Developmental Psychological Science specialization (BA)
What is the Developmental Psychological Science specialization (BA)?
Students will gain in‐depth knowledge into historical and contemporary trends regarding human development, from infancy and childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood and gerontology.
How can I apply?
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic degree. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits, including English (ENG4U). It is recommended that Biology (SBI4U) and one of Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U) is taken. To learn more about the admissions process and apply, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.
Experiential Learning: Internships, Practicums, and Community Engagement
To learn more about the Developmental Psychological Science specialization (BA) program’s experiential learning opportunities (e.g., the practicum, the internship, and community engagement projects), check out the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ Experiential Learning Office.
What courses will I take?
Year 1 (30 credit hours):
BIOL 1841U Essentials of Biology
PSYC 1000U Introductory Psychology
SSCI 1910U Writing for the Social Sciences
Two of:
COMM 1100U Introduction to Communication Studies
CRMN 1000U Introduction to Criminal Justice
LGLS 1000U Foundations of Legal Studies
POSC 1000U Introduction to Political Science
Five general electives (recommended elective: ALSU 1101U Foundations for Academic Learning and Success)
Year 2 (30 credit hours):
Two general electives
PSYC 2010U Developmental Psychology
PSYC 2020U Social Psychology
PSYC 2030U Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 2050U Brain and Behaviour
PSYC 2060U Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 2900U Research Methods in Psychology
PSYC 2910U Data Analysis in Psychology
PSYC 3060U Personality Psychology
Year 3 (30 credit hours):
PSYC 3910U Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
Four Psychology electives*
Two FSSH electives**
Three general electives***
Year 4 (30 credit hours):
One of:
PSYC 4110U – Honours Thesis in Psychology I or
Psychology elective*
One of:
PSYC 4120U – Honours Thesis in Psychology II or
Psychology elective*
One of:
SSCI 4098U – Practicum or
SSCI 4103U – Internship or
Psychology elective*
Three Psychology electives*
Four general electives***
Psychology electives*
Any non-required course with a PSYC 3XXX or 4XXX designation can count towards students' necessary Psychology electives.
FSSH electives**
Any non-required course run within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities that does not have a PSYC designation can count towards students' necessary FSSH electives.
General electives***
General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. Any non-required course in any faculty can count towards students' necessary general electives.
To achieve a Developmental Psychological Science (BA) specialization, students will be required to take a minimum of 5 course credits, three of which must come from List A.
List A:
PSYC 3035U – Adolescence
PSYC 3045U – Child Maltreatment
PSYC 3075U – Biopsychology of Sex
PSYC 3330U – Developmental Psychopathology
PSYC 3530U – Developmental Neuroscience
List B:
HLSC 2810U – Child and Adolescent Health
HLSC 4807U – Perspectives in Aging
HLSC 4808U – Exploring Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
FPSY 3039U – Children, Psychology and the Law
EDST 1110U – Foundations of Adult Learning
EDST 3160U – Developing Literacy
EDST 4150U – Holistic Learning in Early Childhood Education
