Bachelor Of Science - Life Sciences - Psychology at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

If you have a passion for psychology and a strong scientific orientation, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology at Waterloo is the perfect fit for you. This program combines psychology, science, and math courses, emphasizing research methods and data analysis. Throughout your studies, you will engage in hands-on laboratory training and work closely with professors, particularly in your third and fourth years. The program also offers a co-op option, providing you with paid work experience that enhances your learning and career prospects. This degree serves as an excellent launchpad for various careers in behavioral neuroscience, forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, and medical fields such as neurology, psychiatry, or pediatrics.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in the field of psychology, integrating scientific principles and methodologies. The program length is typically four years, allowing students to develop a strong foundation in both psychology and the sciences.

Key features of the program structure include:

Co-op option available, allowing students to gain relevant paid work experience.
Hands-on laboratory training in small groups during the latter years of the program.
Flexibility to choose electives from a wide range of subjects after the first year.
Opportunity to pursue an honours thesis in the final year, focusing on a personal scientific research project.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Waterloo offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and career readiness:

Paid co-op terms that provide nearly two years of work experience while studying.
Hands-on laboratory training, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Collaboration with professors on research projects, fostering mentorship and professional development.
Access to one of North America's strongest psychology departments, known for its excellence in clinical and research programs.
Integration of classroom learning with real-world experience through a structured co-op work-study sequence.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Youth Worker: Support and guide young individuals in various settings, helping them navigate personal and social challenges.
Marketing Assistant: Assist in developing marketing strategies and campaigns, utilizing psychological principles to understand consumer behavior.
Personal Care Worker: Provide support and care for individuals with physical or mental health challenges, enhancing their quality of life.
Health Promotion Assistant: Work with organizations to promote health and wellness initiatives, applying psychological insights to encourage healthy behaviors.
Undergraduate Research Assistant: Collaborate with faculty on research projects, gaining valuable experience in data collection and analysis.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science - Life Sciences - Psychology program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not explicitly mentioned, but students are encouraged to maintain strong academic performance.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses include:

English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.

Overall average of 8.3 is required.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate) is required.

Students are advised to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!