Psychology
The Psychology Department is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Department offers lower level university transfer courses, upper level courses leading towards a B.A. Psychology Degree and a Post-Degree Diploma Program in Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
The Psychology Department offers a BA degree completion program in collaboration with Thompson Rivers University. Further information about this program can be found on the department website.
Information about the Post-Degree Diploma Program in Psychosocial Rehabilitation can also be found on the department website.
Psychology encompasses many different fields of study and practice. The following is a list of some of these different fields:
- neuropsychology
- developmental psychology
- cognitive psychology
- organizational psychology
- forensic psychology
- social psychology
- cultural psychology
- sports psychology
- abnormal psychology
- clinical psychology
- counselling psychology
- biopsychology
- health psychology
- educational psychology
Many of these areas are covered in courses at Douglas College.
The broad scope of psychology makes it both very interesting and very demanding. Certain aspects of psychology strongly emphasize a natural science approach using experimentation and statistics, and others emphasize a more humanistic and qualitative approach. Both approaches are part of the domain of psychology.
Psychology strives to describe, predict, understand, and influence behaviour and mental processes. With the use of experiments, surveys, naturalistic observations, case studies, and clinical studies, psychologists develop theories and investigate the nature of behaviour, thought and emotion.
Psychology is an evolving and changing field. New research and ideas will change the way we view ourselves and each other. As a field, it continues to grow and develop each day with new subfields being created all the time. This dynamic nature is the very heart of psychology.
Department Website
For an overview of programs, including faculty listings, frequently asked questions and other resources, visit the department website.
Transfer Opportunities
The courses offered through the Psychology Department include the courses required for the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts or Science program with a major in Psychology. Many Douglas College students transfer to Simon Fraser University or the University of British Columbia where they receive credit for courses taken at Douglas College provided they have obtained a satisfactory grade. Of course, students are free to transfer to other institutions, including those outside of British Columbia. Students are encouraged to consult the British Columbia Transfer Guide or contact the appropriate universities for up-to-date information regarding the transferring of courses.
Transfer Information for University of British Columbia
Students interested in honouring or majoring in Psychology are advised to enrol in PSYC 1100 and 1200 at Douglas College. Please note both PSYC 1100 AND PSYC 1200 must be completed prior to transfer. Students who complete two years of study at Douglas College are also advised to take PSYC 2300 and PSYC 2301* before transferring.
Transfer Information for Simon Fraser University
Students interested in honouring or majoring in Psychology are advised to enrol in PSYC 1100, 1200, 2300 and 2301 at Douglas College. In addition, students are advised to enrol in at least one of PSYC 3320, 3330, 3331, or 2341 and one of 2315 or 2360.
Location
The Department of Psychology offers courses at both the New Westminster and David Lam campuses.
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
**Application deadlines may be extended.
Psychology courses are offered in all three semesters - Fall, Winter and Summer. Refer to the specific course description section of this calendar for more detailed information. See Application Deadlines.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all
applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those
applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.
Prerequisite Compliance
Students who are requesting transfer credit from other institutions or submitting high school transcripts from outside of BC to satisfy prerequisite compliance are required to apply and submit those documents no later than three months in advance of the intake.
Other Information
Psychology Lab
The laboratory is designed to give students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience that will enhance their understanding of psychology. The lab provides one-on-one assistance and in-class demonstrations for students. Several courses include a laboratory component. The lab also contains computers that are available for all Psychology students to use.
Laboratory technicians are responsible for the operation of the laboratory. For those students who are running experiments, the psychology Laboratory is a source of guidance as the students collect data and write up their results. Students are given assistance in the analysis of their data to create successful papers.
Open Enrolment
The courses offered in Psychology and Social Science are open to all students enrolled in Douglas College. The only requirement is that course prerequisites are completed. Students who are not interested in pursuing a career in psychology but want to find out more about the subject are encouraged to take PSYC 1100 and 1200 to explore their interests.
Social Science Courses (SOSC)
Faculty in the Department of Psychology and Social Sciences also teach SOSC2140, Organizational Behaviour, SOSC3140, Organizational Theory and Design and SOSC3199, Directed Studies in Social Sciences. There are also opportunities to take part in program evaluation. Contact Graham Rodwell, Chair of Psychology and Social Sciences, for further information.
Recommended Course Sequence
Students must complete PSYC 1100 and 1200 prior to taking other courses in Psychology. After taking these two introductory courses, students are free to take any other Psychology classes that they choose.
Contact
For more information about programs and courses, including the BA Psychology program, please contact Graham Rodwell, Chair of Psychology Department: rodwellg@douglas.college.ca