Program_BA in Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Study how biology and environmental factors work together to impact thought, emotion, and behaviour. Learn the scientific, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills you need to understand human behaviour.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Degree
4 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus

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, with a focus 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.  

This program includes many opportunities for experiential learning, such as community service and applied research, providing you with hands-on exposure to the application of psychology to solve problems and create 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 for 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. 

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2027
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Winter (Domestic) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Winter (International) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • 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 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.   

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Year 1
$10,492.00
Year 2
$11,112.00
Year 3
$10,252.00
Year 4
$10,102.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students 
Year 1
$27,162.00
Year 2
$29,282.00
Year 3
$26,422.00
Year 4
$25,772.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

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.

Choosing Electives Guide

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.