Top 10 Psychology schools in Canada (2023-2024)

Top 10 Psychology schools in Canada

Psychology is the scientific study of both animals’ and humans’ behavior and their mental processes. From its definition, it sounds interesting right? Yes, it is an interesting field of study. A career in this field will help you know how to deal with people, and understand various behaviors among others.

 

Do you find it difficult to make new friends or associate with others? Well, be rest assured to become social, as this is one of the primary objectives of taking this course as it helps you understand behavior and how the human mind functions.

However, is a career in this field worth it? Yes, it is a sought-after profession. We live in times when a lot is happening making psychologists a necessity in society and the world at large.

 

Note that a career in this field gives you the upper hand to work across various field settings from the classroom as a teacher or lecturer, psychiatric clinic, work in a social service center, psychological counselor in either schools or universities, public hospitals, and other medical institutions.

 

Psychology cuts across a variety of fields. It isn’t news when one says Canada is the destination for many in terms of studies.  Are you a Canadian or an international student who wishes to take a course in psychology but have no idea which institute to pursue this career of yours?

 

This write-up will outline the top 10 universities in Canada offering psychology programs to help achieve your goal. 

Bear in mind that psychology studies generally include 3 study cycles, namely:

• The first cycle lasts for a duration of 3 to 4 years to obtain a license (Bachelor’s degree) in psychology.
• The second cycle lasts for 2 years to obtain a master’s degree in psychology.
• Finally, the third cycle lasts for 3 years to obtain a doctorate in psychology.

 

Notabene:

It should be noted that for one to conduct psychology studies in Canada, it is foreseen that students from any place in the world must have studied the following subjects in high school: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Without taking much of your time, below are the top 10 psychology schools in Canada

# 1. University of Toronto

U of T is the first school on the list and a perfect place to pursue your dream in the field of psychology as outlined by nourishmymind.com. Founded on March 15, 1827, the U of T University is located at 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada.

 

It is Canada’s top university with a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through the ingenuity and resolve of its faculty, students, alumni and supporters. 

The university is committed to prepare students for success through an outstanding global education rooted in excellence, inclusion, and close-knit learning communities.

 

U of T offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across three main campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough around Toronto with more than 45 libraries thus making it to rank at the first position in Canada.

 

The reason why you should consider taking psychology course at this institute is that the department of psychology makes use of experimental psychology laboratory, thus giving students the opportunity to obtain direct experience for further development in their future careers.

 

The diverse syllabuses of specific subjects teach students how to deal with all kinds of thought processes correctly.

 

Programs

• Psychology
• Psycholinguistics
• Psychology Research
• Neuroscience
• Mental health studies
• Forensic psychology
• Forensic science
• Criminology, law, and society
• Criminology
• Cognitive science

Contact: +1 416-978-2011

 

# 2. McGill University

The second psychology school in Canada is the McGill Universityan English-language public research university that became operational on March 31, 1821 situated at 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal (Québec) H3A 0G4. McGill University cannot be left out when discussing prominent universities in Canada.

 

 It might be surprising to some to be aware of the fact that students at McGill institute come from over 150 countries across the globe. The institution possesses two campuses: the Downtown campus and the Macdonald campus.

 

 

Its mission is to bring out the best in its students to enable them win more national and international awards on average than their peers at any other Canadian universities do. McGill University offers programs across 8 main faculties comprising of various departments.

 

 

It awards both undergraduate and postgraduate certificates to its students. The faculties are the Faculty of Science, Schulich School of Music, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desautels, Faculty of Management, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Our focus is on the department of psychology which offers programs in the Faculty of Arts (B.A. Programs), Faculty of Science (B. Sc. Programs), and Faculty of Arts and Science (B.A. & B. Sc. Programs). At the postgraduate level, the department of Psychology offers two full-time, research-intensive graduate program tracks in Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychology.

 

In the Clinical Program, both research and clinical training are combined and it is fully accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), and is a charter member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.

 

Below are the research areas well represented in the department

1. Behavioral Neuroscience
2. Clinical Psychology
3. Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience
4. Developmental Science
5. Health Psychology
6. Quantitative Psychology & Modelling
7. Social & Personality Psychology

 

Contact: +1 514-398-4455

Emergency contacts:

514-398-3000 (downtown campus)

514-398-7777 (Macdonald campus)

# 3. University of British Columbia

The 3^rd psychology school in Canada on the list is the University of British Columbia (UBC) a well-known global center for research and teaching. It is without a doubt that UBC is one of Canada’s pride as it has consistently appeared among the top 20 public universities in the world.

 

The institute opened its doors in 1915 with the sole aim of providing opportunities to individuals with the curiosity, drive, and vision to shape a better world thus, their vision, which is to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world.

 

The institution possesses two campuses Vancouver Campus, and the Okanagan campus. It awards certificates for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 

A reason you should consider applying to this institute to pursue studies in psychology is that UBC’s department of psychology has always ranked among the strongest departments around the globe.

It is a leader in research and scholarship. The department has over 60 faculty members, more than 130 full-time graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows who conduct research across the spectrum of psychology, representing eight sub-disciplinary specializations:

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Clinical, Cognitive Science
• Developmental
• Health
• Learning Enhancement
• Quantitative Methods
• Social/Personality.

Are you a domestic or international student, it is possible to choose a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences to become a psychologist at UBC. Here is a link to access the various faculties, schools and departments

Contact: +1 604-822-2211

# 4. McMaster University

McMaster University cannot be left out when discussing of psychology schools in Canada. According to the Times Higher Education Universities rankings, the institute featured among the world’s top 85 universities.

McMaster University is a public research university located at 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4L8. and 

It was founded on April 23, 1887, committed to discovery, and learning in teaching, research and scholarship. It has a student population of 23,000.

 

Undergraduate and postgraduate certificates are issued across a variety of specialties. It operates under five faculties and one school: Faculty of Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Science, and Science, and the DeGroote School of Business, respectively.

 

Our focus is on the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, which is under Faculty of Science. The department makes use of modern scientific methodologies of studying the human and animal mind.

 

Department Of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior

Undergraduate programs

• Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (B.Sc.)
• Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (B.A.)
• Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour - Mental Health Specialization (B.Sc.)
• Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour – Mental Health Specialization (B.A.)
• Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour – Music Cognition Specialization (B.Sc.)
• Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour – Music Cognition Specialization (B.A.)
• Combined Honours in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and Another Subject (B.A.)
• Psychology (B.A.)
• Minor in Psychology

Graduate programs

• Animal Behaviour
• Cognition & Perception
• Developmental Psychology
• Evolution & Social Behaviour
• Systems & Behavioural Neuroscience
• Systems & Behavioural Neuroscience

Phone: +1 905-525-9140

# 5. University of Montreal

Université de Montréal in English known as university of Montreal is a co-educational French-language public research university founded in 1878, located at 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada.

The institution comprises of 13 faculties, several departments across various fields of interest and two affiliated schools: the Polytechnique Montréal (School of Engineering; formerly the École polytechnique de Montréal) and HEC Montréal (School of Business).

 

It offers over 650 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 71 doctoral programs. Our focus is on the Department of Psychology, which is under the Faculty of Arts and Science.

 

Department of Psychology

Undergraduate programs

• B. Sc.  in Psychology (Baccalauréat en psychologie)
• B. Sc.  in Cognitive neuroscience (Baccalauréat en neuroscience cognitive)
• Major in Psychology (Majeure en psychologie)
• Minor in Psychology (Mineure en psychologie)

Bi-disciplinary program

• B. Sc. in Psychology, and Sociology (Baccalauréat – Psychologie et sociologie)

Graduate programs

• MA in Psychology - Research
• PhD in Psychology - Research
• PhD in Psychology – Clinical
• PhD in Psychology - Research and Intervention

Short Graduate Program in Clinical Neuropsychology (PhD level) (Microprogramme de 3e cycle en neuropsychologie clinique)

Research interests

• Departmental research interests
• Cognitive neurosciences
• Social psychology
• Health psychology
• Industrial and organizational psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Basic and applied neuropsychology

Phone: +1 514-343-6111

Also check: 9 Best Colleges for Hotel Management in Canada (2023-2024)

# 6. Western University

The list of psychology schools in Canada would not be complete without making mention of the Western university situated at 1151 Richmond Street London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7.

 

Bishop Isaac Hellmuth of the Anglican Diocese of Huron established the University of Western Ontario on 7 March 1878 with the objective of delivering an exemplary learning experience that engages the best and brightest people challenging them to meet ever-higher standards in the classroom and beyond.

 

The institute operates 11 faculties and a school of graduate and postdoctoral studies, and three affiliated university colleges. 

It offers courses across 400 specializations, majors and minors as well as innovative modular degree structures allowing students to combine numerous disciplines.

 

The department of Psychology is under the social science faculty. 

Are you still having doubts on which to apply for so far? It is but normal but with a difference as you are aware of the necessary info about the institutes.

Contact: +1 519-661-2111

# 7. Queen’s University

Another psychology school to pursue your dream in this field is the Queen’s university located at 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada. 

The university is well known for considering students experience by making use of an inclusive approach as well as offering learning beyond the classroom.

The institute is dedicated to providing students with skills needed in today’s competitive and evolving workforce with 91% of Queen’s graduates employed within six months after graduation. Isn’t that great news?

 

Some amenities enjoyed by students includes a fully integrated network of six libraries and is home to several outstanding museums and arts facilities, including the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

 

The department of psychology offers four areas in Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy study level, including Clinical, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social-Personality.

Contact: +1 613-533-2000

Also check: Acceptance Rate of University of Toronto [2023-2024]

# 8. University of Calgary

The 8^th school on the list is the University of Calgary founded on April 29, 1966. One of the many reason why students choose this institute is for its reputation and affordable tuition fee.

 

Calgary University is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and possesses two campuses with its main campus located in the northwest quadrant of the city near the Bow River and a smaller south campus located in the city Centre.

 

The institution comprises of 14 faculties and about 85 research institutes and centers. It offers graduate and undergraduate courses across a variety of specialties. The Department of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Arts.

 

The department is committed to advancing psychological knowledge, developing students’ potential and enhancing well-being in communities.  At the undergraduate level, the institute awards either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

 

The Graduate Program is split into two areas: Clinical Psychology and Psychology. Both areas offer both a Masters and Ph.D.

 

Psychology Undergraduate programs

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

• BA / BA Honours in Psychology
• Minor in Psychology
• Minor in Speech-Language Sciences for Psychology Majors

Combined Bachelor in Psychology and Community Rehabilitation

This is a five-year experiential program. Examine the economic, social, and political forces that serve to marginalize people.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

• BSc / BSc Honours in Psychology
• Minor in Psychology
• Minor in Speech-Language Sciences for Psychology Majors

Graduate programs

• Master of Science (MSc), thesis-based in Clinical Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology

Research Areas

• Brain and Cognitive Science
• Research in Industrial / Organizational Psychology
• Research in Social and Theoretical Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Note: The Clinical Psychology Program only admits students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. degree. The institute does not offer a terminal M.Sc. degree.

Contact: +1 403-220-5110

# 9. University of Ottawa

It would not be fair of discussing the various psychology schools in Canada without making mention of the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world.

 

Founded in 1848 by Joseph-Bruno Guigues, the first bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa, uOttawa or U of O is situated at 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada. The department of psychology is under the Faculty of Social science.

 

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, which are overseen by ten faculties, including the University Of Ottawa Faculty Of Medicine, the Faculty of Law, the Telfer School of Management, and the Faculty of Social Sciences.

 

Undergraduate programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Duration: 4 years

Graduate programs

• Clinical Psychology

Duration: 2+ years

Options: PhD

• Experimental Psychology

Duration: 2+ years

Options: Combined MA/PhD

# 10. University of Waterloo

Last yet not least is the University of Waterloo established in 1957 with just 74 engineering students with cooperative education as its cornerstone. The school is located at 200 University Avenue West Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1.

 

Today, the institute is proud to have an annual number of about 42,000+ students. Waterloo is the number 1 institute in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections.

Six faculties and thirteen faculty-based schools administer academic programs at the university. 

With over 20,000 undergraduate students enrolled in the university's co-op program, Waterloo has the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program.

 

Undergraduate programs

Psychology (Bachelor of Arts degree)

Examines human behaviour from a variety of perspectives, including neuroscience, cognition, clinical, developmental, industrial/organizational, and social psychology.

 

Psychology (Bachelor of Science)

Focus in behavioral neuroscience, forensic psychology, or cognitive psychology or for a medical career specializing in neurology, psychiatry, or pediatrics.

 

Graduate programs

• Psychology - MA
• Psychology - MA (Aeronautics)
• Psychology - MASc (Developmental and Communication Science)
• Psychology - MASc (Industrial and Organizational Psychology)
• Psychology - PhD

Research areas

• Clinical
• Cognitive
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Industrial-Organizational
• Social Psychology

Concluding Remark

We have come to the end of this interesting information about the top 10 psychology schools in Canada. I hope the above information helps you to decide on which to enroll in. Thanks for your time and feel free to comment on other schools that are left out.

 

As observed, bear in mind that on a general note for one to conduct psychology studies in Canada, students from any place in the world must have studied the following subjects in high school: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

 

Admission Requirements to Study Bachelor in Psychology in Canada

• Eligibility Criteria
• A high school grade of B or a 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.
• A minimum grade in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is required.

Language Requirements

All eligible candidates must pass an English proficiency test to get admission to one of Canadian’s top Universities. The tests' minimum results are:

• IELTS – 6.0 - 7.0
• TOEFL – 97 - 100
• PTE - 68
• CAEL – 70

 

Documents Required

• Transcripts of all academic qualifications
• CV or Resume
• LOR or Letter of Recommendation
• SOP or Statement of Purpose
• Score reports of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAEL

In the absence of a scholarship or other financial aid, applicants must provide financial information demonstrating their capacity to fund schooling for the duration of the program.