Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It examines how we feel, perceive, think, learn, and remember, and considers what motivates us, how we develop, and how we act in groups and societies.

Psychology at STU

In our Psychology program, classes are capped at 60 students which allows us to engage with course material at a deep level. Our faculty boast a wide range of expertise that touch on all areas of psychology:

Biological
Clinical
Developmental
Learning and Cognition
Social and Personality

In upper years, students can work closely with professors on advanced research projects which provides opportunities for publication as well as mentorship that’s invaluable in post-graduate studies or professional settings.

“Our faculty have diverse areas of expertise and are excited to help you discover answers to questions you have about people’s perceptions, motivations, traits, relationships, and why they behave the way they do in particular situations.”

Dr. Sandra Thomson, Chair of Psychology at STU

What sets STU’s Psychology Program Apart?

Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.
Courses offered in clinical psychology, which provide a good foundation for those considering a career in mental health.

Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.
Each year, Psychology students present their original research at the Science Atlantic Conference.

For-credit and extracurricular experiential learning opportunities are offered that connect with students’ academic and career ambitions.
Students benefit from faculty expertise in cognition, memory, workplace mental health, child psychology, social psychology, behaviour modification, women and sexuality, romantic relationships, and divided attention.

Where the Study of Psychology can Take You

Students in Psychology develop advanced skills in analytical thinking, research processes, problem solving, and communication. They learn how to use data to answer questions and gain a heightened understanding of themselves and the social world. Psychology students develop the capacity to read interactions and relations with people from different backgrounds, which gives them the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like:

Mental Health and Wellness
Speech Language Pathology
Social Work
Human Services
Medicine
Education
Law
Business

“STU made me a critical thinker. Different theories, therapies, and ideas in my profession come from different schools of thought, with different perspectives and rationales. When I’m learning a new therapy option, I often hear the voice of one of my favourite professors saying “consider the source,” reminding me that everyone has a bias and a perspective—including myself.” 

Casey Dumaresq, BA ’10, Psychology and History 
Speech Language Pathologist 

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

Connect the study of Psychology with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with:

Autism Connections Fredericton
Canadian Mental Health Association
Opal Family Services
John Howard Society of Canada
Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre
Sexual Violence New Brunswick
The Sleep Kit

The Psychology of Human-Nature Connection course includes an outdoor component that’s taught by a professor who is a certified Forest Therapy guide. The course examines the role of nature in relation to health and psychological well-being, social and community aspects of human-nature interaction, and a critical examination of nature oriented therapeutic approaches.

Featured Courses

Drugs and Behaviour
Physical and Emotional Development
Human Sexuality
Psychology of Personal Growth

Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Psychology

Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour, and it’s complemented by fields that explore other aspects of the human experience like Gerontology, Anthropology, and Sociology. Understanding behaviour is central to many issues of global concern, so the study of Psychology also pairs well with Environment and Society, Economics, and Criminology and Criminal Justice.