Top Psychology Courses in Canada: Specializations & Scope

As I researched more on psychology courses in Canada, I was fascinated with the diverse options. Whether you are drawn to clinical, developmental, or experimental psychology, Canada's top universities for psychology provide a range of specializations to fit your interest. 

This guide delves deeper into the leading institutions, their unique programs, and the scope of careers awaiting you in this vibrant field.

Top Universities Offering Psychology Courses in Canada

Listed below are the top psychology courses at Canadian universities, their location, and their 2024 QS ranking. 

Name of the University	Course Name	Course Duration	Course Fees	QS World Subject Ranking 2024
McGill University	BA/BSc. in Psychology	Four years	CAD 39,000 per year	26
University of Toronto	Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology	Four years	CAD 61,720 per year for both first year and upper years	13
University of British Columbia	Masters of Arts in Psychology	24 months	CAD 64,830 per year	19
University of Ottawa	Honors BA in Psychology	Four years	CAD 43,334 per year	151-200
University of Windsor	General Psychology Program (Undergraduate)	Three years	CAD 30,000 per year	NA

Who is Eligible to Take up Course

Eligibility for psychology courses in Canada varies among universities. However, the general requirements are as follows:

Bachelor's Program

• Education: Completion of higher secondary education from a recognized board.

Master’s Program

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Psychology from an institution recognized by the Canadian board.

Doctorate Program

• Education: A master’s degree in Psychology or an equivalent degree from a reputed university recognized by the Canadian board.

Additional Requirements for All Levels

• English Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL(90-100), PTE(65-70), or IELTS(6.5-7). Some universities may conduct personal tests or online examinations to assess applicants' English proficiency.
• Competitive Exams: Some universities may require competitive GRE scores or other exam results.
• Documentation: Mandatory submission of documents such as a Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.

Levels of Education 

Psychology courses in Canada can be pursued at four different levels of education:

1. Undergraduate or Bachelor’s Program:
   Degrees Offered: Two types of Bachelor’s degrees are available in psychology: BSc and BA.
   Duration: Generally three to four years.
2. Postgraduate or Master’s Program: 
   Eligibility: Requires an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field.
   Degrees Offered: MA or MSc in Psychology.
   Duration: Generally one to two years.
3. Doctorate Program: 
   Eligibility: Requires completion of a Master’s degree in psychology.
   Degrees Offered: PhD in Psychology.
   Duration: Generally three to five years.
4. Diploma: 
   Duration: Generally one to two years.
   Overview: Suitable for those seeking a multidisciplinary influence in a short span. Offered by select universities across Canada.

Psychology Specializations 

The psychology courses in Canada are divided into core and elective subjects. Students pursuing master’s or doctoral-level studies can choose various specializations to focus on their field of interest. 

While specialization offerings differ among universities, some common ones include: 

• Developmental Psychology 
• Personality Development 
• Neurobiology 
• Relationships and Sexual Wellness 
• Counseling and Clinical Psychology 
• Experimental Psychology 
• Organizational and Industrial Psychology 
• Gender and Women’s Studies 
• School Psychology 
• Behavioral Science and Autism 
• Gerontology 

Universities Offering Different Levels of Psychology Programs 

From the following table, you can see the types of psychology programs that the top universities are offering in Canada.    

Types of Psychology Programs	Universities Offering
Bachelor’s	McGill University (BA/BSc) University of Toronto (BSc)  University of British Columbia (BA) University of Ottawa (BA/BSc)  University of Windsor (BA)
Master’s	McGill University (MA) University of Toronto (MA/PhD) University of British Columbia (MA) University of Ottawa (MA in Experimental Psychology) University of Windsor (MA)
PhD	McGill University (Clinical and Experimental Psychology)  University of Toronto (Counseling and Clinical Psychology) University of Columbia University of Ottawa (Clinical Psychology),  University of Windsor (Applied Social Psychology and Clinical Psychology)
Diploma & Certification Programs	York University (Health Psychology Graduate Diploma Program) Vancouver Island University (Psychedelic-assisted Therapy) St. Clair College (Autism & Behavioural Science- Alternate Delivery) University of the Fraser Valley (Child Life and Community Health — graduate certificate)

What are Requirements to Study Psychology in Canada

Based on the psychology courses in Canada, the requirements tend to vary.

Bachelor’s

To enroll in the Bachelor’s program in psychology (BA) at the University of British Columbia, the requirements are divided into Honors, Major and Minor courses. 

• For BA Honors in Psychology: The minimum requirement is a minimum of 76% average in the second year and 80% in specializations. Depending on their overall performance, students can seek admission to the University of British Columbia. 
• For BA Major in Psychology: Students can declare a Major in Psychology when they move up to the second year as they complete their 27 credits. 

For students who are willing to study BSc in Psychology at the University of Ottawa, the requirement is:

• At least 70% average for all prerequisite subjects in mathematics and science. 
• Students who did not have mathematics or a course equivalent to calculus must take a replacement course at the University of Ottawa in their first year. 

Master’s 

For the Master's Program in psychology (MA), British Columbia University has some requirements:

• To study for an MA in Psychology, at least 30 credits of coursework are required. These include graduate statistics, core program courses, and breadth courses in psychology. 

PhD

For pursuing PhD in Psychology at McGill University, students must have/be:

• Proficient in the English language. 
• Should possess an eligible Bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA out of a 4.0 GPA. 

Diploma & Certification Programs

The diploma and certificate programs in psychology are short-term courses that intend to offer practices to students in specific areas. If you’re willing to sign up for 1-year psychology courses in Canada, Vancouver Island University offers a Graduate Certificate Program. 

To apply for this course, students require:

• An undergraduate degree in human services, health or related fields. 
• A resume with professional references and a cover letter.
• Related experience of two years

Cost of Attendance Required at Each Level of Program

The fees for psychology courses in Canada vary for each level of study. The table below shows the tuition fees for different program levels. In some universities, the tuition fee costs for all BSc programs may be the same. 

For example, at the University of Alberta, the undergraduate tuition fee amounts to CAD 43,720 per year. A Master’s degree in Psychology may cost around CAD 12,765 per year, as is the case at the University of British Columbia. 

Besides the tuition fees, there may be non-tuition fees also involved. The following is taken from the University of Alberta cost of attendance estimation:

Type of Fee	Average Cost
Recreation and Athletics	CAD 98
Books, Instruments, and Supplies	CAD 1,200
Residence	CAD 15,689
Student Academic Support	CAD 272
Student Health and Wellness	CAD 65
Students’ Union Dental Plan	CAD 178
U-Pass	CAD 180
Students’ Union Membership Fees	CAD 61
Incidental/Ancillary Fees	CAD 1979
Food and Rental Costs	CAD 8000 – 15,000
Electricity	CAD 90 – 200

Source: University Website

Psychology Courses in Canada After 12th

After completing 12th grade, students can choose from several psychology courses. The most popular course is a Bachelor’s program in Psychology, which can be pursued as either a BA or a BSc.

BA in Psychology:

• BA Honors Program: Comprises 60 credits and provides an in-depth overview of psychological science. This research-driven course spans two terms.
• BA Major Concentration in Psychology: Consists of 36 credits and offers a comprehensive overview of core areas in psychology. Students can also take advanced courses in specialized areas.
• BA Minor Concentration in Psychology: Involves 18 credits and is designed for students who have chosen another field of study as their primary focus. Students must complete an introductory psychology course (CEGEP) or its equivalent during their freshman year.

Bsc in Psychology:

• BSc Honors Program: Comprises 60 credits and is suitable for students who have taken introductory psychology at the school level. This program emphasizes research techniques to be used professionally. Students are typically accepted into the Honors courses at the beginning of their U2 year.
• BSc Major in Psychology: Involves 54 credits and ensures that students learn about the core areas of psychology. Students are expected to have a general understanding of the subject at the high school level, including introductory psychology, biology, and statistics.
• BSc Minor in Psychology: Supports the core field of study and offers specialized topics in psychology, providing extensive knowledge to students.

Psychology Courses in Canada After Graduation

After completing undergraduate courses in Psychology, students can pursue postgraduate courses. Depending on your previous subject combination, you can obtain an MA or MSc in Psychology. Universities such as McGill University offer an MA in Clinical Psychology. Students can also pursue a Master’s program in Experimental Psychology.

Psychology Courses in Canada After Master’s

After completing a master's degree, students can pursue doctoral programs in psychology. A PhD program is designed to provide students with skills in research design, literature synthesis, and scientific communication. This would advance their academic careers as well as career opportunities in the industry.

Cheapest Psychology Courses in Canada

The fees for psychology courses vary depending on the degree and the university. 

Here are some psychology courses that you can pursue at an affordable cost:

Degree	University	Course Fee (Tuition fee)
BA	McGill University	CAD 47,365.69
BSc		CAD 61,066.80
BSc	University of Toronto	CAD 61,720
BA	University of British Columbia	CAD 5,960.10 (full course load tuition
BA	University of Ottawa	CAD19,292.28 (usually more than 56 courses)
BA	University of Windsor	CAD 15555.00

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Scope of Education 

Given the broad range of research areas and specializations, the scope of studying Psychology in Canada is extensive. Students can explore niche areas in the field, such as child psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychoanalysis. 

After pursuing psychology courses in Canada, a student can build career as a psychologist or pursue specialized roles such as clinical psychologists, social workers, counselors, educational psychologists, and more. 

For doctoral-level students, becoming a licensed psychologist and working independently is also a viable option.

Scholarships to Study Psychology in Canada for International Students

Some of the top universities in Canada that offer psychology have scholarships and awards for international students. 

Scholarships For International Students	University	Features and Benefits
International Tuition Awards (ITA)	University of British Columbia	For master’s and doctoral programs.    Helps international students with their tuition fees. Up to CAD 3,200 per year is offered to candidates.
International English Scholarships	University of Ottawa	Encourages inclusivity and diversity Reduces tuition fees from eligible courses, including psychology (B.A. and B.Sc.) Entrance scholarship is CAD 40,000 over 4 years Excellence scholarship is CAD 70,000, over 4 years Scholarships are renewable for up to 12 terms.
Open Entrance Scholarships	University of Windsor	International students are automatically eligible for this scholarship program after completing school studies.  Students are eligible for scholarships based on final and interim Grade 12 (between May and July) The minimum level of support that students can receive is divided into: Blue and Gold Level Support, for 1 term, up to CAD 1,000; Dean’s Level Support for 8 terms up to CAD 10,000; President’s Level Support for 8 terms up to CAD 16000.
Trent International Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards	Trent University	International students can automatically receive an Entrance Scholarship without applying for it.  With 95%+ final average (Canadian equivalent), entrance scholarships of CAD 3000 are granted to students.  For Prestigious Scholarships and Awards (Trent International Global Citizen Scholarships and Awards), students will require application. The scholarship is also open to undergraduate students starting in Summer 2024 and Fall 2024.  Students on showing academic excellence, leadership potential and community service can receive up to CAD 34,000 per academic year and up to CAD 1,36,000 on 4 year+ degree.
Lakehead University International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships	Lakehead University	Students who are coming from high schools or who are transferring from international colleges or universities can avail of this scholarship.  Students with a 90%+ average (Canadian equivalent) can get up to CAD 40,000 on a 4-year degree.

Source: scholarship and university websites

Benefits of Studying Psychology in Canada

Some significant benefits of studying psychology in Canada are as follows:

• Cost-Effective Education: Students from abroad choose Canada to study psychology due to its cost-effective education and availability of international scholarships. While eligibility and features of these scholarships vary, they ensure that international students receive a quality education comparable to that of resident students.
• Well-Salaried Job Profiles: The field of psychology in Canada is increasingly valued. The average salary for a psychologist in Canada is approximately CAD 99,661 per year. Canada plays a significant role in promoting mental health awareness and providing a wide range of psychological services. As a result, the demand for professional psychologists in various institutions across the country has grown.
• Specializations: Contrary to the belief that psychology is limited, universities in Canada offer a diverse range of specializations. For example, the University of British Columbia provides programs in Cellular, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Cognitive Systems.
• World-Class Psychology Education: Canada offers top-tier education in psychology, as reflected in its universities' strong global rankings. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, six Canadian universities were ranked among the world's top 100 for psychology. This concentration of excellence gives students unparalleled access to cutting-edge research, experienced faculty, and a stimulating academic environment.

Psychology Courses in Canada: Job Prospects

Psychology is a popular field with rising demand offering numerous career options for degree holders, whether they have a bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, or doctorate. Students are qualified for more specialized and niche roles, as stated below:

• Social Psychologist 
• Educational Psychologist 
• Research Psychologist 
• Psychotherapist 
• Counselor 
• Psychology Professor 
• Forensic Psychologist 
• Life coach 
• Play Therapist 
• Policy Officer 
• Social Researcher 
• Data Collection & Research Assistant
• Psychology Consultant
• Accessibility Counselor / Educator
• Lifespan Cognition Lab Research Assistant

Expected Remuneration Salary

Career opportunities in mental health and well-being have expanded significantly over the years. Below are the average salary packages for various job roles in psychology:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Education Psychologist	CAD 95,190
Research Psychologist	CAD 107,985
Psychotherapist	CAD 74,390
Counselor	CAD 61,091
Psychology Professor	CAD 139,801
Forensic Psychologist	CAD 102,177
Life Coach	CAD 44,206
Play Therapist	CAD 64,366
Policy Officer	CAD 64,882
Social Researcher	CAD 54,062

Source: Glassdoor, August 2024

Top Recruiters for Psychology in Canada

A relevant degree in psychology will ensure students get jobs at the top companies in Canada. Here are some recruiters for psychology-related services in Canada. 

Recruiter	Rating
Alberta Health Services	3.6
University of Toronto	4.2
Vancouver Coastal Health	3.9
Toronto District School Board	3.8
Nova Scotia Health Authority	3.7

Source: Glassdoor

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Conclusion

Studying psychology in Canada offers a wealth of opportunities across top universities, diverse specializations, and promising career prospects. From comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs to specialized doctoral research, students can tailor their education to their interests. 

With competitive salaries and a growing demand for mental health professionals, Canada stands out as a premier destination for pursuing a career in psychology.