chosen from PHIL 100, 111, or 112.
  2. Social Sciences outside of Psychology: 6 credits chosen from Anthropology, Criminology, Economics, Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Political Studies, Sociology, or Women's Studies numbered 100 and above.
  3. Degree English Requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each.

Note: Students wishing to go to Graduate School are strongly recommended to have completed eight credits of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Senior Project

A Senior Project of either 3 or 6 credits is recommended for all Psychology Majors intending to enter graduate school after graduation (subject to the availability of a supervisor and/or funds.) The Senior Project, currently completed through PSYC 490 and 491, is not a course, but rather an independent piece of work that may either have an academic or applied focus. It is the student’s responsibility to contact a departmental member with an idea for the Senior Project. In order to initiate the Senior Project, students must be entering into their final year. The proposal form for a Senior Project must be approved before registration can be completed, and all projects must be approved within two weeks of the beginning of the term in which the Project will be conducted. See the department Chair or the Social Sciences secretary in Building 356 for more information.

Requirements for a Minor

While a Minor in Psychology does not provide students with an adequate coverage of undergraduate courses to continue graduate work in Psychology, it can be very useful in developing ancillary skills and knowledge that highly increase employability and, at the same time, strengthen understanding of their other studies by providing an alternate perspective.

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2

Credits

A minimum combined average grade of 2.0 ("C+") in both of:
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) and,
PSYC 112 - (Contemporary Psychology II)

6

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than 2.0 ("C") in each of the following:
PSYC 204 - (Research Methods)
Select at least one of the following courses:
PSYC 205 - (Intro to Biological Psychology)
PSYC 210 - (History and Systems of Psychology)

6

Note: It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken in the first two years of a student’s program because no more than 12 credits of courses numbered 300 and above may be counted toward a Minor degree before the PSYC 111, 112, 204, and one of 205, or 210 grade requirements are satisfied.

Years 3 and 4

Credits

A minimum of eighteen credits of Psychology courses numbered 300 and above.

18
Updated Date: 
Monday, May 2, 2016

International Fees

Fee Outline

Domestic Fees

Tuition Fee Schedule

Description of Fees and Rates for domestic students:

  1. Tuition: $142.02 per credit hour:
    – $426.06 per 3-credit course per semester
    – $568.08 per 4-credit course per semester
  2. Student Activity fee: $5.57 per credit.
  3. Student Services fee: $6.27 per credit.
  4. VIU Students' Union fee: $75.40 per semester.
  5. Health and Dental Plan fee: $275 per year; this fee is only in effect for full–time students at the Nanaimo Campus.
  6. Other fees: Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year

Amount

Tuition (30 credits x $142.02)

$4,260.60

Student Activity fee (30 credits x $5.57)

$170.40

Student Services fee ($6.27 per credit)

$188.01

VIU Students' Union fee ($75.40 per semester)

$150.80

Health and Dental Plan fee* ($275 per Year)

$275.00

Total

$5,044.90**

* The Health and Dental Plan fee is only in effect for full–time students at the Nanaimo Campus.

** Students can take more than, or less than, 30 credits per year. The above table is based on ten 3–credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4–credit courses students should add an additional $153.97 for every 4–credit course taken.

Note: Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $20.40 per course.

Special Expenses

Amount

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

$1,500.00

Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.

Note: All fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Updated Date:
Monday, July 4, 2016