Psychology

What can I do with a major in Psychology

Psychology delves into what makes people tick. Psychologists study the relationship between mind and behaviour by investigating the nature of thought processes and behaviours in humans and other animals. Psychologists also study the evolutionary, social and cultural factors affecting the development of our thoughts and behaviours, focusing on topics that have a direct bearing on our day-to-day experience. 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 learn how to use the tools of the discipline to solve them.

Students interested in Psychology can complete:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Carry Out Tasks with Thoroughness & Precision
  • Communicate Ideas Clearly & Efficiently
  • Communication
  • Conceptualize & Interpret
  • Creativity & Flexibility in Thinking
  • Critical & Analytical Problem Solving
  • Read Critically & Write Persuasively
  • Critically Analyze Evidence-Based Claims
  • Formulate & Defend Positions
  • Formulate Criteria, Evaluate & Make Decisions
  • Locate, Gather & Organize Information
  • Mathematical & Logical Reasoning
  • Negotiate & Mediate Conflict
  • Research & Information Management
  • Set Priorities & Handle Multiple Assignments and Tasks
  • Summarize Research Findings
  • Understand the Physiological, Emotional, Cognitive & Social Determinants of Human Behaviour

Work Environment

Psychology provides an excellent background for further professional training in a variety of disciplines including education, law, counselling and social services. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology are also well trained for careers in medicine and biotechnology. Psychology graduates may find employment in community organizations, educational and research institutes, governmental organizations, human resources companies, law enforcement agencies, consulting and marketing firms, media companies, non-governmental or non-profit organizations, public relations offices, recreation facilities or social service organizations.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Comparative Psychology
  • Counselling Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology
  • Education
  • Health
  • Human Factors
  • Personality

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Admission Counsellor
  • Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Case Specialist
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Clinical Services Assistant
  • Clinical Subjects Associate
  • Clinical Trials Lab Assistant
  • Community Based Research Specialist
  • Consumer Product Testing Analyst
  • Contract Instructor Therapist
  • Employee Survey Analyst
  • Entry Level Behaviour Interventionist
  • Health Counsellor
  • Human Resource Officer – Developmental
  • Human Resources Coordinator
  • Instructional Assistant – Psychology
  • Intake Coordinator
  • Mental Health Therapy Assistant
  • Probation Officer
  • Program Assistant (Organizational Behaviour)
  • Program Services Coordinator
  • Psychology Technician
  • Research Assistant – Psychometrist
  • Research Assistant (Youth Bipolar Disorder)
  • Research Study Assistant
  • Resource Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education

  • Aboriginal Liaison Officer
  • Academic Advisor
  • Academic Counsellor
  • Activities Coordinator
  • Addictions Counsellor
  • Admissions Evaluator
  • Advertising Agent
  • Athletic Therapist
  • Behaviour Therapist
  • Benefits Manager
  • Career Counsellor
  • Career Development Professional
  • Case Worker
  • Child and Youth Worker
  • Child Life Specialist
  • Clinical Coordinator
  • Clinical Manager
  • Communications Specialist
  • Community Worker
  • Creative Art Therapist
  • Criminologist
  • Crisis Intervention Worker
  • Crisis Worker
  • Cultural Diversity Consultant
  • Customs/Immigration Agent
  • Education Specialist
  • Educational Administrator
  • Educational Counsellor
  • Employment Interviewer
  • ESL Teacher
  • Exercise Therapist
  • Family Therapist
  • Fundraising Specialist
  • Gerontologist
  • Grievance Officer
  • Health Care Administrator
  • High School Teacher
  • Home Care Worker
  • Hospital Service Worker
  • Human Resources Officer
  • Human Resources Worker/Specialist
  • Immigration Officer
  • Industrial Psychologist
  • Job Analyst
  • Labour Relations Specialist
  • Librarian
  • Life Skills Coach
  • Light Therapist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marriage & Family Counsellor
  • Marriage Therapist
  • Media Psychologist
  • Mediator
  • Mental Health Counsellor
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Mental Health Worker
  • Military Psychologist
  • Movement Therapist
  • Occupational Health & Safety Officer
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Professional Consultant
  • Program Coordinator
  • Psychiatric Assistant
  • Psychologist
  • Public Opinion Interviewer
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Recreation Specialist
  • Recreation Therapist
  • Recruiter
  • Rehabilitation Counsellor
  • Relief Worker
  • Religious Worker
  • Research Scientist
  • Researcher
  • Resident Services Provider
  • Residential Counsellor
  • School Counsellor
  • Social or Health Policy Researcher
  • Social Service Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Sociologist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Special Events Coordinator
  • Special Services Supervisor
  • Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Support Worker
  • Teacher
  • Training Specialist
  • University Professor
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Worker
  • Voice Therapist
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Volunteer Resources Manager
  • Women’s Counsellor
  • Youth Counsellor

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Account Manager (Banking)
  • Advertising Account Executive
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Bank/Loan Officer
  • Citizen & Immigration Officer
  • Compensation Manager
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Correctional Peace Officer
  • Correctional Services Worker
  • Credit Counsellor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Ergonomist
  • Event Planner
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Fundraiser
  • Gerontological Specialist
  • Kinesiologist
  • Lawyer
  • Management Trainee
  • Massage Therapist
  • Media Buyer
  • Planner
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Sales Representative
  • Statistical Consultant
  • Writer

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.