Academic Advising

The undergraduate academic advisors at Laurier Brantford are available to help you navigate program and course requirements and can assist you in creating an academic plan to meet your needs. You can make appointments with them at any time of year.

You can also contact Psychology (Brantford) Program Coordinator Chris Alksnis at calksnis@wlu.ca.

First, however, carefully read the Program Requirements. Not only does that page tell you what courses you need to take, it addresses the difference between the Comprehensive Honours BA offered at Laurier Brantford and the Research Specialist Honours BA and BSc offered at Laurier Waterloo.

Also check the frequently asked questions below to see if they answer your queries.

FAQ

What grades do I need to get to stay in the program?

To stay in the Comprehensive Honours BA or Combination BA program after first year, you need to have a grade point (GP) of 5.0 (i.e., C) in introductory psychology (i.e., PS101 + PS102 as of the 2010/11 academic year, PS100 prior to that), and a 5.0 in your overall grade point average (GPA).

To progress from Year 2 to Year 3, you need a GPA of 6.0 in your Psychology courses and an overall GPA of 5.0. Similarly, to progress from Year 3 to Year 4, you need a GPA of 6.0 in your Psychology courses and a 5.0 overall GPA.

You must have a GPA of 7.0 (B-) in your Psychology courses to graduate.

If you are interesting in transferring to the Research Specialist program on the Waterloo campus after your second year, see Program Requirements.

What grade do I need in my classes to make it to a GPA of 7.0?

That depends on over how many credits you're spacing the GPA of 7.0. The maximum credits in Psychology you can have is 11.0. So a GPA of 7.0 over 11.0 credits is 7 x 11 grade points = 77. In other words, 77 grade points is your goal. Then calculate how many grade points you have, which is your GPA (found on LORIS, or use the GPA Calculator) times the number of credits you have.

For example, if you have a 6.15 GPA over 6.5 credits, you currently have 39.97 grade points. Subtract what you have from your goal: 77 - 39.97 = 37.03. In other words, you have to attain 37.03 grade points over an additional 4.5 credits (11-6.5=4.5). So you'd need a little over 4 grade points per course, assuming each course is weighted as a half credit (4.5 credits = 9 courses). So you divide the grade points you need by the number of courses you have left to take (37.03/9=4.11).

What if I am placed into General No Designation?

If you were in Psychology but were placed into the General No Designation degree due to unmet GPA requirements, you will not be able to take PS295, PS296 or third-year courses until you have met GPA requirements and have been readmitted into the program. You can take other second-year Psychology courses to mirror the degree as much as possible until you are readmitted.

Help! I'm getting Loris error messages!

Service Laurier should be able to help you out. Email servicelaurier@wlu.ca or call 519.756.8228 x5885.

If the issue is non-technical (i.e. you’re missing a prerequisite or are in the wrong year level for a course you want to take), you will have to fill out the Psychology Override Form. Filling out the form does not guarantee entry into the course.

Do I have what I need to graduate? Am I on the right track?

Before making an appointment, go over the program requirements in the Academic Calendar for your year. Also, check the Degree Evaluation program on LORIS, as it red flags the requirements you have not yet met.

What do I need to transfer from Laurier to another institution? How do I transfer from Psychology at Laurier to another department at Laurier?

This is a question for the institution to which you want to transfer. You have to contact them. Similarly, you have to contact the department to which you want to transfer.

What should I do if I want to take courses outside of Laurier?

You need to find the course outline (not just the description, but the whole outline). If it's not easily available online, contact the department or professor for a copy. The previous year's outline is sufficient if the current one is not available. Then attach it to the Letter of Permission form to be submitted to Enrolment Services.

How do I declare a minor?

A minor is declared when you complete your Application To Graduation form. You should research the requirements for your minor, located on that department's website. Take the courses necessary, then declare the minor when graduating.

Can I switch programs if I decide I don't like what I'm doing?

Yes, if you have the correct requirements and GPA. For more advice and guidance, see Academic Advising.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

The Canadian Psychological Association has posted information about how to become a psychologist in Ontario and information about the similarities and differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.

What can I do with my degree in psychology?

Employers hire people, not degrees. The Career Centre has general information about what skills employers look for and specific information about what you can do with a psychology degree. The Canadian Psychological Association has also put out a publication that provides more detailed information about careers in psychology.

What do I need to get into graduate school?

That depends on the school. The Canadian Psychological Association has a lot of great information. If you go to the most recent Graduate Guide on the site, you will find details on all the graduate programs offered in Canada and what their admission requirements are. If you find a program you like, be sure to check the official university website for up to date requirements. Then make sure you are getting those requirements while completing your program here.

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