Undergraduate Training in Psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is also the profession that applies the accumulated knowledge of this science to practical problems.

WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?

Psychologists and their work can be classified into three general and often overlapping categories: (1) Research Psychology, (2) Applied Psychology, and (3) Clinical/Counselling Psychology.

Research Psychologists:
These psychologists are scientists who use observation, experimentation, and statistics in order to understand, explain, and predict the experience and behaviour of human beings and animals. Some study psychological processes (e.g., Sensation & Perception, Learning & Memory, Emotion & Motivation, Thinking & Language), whereas others study topics such as Child Development, Personality, Social Interactions, Families, Organizations, and Communities.

Applied psychologists:
Some psychologists' work involves the application of psychological knowledge to solving problems and improving conditions in everyday life. Often these individuals are employed as consultants, working with schools to improve learning and behaviour, corporations to motivate employees and improve productivity, police forces to enhance investigation, or athletic organizations to improve athletes' performance.

Clinical/Counselling Psychologists:
These psychologists assess and treat complex mental and behavioural problems, with individuals, couples, families, and groups. They may also work at the community level to improve living conditions and promote mental health. Clinical and counselling psychologists are generally employed in hospitals, private or community clinics, schools, or correctional institutions. In comparison with psychiatrists, who are medical doctors with specialized training in the treatment of mental disorders and can prescribe drugs, psychologists more often take a psychosocial view, using 'talk' and behaviour therapies to treat mental illness and general life difficulties. In most jurisdictions in Canada, registration as a professional psychologist requires a PhD.

IMPORTANT CONTACT PEOPLE:

ASSOCIATE HEAD, UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Dr. Jason Leboe-McGowan
P428 Duff Roblin Bldg.
Email: psychughead@umanitoba.ca
Phone: (204) 272-1558 (w/ voicemail)

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ADVISOR
Sarah Germain
P435A Duff Roblin Bldg.
Email: psychugadvisor@umanitoba.ca
Phone: (204) 474-6982 (w/ voicemail)

These advisors can provide useful advice and information about your academic program, including information about course selections, preparing for and being accepted into graduate programs, careers in psychology and related fields, obtaining special permission to enter courses for which you lack the prerequisite(s), and making the most of your undergraduate training.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Faculty of Arts students who are enrolled in the Psychology Honours program and Faculty of Science students who are enrolled in any Major or Honours undergraduate program in Psychology must obtain approval from the Associate Head, Undergraduate Studies or the Undergraduate Student Advisor for their course selections and any changes to their class schedule.

Office hours for the Associate Head, Undergraduate Studies and the Undergraduate Student Advisor can be found HERE or posted by the General Office in Chancellor’s Hall.

REQUIRED PSYCHOLOGY COURSES:

Introduction to Psychology
Completion of Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 1200), or an equivalent course taken at another institution, is a prerequisite for entry into all other advanced courses in psychology and for all psychology undergraduate degree programs.

Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
Students who wish to pursue a major or honours degree in psychology are also required to complete both Introduction to Psychological Research (PSYC 2250) and Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 2260).

PSYCHOLOGY CONTENT AREAS

Psychology faculty offer a variety of undergraduate-level courses on topics related to a variety of different areas of study. Follow the links to find out more about these areas.

• Applied Behaviour Analysis
• Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Methodology
• School Psychology
• Social and Personality Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMS

Options for pursuing more extensive training in psychology include Minor, General Major, Advanced Major, Single Honours and Double Honours degree programs. Information on the requirements for each of these degree programs and detailed descriptions of the courses we offer can be found HERE and in the University of Manitoba Undergraduate Calendar. Click HERE for a more detailed description of the requirements and steps involved in gaining admission to the Psychology Honours program.