Academic Programs

Student Responsibility

Each student is responsible for ensuring that their academic choices meet the requirements for graduation. All requirements are outlined in the SFU Calendar. Advisors are available to provide guidance. However, the student has ultimate responsibility for compliance with and completion of the program and degree requirements and for observing regulations and deadlines.

The SFU Calendar is the official governing document containing regulations regarding your academic career at SFU. The calendar that is in effect when you take your first course at SFU governs your degree requirements. The calendar that is in effect when you declare a psychology plan governs the plan requirements. It is advisable that you obtain and keep a copy of the relevant calendars.

Please note that newly admitted students, including transfer students, are not automatically declared into the academic programs below. For access to upper division psychology coursework, students must declare before the enrollment periods.

Psychology declaration deadlines:
March 1 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), and November 1 (Spring)

Honours

The two-semester honours program will provide you with the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on original research. You will gain valuable research training by planning, conducting, and presenting research, and guidance about applying to graduate school. In the honours seminar, you will be exposed to a wide range of research being conducted by fellow cohort members. This experience will connect you to likeminded students and prepare you for graduate programs

Majors

Psychology Major

In the major program, you will examine psychological issues from the neuronal to the societal level to understand human behaviour, thought, and feeling. You will explore at least four areas of psychology and learn to approach problems from multiple perspectives. This program will enhance your research, critical thinking, and communication skills, which will prepare you for a diverse range of occupations that may include solving human problems and promoting the well-being of individuals.

Psychology Major with ABA Concentration

This interdisciplinary program will provide you with a strong foundation in psychology and practical skills in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The program is ideal for students who are interested in careers in ABA and autism spectrum disorder support and treatment, or who wish to become Behaviour Analysts or Assistant Behaviour Analysts.

Joint Majors

Psychology and Business

This joint program focuses on human behaviour and research methods, dual interests that are shared by Psychology and Business. Psychology coursework in social perception, cognition, group behaviour, and interpersonal relationships will aid in your understanding of individual and team processes in organizations. You will develop research, critical thinking, and communication skills to prepare you for success in the job market.

Psychology and Criminology

This joint program is ideal for students who are interested in the psychology of criminal, delinquent, and deviant behaviour. You will approach questions from individual and societal levels of analysis to learn how psychological processes relate to complex issues of crime and justice. In this program, you will develop a strong research foundation by learning qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will be equipped with skills for a variety of professions, including those in crime prevention, law enforcement and reform, and research policy.

Psychology and Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies

This joint major focuses on the intersection between Psychology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, with emphases on diversity, activism, and social justice. You will learn how power, privilege, and oppression affect people’s lives and explore interconnections between gender, race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality. You will gain theoretical knowledge and develop analytical skills by approaching issues from psychological perspectives and feminist, queer, and intersectional understandings. This program is ideal for students who want to work with diverse populations, such as the LGBTQ community, or pursue careers involving research, activism, and social justice.

Minors

Psychology Extended Minor

An extended minor will complement your degree in another field by enhancing your understanding of human thought, feeling, and behaviour. You will explore at least four areas of psychology and develop research, data analysis, project management, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Psychology Minor

A minor will complement your degree in another field by enhancing your understanding of human thought, feeling, and behaviour. You will explore at least three areas of psychology and develop research, project management, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

BSc Behavioural Neuroscience

To review information on the BNS Major and Honours programs, click the link below:

Behavioural Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program incorporating expertise from Psychology, Biomedical Physiology, and Kinesiology. You will develop skills in research, project management, teamwork, and problem solving by taking coursework in a range of topics, including sensation and perception, animal learning and cognition, hormones and behaviour, and motivated behaviours. The program also covers brain dysfunction and associated clinical symptoms. This program will provide you with a strong foundation in basic and applied neuroscience, preparing you for further study at the graduate level, and for careers in neuroscience and other biomedical fields.

Please note that newly admitted students, including transfer students, are not automatically declared into this program. Students should complete a program approval form, attach an up-to-date advising transcript, and submit it electronically by email to the BPK Advisor.

Declaration deadlines: February 1 (Summer), June 1 (Fall), and October 1 (Spring)