Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

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  • Student spotlight

    “Know your worth and don’t let anyone discourage you if you are passionate about being part of a helping profession. Seek the numerous amount of resources available on campus. There are career counsellors, professors, and fellow colleagues who would be happy to help, don’t be afraid to ask!”

    Van Bui, psychology student

Psychology at UM

As a psychology student in the Faculty of Arts or Science, you will learn about the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. The department of psychology has many opportunities for you to explore, with two main areas of study:

  1. Social sciences: the study of human behaviour, society and social relationships, personality differences, knowledge of how to predict, explain and alter human behaviour and child development.
  2. Natural Sciences: the study of psychological biological processes, neuroscience and cognitive science, which explores areas such as sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion and motivation and thinking and language.

Skills you will gain by studying PSYCHOLOGY

  • An understanding of human behaviours and mental processes and how they are affected by an individual's physical, mental or external environment
  • The ability to describe, understand, predict and modify behaviours using research and statistical methods
  • The ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to many complex human problems
  • The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

 

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirementsPSYC 1200 or PSYC 1211 and PSYC 1221

To do this year:

  1. Arts or Science - what's right for you? An academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts or Science can help you decide.
  2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Student groups including Undergraduate Psychology Students' Association or Active Minds.
  2. Volunteer with Healthy U or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-StudySTEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements: PSYC 2250 and PSYC 2260, plus 6 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level 

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific requirements related to categories of study required within the degree.

To do this year:

  1. Should you follow a 3-or-4 year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. Declare PSYC major to register for PSYC 2250 and PSYC 2260.
  3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Become a Student Affiliate with the Canadian or American Psychological Association.
  4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters, Klinic Community Health Centre or Let's Talk Science.

Obtain certificates employers may require, including: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, CPR/First Aid, ALLY, WHMIS and Mental Health First Aid.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours, or the the Science Co-operative Education program once you have completed 60 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, an international service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program or check out Community Engaged Learning

 

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Honours: PSYC 3200PSYC 3340 and PSYC 3630,  plus all required courses for your BA Honours program

B.A. (3-or 4-year): 12 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level

B.Sc. (Major): 12 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific requirements related to categories of study required within the degree.

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a psychology advisor for honours and B.Sc. major program approval.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for EntrepreneurshipWorld Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
  4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition and apply for a Psychology Undergraduate Research Experience Award.

Check out student job opportunities with: Career Trek, St. Amant or WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job BankFind My JobIndeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Honours: PSYC 4520 (Thesis), plus all required courses for your BA Honours program

B.A. (4-year) or B.Sc. (Major): 18 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific requirements related to categories of study required within the degree.

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a psychology advisor for honours and B.Sc. major program approval.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the Canadian Psychological Association Annual Convention.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start, which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

What do employers want?

Industries such as business, communications, education, government, health and justice would value a psychology major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Digital technology
  • Industry specific knowledge
  • Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Contact us

Department of Psychology
Room P404 Duff Roblin Building
190 Dysart Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9338