Psychology (BA)

at UBC's

Okanagan Campus

Psychology explores diverse topics, from the factors involved in social interactions among individuals and groups, to the processes underlying the nervous system, to moral development in children and what gives us a sense of well-being. Round out your degree with arts courses that complement your study of human and animal behaviour.

This program is also offered at UBC's Vancouver Campus
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Program information

  • Campus: Okanagan
  • Faculty: Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op Yes
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours Yes
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

Psychology is the study of human and animal behaviour, ranging from the factors involved in social interactions among groups of people and the firing of individual cells in the nervous system to moral development in children. A psychologist might assess and treat mental or behavioural problems, research psychological processes through observation and experimentation, or act as a consultant to corporations to improve employee motivation and productivity. You can complete either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology. Bachelor of Arts programs offer a major, honours, or a General Studies BA with a concentration in Psychology.

Experiential learning and research

Advanced courses give you the opportunity to apply your education to real-life situations. You can also complete advanced coursework where you will be guided in the practical application of research methods for planning and carrying out program evaluations, including developing your own evaluation designs. Directed studies courses give you the opportunity to conduct an investigation of a research problem, which will require a written report of your findings. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences holds an annual undergraduate research conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.

You can meet your Psychology program peers and explore career options by joining the Psychology Course Union, a student organization on UBC’s Okanagan campus.

What can you do with this major after graduation?

Your future

A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving with your career over time.

Program requirements

English-language requirements

English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.

General admission requirements

IB Diploma Programme

  • Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.

IB Certificate Courses

  • IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
  • IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.

Degree-specific requirements: Arts

  • No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.

  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics and Computation
  • Second Languages
  • Social Studies
  • Visual and Performing Arts
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