Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re having a hard time deciding whether to major in Psychology with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc), it’s important to understand that the Psychology program is identical regardless of which degree you choose. The only difference exists in the degree requirements (see an Academic Calendar for details).

In general, BSc degree requires students to complete math requirements, while BA has language requirements.

Please note: Our program has a heavy focus on research design and statistics, as such, all students are required to take a 2^nd-year Statistics course and an Experimental Research Methods course (in addition to other research-focused courses).

If there’s a course you want to get into, but it’s already full, place yourself on the waitlist. Students will be admitted to courses from waitlists on a first-come-first-serve basis. Follow the instructions here to sign up for a waitlist and ensure you properly register if you receive permission.

The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) is an excellent way to determine if you’re on the right track for graduation. You can run an audit on your own by logging on to DalOnline then navigating to Student and then selecting “Degree Audit Reporting System”. DARS will show you what requirements you have already fulfilled and what you have left to complete for your degree. If you still have questions, you can always contact an advisor.

Dalhousie students can take courses from other institutions, but require permission to do so. To learn about the requirements to obtain permission and the process involved, click here.

Dalhousie offers the opportunity of studying abroad for a semester or a full year. Prior to planning an exchange, students are required to meet with an advisor and complete an application form.

View full details and links to the application process. 

If a course is not listed on the current timetable it means that it is not currently being offered. Course offerings are dependent on instructor availability and demand, and as such, not all courses are offered every year/term. Speak to a Faculty Advisor if you’re wondering if the course will be offered the following year. 

Summer classes are posted to the Academic Timetable in December (with registration for summer classes opening in Februrary).

View DalOnline for course listings

The Dalhousie Bookstore has all the textbook related information you need! Simply enter your campus, term, and courses, and all necessary textbook details (including titles, cost, etc.) will be displayed.

To declare Psychology as your major, students must have completed (or be in the process of completing) Intro Psych I and II with a B- or higher in each.

See our Psychology Year-by-Year Overview for more information. 

To declare Neuroscience as your major, students must have completed (or be in the process of completing) Intro Psych I and II with a B- or higher in each, Introduction to Biology I and II with a B- or higher in each, Introduction to Chemistry I and II, and two Math credits (MATH 1215 and STAT 1060 recommended).

See our Neuroscience Year-by-Year Overview for more information. 

To minor in either Neuroscience or Psychology, students must take 3 full credits (or 6 half credits) at the 2000-level or above.

Most of our upper-year NESC and PSYO courses require a B- in BOTH Intro to Psychology I and II. If you are planning to major or minor in Neuroscience or Psychology, we recommend repeating the course to ensure you have the minimum grade required.  

In order to take upper-year courses in Neuroscience or Psychology, students must have a B- or higher in both halves of Intro Psychology (I and II). Thus, if transferring from another institution, students must have credits for both halves (with a B- or higher in both). If a student does not have both credits, or if they don’t have a B- in each half, they must complete the required credit prior to receiving approval for upper-year NESC or PSYO courses.

The ease with which students can transfer from another program into Neuroscience or Psychology depends on the students’ year of study and what courses they have already taken. Please check our program overviews (NESC, PSYO) to determine what requirements we have for each year and which courses you may already have completed. We then HIGHLY recommend speaking with a Faculty Advisor.

View Psych-at-a-Glance 
View Neuro-at-a-Glance 

Admission to our honours program (for both NESC and PSYO) is merit-based. Students require a minimum grade of “B” in the Experimental Methods course (NESC 2007 or PSYO 2000) and an overall average of “A-” in their last six (6) major-related (NESC or PSYO) courses.

Students who wish to gain research-related experience prior to applying for the honours (or for other reasons) may wish to complete an Independent Research Project (3000.06 or 3001.03). Students may also seek out volunteer opportunities in laboratories within the department. For more information on getting involved with a lab, click here.