1. What is Social Psychology?

Social Psychology seeks to understand how individuals are influenced by their relationships and social groups. We take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of self and identity, relationships, norms, attitudes, emotions, culture, intergroup relations, mental health and well-being, crime and deviance, child behaviour, and social networking.

2. What are the program options for Social Psychology? What GPA/courses do I need?

Program options are:

• Honours Social Psychology (BA) Minimum GPA of 5.0. Required courses: SOCPSY 1Z03, SOCIOL 1Z03, and one of PSYCH 1F03 or PSYCH 1X03

3. What is the difference between PNB and Social Psychology?

PNB is focused on the link between brain and behaviour, whereas Social Psychology is focused on social groups and relationships. The admission criteria is also different. in contrast to PNB, Social Psychology does not require courses in math or biology.

4. What can I do with this degree? What are the career pathways?

• Counselling/Psychotherapy
• Education & teaching
• Law
• Research/academic roles
• Occupational Therapy
• Advocacy & community organizing
• Special needs support
• Human Resources
• Public Relations
• Marketing
• Journalism
• Business
• Public Health

Many of our students who take courses in the Mental Health stream are interested in pursuing careers in counselling, psychotherapy, or occupational therapy. Several students have pursued careers in education, teaching, or other work with children.

Others have pursued research-based graduate degrees in social psychology or related social science disciplines. Law school is an option for our students who take the Law, Justice, Crime, and Deviance stream. Many of our other students have gone on to a variety of careers in social services, community organizations, non-profits, and business.

5. What are some experiential opportunities in the program?

Students complete a final-year research project that provides hands-on experience with research design, data collection, and data analysis. Students will learn valuable transferable skills such as qualitative coding and how to use statistical software. Students can also take part in paid internships, tuition-free career planning courses, academic placements, and job shadowing through the office of Experiential Education.

6. What research opportunities are available in Social Psychology?

Besides the final-year research project, students can take an independent research course that allows them to work closely with a social psychology professor. This work may include literature reviews, interviews, surveys, experiments, or data analysis.

7. What graduate programs can I apply for with this degree?

Many social psychology students apply for Master’s programs in counselling psychology, psychotherapy, or occupational therapy. Master’s programs in education or teacher’s college are also very popular with our students as well. Some of our students apply for research-based MA and PhD programs in psychology or sociology, while others apply to law school or to an MBA program.