Careers 101: Psychology in Canada
Written by: Seada
As you enter into higher education, you may be asking yourself–or getting asked by parents, teachers, and friends– the popular question, “What do you want to study in university?”
I can understand how this question may provoke anxiety and a sense of feeling overwhelmed.
With guidance and a sense of direction, it is important to understand yourself in order to find an interest in the career world. Begin to ask youself some valuable questions:
- What are my skills?
- Do I like working with a team of people? Or do I prefer to work independently?
- What are my long-term interests?
- Does money matter? If so, how much money do I hope to make?
- Do I hope to move countries one day? Will my career choice allow me to make this decision?
- Does length of study matter to me?
One particular field of study you may be interested in is psychology. Psychology is both as an art and a science. By definition, psychology is the science of mind and behavior. With a master’s degree in psychology, many career opportunities are available. This list is a start, but it’s not exhaustive:
- Recreational Therapist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- School Career Counselor
- Forensic Psychology
- Correctional Psychology
- Addicion Counselor
- Engineering Psychology
- COunseling Psychologist
- Clicincal Psychologist
- School Psychologist
- Neorpsychologist
- Indistrial and Organizational Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
To become a registered psychologist in Canada, first understand that every province/state differs in educational expectations. In Alberta, one can practice as a registered psychologist with a master’s degree in psychology; however, other provinces expect a doctoral (PhD) degree. Some of the personal qualities that will help therapists and psychologists include being person-centered, empathetic, genuine, curious, approachable, ethical, self-aware, emotionally intelligent, patient, compassionate, and skilled in communication.
Here’s an example of what a career path to becoming an RP may look like:
- Completion of a 4 year Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Completion of grad school – emphasis in counselling
- Application to the College of Alberta Psychologists
- Granted Provisional Status “Registered Provisional Psychologist”
- Requirement of 1600 supervised hours
- External Supervisor
- Completion of oral exam
- Completion of EPPP exam
The total length of time to become registered is anywhere between 9 years to 14 years. Now, you may be thinking “Wow–that is a lot of schooling! Ain’t nobody got time for that!”
Feeling overwhelmed is understandable, but for those who are passionate about psychology, the pros certainly outweigh the cons by tons.
Universities in Alberta
University of Alberta
Science route: https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions/undergraduate/admission/admission-requirements/competitive-requirements
Arts route: https://www.ualberta.ca/arts/programs/undergraduate-programs/majors-and-minors/psychology
Grant MacEwan University
Science route: https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/SchoolsFaculties/ArtsScience/Programs/BachelorofScience/index.htm
Arts route: https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/SchoolsFaculties/ArtsScience/Programs/BachelorofArts/index.htm
Athabasca University
No science route.
Arts route: http://www.athabascau.ca/programs/summary/bachelor-of-arts-in-psychology/
Concordia University College of Alberta
No science route.
Arts route: https://concordia.ab.ca/arts/bachelor-programs/psychology/
Here are some more links that will help you explore psychology options in Canada!
Wages and Salaries in Alberta
Website: https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/wages-and-salaries-in-alberta/
Explore Career Options
Website: https://public.careercruising.com/en/
Wesbite: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/planner
All the best with your future endeavors!
With love,
Seada