Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Psychological Science Program

The Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan offers a graduate program in Psychological Science, leading to a Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. This program provides students with theoretical, practical, and analytical expertise in psychological science, as well as experience in applying scientific results to real-world problems.

Program Overview

The Psychological Science program is designed for students who wish to conduct original research in psychology under the mentorship of a faculty member. The program is suitable for students with a background in psychology or a closely related field. Upon completion of the program, students will have received training in advanced statistics and research methods and will be proficient in evaluating and carrying out psychological research.

Program Structure

The program consists of two main components: coursework and research. The MA program requires a minimum of 30 credits, including 12 credits of thesis work and 18 credits of coursework. The PhD program requires a minimum of 18 credits of coursework, selected with the approval of the student's PhD committee, as well as the completion of a comprehensive project and a dissertation.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the MA program, applicants must have an Honours degree in psychology or a related field, with a minimum average of A (equivalent to 80% at UBC) or better, over third year-level courses and above. For the PhD program, applicants must have a BA or BSc and MA in psychology or a related field, with clear evidence of research ability or potential.

Research Areas

The Department of Psychology has a diverse range of research areas, including:

• Psychopathology
• Cannabis & psychedelic psychotherapy
• Cognitive psychology
• Computer-mediated communication
• Creativity
• Deception
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Laterality / brain hemisphere interactions
• Neuropsychology
• Positive psychology / happiness and well-being
• Social and personality psychology
• Statistics and research methods
• Rural mental health

Facilities and Labs

The Department of Psychology has access to various research centres and facilities, including:

• The Centre for Obesity and Well-being Research Excellence (The CORE)
• The Centre of the Study of Services to Children and Families
• Cognition and Substance Use Lab
• Emotions Dynamics Lab
• Health Psychology Lab
• Psychology Clinic
• The Human Sexuality Lab
• The Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Lab
• The Psychopathology Lifespan and Neuropsychology (PLAN) Laboratory
• The Social, Emotional, and Equity Development Lab (SEED Lab)
• Social Interaction and Perception Lab
• Therapeutic, Recreational, and Problematic Substance Use Lab
• Truth and Trust Lab

Tuition and Funding

For official tuition and fee information, see the academic calendar's page on standard masters degrees and standard doctoral degree programs. Incoming and continuing Psychology MA and PhD students may be funded through a combination of internal sources such as Teaching Assistantships, Okanagan Graduate Research Scholarships, and/or Research Assistantships.

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates of the psychological science PhD program will be prepared for careers that involve conducting independent research, consulting, and/or teaching in academia, government, or industry. Potential career paths include:

• Professor
• Lecturer
• Research Director
• Program Officer
• Director of Program Evaluation
• User Experience Researcher
• Data Scientist
• Policy Analyst
• Behavioral Science Consultant
• Popular Science Writer/Communicator

Application Process

Applying takes time, and students are advised to start the application process two months in advance of the application deadline. For full consideration, students should submit all application materials by the following deadlines:

• September intake: December 1

Global and Close-Knit Community

At UBC Okanagan, students gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 3% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. The Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, vineyards, orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

Related Programs

• Clinical Psychology

The University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus offers a unique and supportive learning environment, with a strong focus on research and community engagement. The Psychological Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in psychological science, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and industry. With its diverse range of research areas, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty, the Department of Psychology at UBC Okanagan is an ideal place to pursue a graduate degree in Psychological Science.