Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
About the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and the brain make you who you are and change how you work, live and learn with others. Study psychology to understand human behaviour and the factors that drive it (and you).
Psychology is the scientific study of thought, emotion and behaviour, focusing on the dynamic interplay of biology and environment. In this program, you will learn about a cross-section of areas within Psychology—social, cognitive, developmental, clinical, neuro/biological, and health—linked by a focus on wellness and creative problem-solving.
Through community service and applied research, you will experience hands-on exposure to the application of psychology to solve problems and create a positive social impact. The skills you develop in this program will prepare you for employment in a wide variety of sectors, as well as for graduate-level education in psychology or a related field, or entry into professional programs such as law or medicine.
Work-integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the courses you choose. Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.
Further Study
Many graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology pursue graduate studies or further education in a professional program, such as law or medicine.
Related Careers
A wide range of career paths are available to graduates of this program, including:
Addictions counsellor
Career/employment counsellor
Youth/Family worker
Counsellor
Customs/Immigration agent
Probation/Parole officer
Psychiatric assistant or aide
Research Assistant
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Winter 2025 - Open
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Spring 2025 - Open
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Fall 2025 - Open
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International Intakes
Winter 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
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- First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Program CIP code: 42.0101
To review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility click here.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Bachelor of Arts in Psychology must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
ELA 30-1 (ENGL 095)
Math 30-1 (MATH 096) or 30-2 (MATH 092)
3 courses from Groups A, B, C, or D with no more than one course from Group B or D
OR
Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
ELA 30-1 (ENGL 095)
Math 30-1 (MATH 096) or 30-2 (MATH 092)
1 additional course from Groups A, B, C, or D
Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)
Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.
Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE)
Group D • Five credits of course work at the 30, 33 or 35 level • Two 3-credit subjects at the 30 level (excluding Special Projects) • Note: Some courses can be considered Group D subjects if a higher level of the same subject has not fulfilled a Group A, B or C admission requirement (i.e., French Language Arts 30-2, Social Studies 30-2, Mathematics 30 Applied)
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Indigenous Learners
Information for Indigenous Learners
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated seven (7) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Métis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
In this program, you will choose from a variety of Psychology and non-Psychology courses to create a program plan that reflects your unique goals. All students will complete eight required courses and choose electives from lists of options in many areas of study. You’ll complete 120 credits (typically 40 courses) in total, with a minimum 102 credits in Arts and Sciences courses, and a maximum of 72 credits in Psychology courses.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and complete a minimum of 120 credits.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.