Psychology
What is Psychology?
Psychology specializes in the study of human (sometimes animal) behaviour, both normal and abnormal. It is the study of individual processes and relationships in a wide variety of contexts. Psychology courses are among the most popular ones for undergraduates and the department offers a BA and BSc degree to its many majors and honours students.
Areas of research range widely and include human sexuality, depression, feminist perspectives, autism, women's studies, problem gambling, gender and laterality, pain assessment and management, infant and adolescent development, cultural psychology, self-concept and identity, bilingualism and cognitive neuroscience. It should be noted that some areas pertain to Experimental and Applied Psychology and others to Clinical Psychology.
What Can You Be With a Major/Honours in Psychology?
A major does not dictate your career; it provides you with invaluable skills and knowledge that you can apply to many areas of life and work. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:
- Human Services Worker
- Youth Home Manager
- Advertising Executive (Media, Planners, & Buyer)
- Mental Health Assistant
- Search for Careers for more career possibilities.
With additional education/training…
- Psychometrist
- Social Worker
- University Professor
- Mental Health Counsellor
- Psychologist
- Forensics Specialist
Where Can You Work?
- Mental Health Organizations
- Group Homes
- Research Institutions
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Public Relations Firms
- Hospitals
What Skills Can You Develop?
An Arts degree helps you develop transferable, functional skills such as writing, critical thinking and communication skills that employers and most work situations require. Concentrating your studies in a major allows you to gain specific transferable skills, such as those below, which are attractive to particular employers and industries.
- Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity
- Skill in writing carefully reasoned reports and essays
- Ability to interpret and clearly explain psychological research and tests of all types
- Ability to evaluate personal problems and make appropriate decisions
- Ability to appreciate others' perspectives
- Ability to organize and memorize detailed information
- Ability to observe and analyze introspectively
- Proficiency in interpersonal communication
- Sensitivity to and understanding of others
- Skill in approaching problems from a variety of perspectives
- Helping other clarify and articulate goals
- Establishing warmth and rapport
- Raising self-esteem of others
- How to engage in two-way dialogue
- Group facilitating
- Ability to listen effectively and answer questions
- Mentoring
- Understanding
- Ability to put things in perspective
- Problem-solving skills
Professional Associations:
Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations you can explore.
- Canadian Psychology Association
- College of Psychologists of New Brunswick (email: cpnb@nbnet.nb.ca)
Contact the Department
UNB Psychology Department
38 Dineen Drive
Room 119, Keirstead Hall
Fredericton NB E3B 6E4
