Psychology

Why Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychologists explore phenomena such as behaviour, brain-behaviour relations, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, development, emotion, language, learning, memory, and social and cultural phenomena. Psychologists strive to expand their field of knowledge to benefit society and enhance lives.

What effect do the different kinds of billboards we see while driving have on road rage? How do our brains handle memory, attention, and perception? How do war, terrorism, and natural disaster affect the organization of autobiographical memory? How does language function as a component of one's identity? How does the ability to inhibit impulsive behaviour develop? How do relationships matter for mental health and well-being?

These and countless other questions are waiting to be answered. With the knowledge gained by exploring these questions, psychologists gain the ability to create practical applications that can enhance our human experience.

By the end of their program, students in psychology acquire the ability to understand different facets of psychology, to think critically using psychological perspectives, and to map their views of the human experience.

The Executive Director of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) explained, in 2012, why Psychological Science Is Important.

Studying psychology

Useful information about what psychologists do and about studying psychology is provided by:

The Canadian Psychological Association regarding the Study of Psychology and a Career in Psychology
The American Psychological Association

Undergraduate Programs

Our Undergraduate Programs offer students the opportunity to learn about diverse topics in Psychology. Learn about the undergraduate programs and courses within our department.

Our Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Our Graduate Programs use an apprenticeship model of training and provide opportunities for students to learn with leading scientists. Learn about the variety of master's and doctoral programs within our department. *Please note that we do not offer training in Clinical or Counselling Psychology.

Our Graduate Programs

Research

The Department of Psychology has world-leading expertise that cut across diverse research themes with human and non-human animal populations. Research themes include behavioural, cognitive and social neuroscience; cognition; comparative cognition and behavior; developmental science; and social and cultural psychology.

Our Research

Department At A Glance

~4300

Undergraduate Psychology Majors, Minors and Honours
72

Graduate Students
29

Faculty Members
(3 Canada Research Chairs)
4

Post-Doctoral Fellows

4

Adjunct Professors
17

Emeriti Professors
10

Professional, Support and Technical Staff
21

Teaching Staff
(2 Teaching Professors, 19 Academic Teaching Staff)

Queer Coffee Hour

Queer Coffee is a community-run social hour that strives to provide a safe space for the Department of Psychology’s 2SLGBTQIA+ members. Supported by the Psychology EDI Committee, we aim to offer community support and care with a side of caffeine – and occasionally arts and crafts.

Queer Coffee meets monthly and is open to all, including undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and staff of the University of Alberta. Come by and drink coffee with us!