Bachelor of Science in Psychology
About the Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and the brain – they make you who you are and change how you work, live, and learn with others. Study psychology to understand the science behind human behaviour.
Psychology is the scientific study of thought, emotion, and behaviour, with a focus on the dynamic interplay of biology and environment. In this program you will learn about areas of specialization within Psychology including, social, cognitive, developmental, clinical, neuro/biological, and health. Embedded within the program are themes of wellness and creative problem-solving.
Through experiential learning, such as community service and applied research, you will have hands-on exposure 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, 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 area of focus 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
Transfer options exist for this program. Please check the existing ACAT course transfers.
Related Careers
Psychologist (after further graduate-level study).
Addictions counsellor
Career/employment counsellor
Caseworker; Child care or welfare worker
Correctional officer
Counsellor
Cultural diversity consultant
Educational counsellor
Hospice coordinator
Mental health worker
Program coordinator
Psychology professor
Youth worker
Meet the Faculty
Our faculty members and staff 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:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
-
- 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
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 Science 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 the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
ELA 30-1 (ENGL 095)
Bio 30 (BIOL 095)
Math 30-1 (MATH 096)
Chem 30 (CHEM 095)
1 subject from Group A, B, or C
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)
OR
Alternate Admission
Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
ELA 30-1 (ENGL 095)
BIO 30 (BIOL 095)
Math 30-1 (MATH 096)
Chem 30 (CHEM 095)
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 Science 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 three (3) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, 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, Metis 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
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and complete a minimum of 120 credits with at least (all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted).
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students in the Bachelor of Science 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.