About Psychology and Mental Health

What is Psychology and Mental Health?

Psychology can help us understand the people around us – both how they act and think. In this area of study, we examine human behaviour using the scientific method to answer questions about how we cope with stress, recover from brain injuries, develop language and social skills, understand others through our emotions and more.

Why Choose This Program?

If you’re interested in various psychological topics and the theories behind them, this program is for you.

You will learn how to question deeply and think broadly about the nature of human thought, experience and action. You will also develop the skills to present your ideas and arguments about psychology in a professional manner. As part of your studies, you will take at least one professional certification and have the opportunity to link volunteer hours to course work.

Major Map

View what studying in this program could look like each year, from courses to experiential learning to career development.

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Program Information

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Psychology and Mental Health

Streams

  • Brain and Behaviour
  • Mental Health and Well-Being

Minors (Optional)

  • Management
  • Music


Students in this program are eligible for 140+ Augustana awards (totalling over $485,000)


Low 70s program admission-average range


Embedded certification in , and/or Community Engagement provides practical skills tied to course work.


Strong background in research design and methods, developing critical thinking and evaluation skills you will use throughout your career

Program Objectives

In this program, you will:

  1. Examine the personal, biological and social underpinnings of human behaviour.
  2. Gain practical knowledge of psychology and mental health through experiential learning opportunities.
  3. Explore the ways you can make a difference in your life and communities.

Learning Outcomes

You will leave this program with the ability to:

  1. Understand major psychological theories, concepts and language, and apply them to mental health concerns addressing a broad array of individual, social, political and cultural issues.
  2. Evaluate the quality and credibility of information in academic and popular media reports of psychological research.
  3. Communicate clearly and effectively about psychology and mental health, using appropriate sources and technologies.

Careers

An undergraduate degree in psychology and mental health is great for entry into the workforce or graduate and professional programs. Potential career options include:

Course Highlights

AUPSY 220 - Personality

An introduction to the study of personality. This course looks at relevant research and theoretical points-of-view.

AUPSY 256 - Developmental Psychology

Biological, cognitive, and social aspects of psychological development, with special emphasis on infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

AUPSY 338 - Relationships and Sexuality

A survey of research on intimate relationships and human sexuality from individual and interpersonal perspectives. Topics covered may include methods of sexuality/relationship science, attraction, gender identity, sex roles, sexual orientation, sexual attitudes and behavior, and relationship stresses.

AUPSY 475 - Brain Injury

This course is an introduction to brain injury. We will cover the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury and stroke as well as factors involved in prognosis and recovery.

AUPSY 486 - Clinical and Counselling Psychology

Overview of the major approaches to counselling, providing the foundation for the counselling process. The student is involved in a variety of experiences in order to understand the basic concepts of each approach. Issues within the counselling profession such as ethical behaviour and career opportunities are also covered.

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Rebecca Purc-Stephenson

Featured Faculty

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson is an applied social psychologist who teaches courses in personality, community psychology and forensic psychology. Her primary area of research involves occupational health and well-being in the agricultural sector.

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