Honours Program

What is it?

MacEwan’s psychology honours program is an opportunity for high achieving students to get more out of their degree. Students are selected for specific criteria and have an opportunity to work on an original research project with a faculty supervisor. The unique challenges that come with writing an undergraduate thesis will set a student apart from competition when applying for graduate school, professional programs, and jobs.

Tips

You don't have to have perfect grades to get into the honours program!
Most students apply for the honours program at the end of their 2nd year.

Why should I consider it?

Graduate schools prefer (and sometimes require) an honours degree. Instead of a minor, the student fully specializes in psychology and acquires advanced research experience. Students are mentored by a faculty supervisor, and often provided invaluable guidance. This 'hands-on' research experience can even take you to conferences, result in publications, and build a network of colleagues for the future.

Tips

An honours degree is still useful to have even if you aren't 100% sure if you ultimately go to graduate schools.
Even if a graduate program does not necessarily require an honours degree, applicants who have one will often be given priority.

What do I do once I am in the honours program?

The honours program is 2 years long. The first year is typically the “planning phase” in which the student meets with their supervisor to discuss possible research projects. During this first year, students will take PSYC 312 Advanced Research Methods in the fall, and PSYC 400 Psychology Senior Seminar in the winter. PSYC 400 will provides the advantage of oral presentation practice, in-depth exploration of graduate school application and attendance, and insight into what makes a strong academic.

If you have not completed STAT 252 in previous semesters, you must complete it during the first year of the honours program.

The second year of the program focuses on data collection and writing your thesis. The student is enrolled in PSYC 499A Honours Thesis I for the fall and PSYC 499B Honours Thesis II for the winter. These courses will provide the student time to work on their research project and the syllabi will be tailored to the individual students agreed upon timeline and marking criteria set out by the supervisor.

Tips

There is a good chance that you get anxious while reading all this and think to yourself, "I can't do this, it's too intense." This feeling is completely normal. The program can definitely seem like a lot to handle, but you aren't in it alone! Each year's honours cohort consists of ~15 other students!
Part of what makes you a good fit for the honours program is passion for research. As your develop your honours thesis, you'll find yourself all the more excited about your topic and be itching to begin more projects.

What is the application process like?

It is important to check that you meet the prerequisites for the honours program.

Completed a minimum of 45 credits including 6 credits in senior-level (200-level or above) psychology courses
Completed PSYC 212 and STAT 151 or STAT 161
Completed at least 24 credits in the past 12 months
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (all courses) and a minimum GPA of 3.3 on senior-level psychology courses
Declared psychology as your major in either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program
It is recommended but not required that you have completed STAT 252.

Finally, you must find a faculty member who is interested in supervising you.

Click here for a list of faculty members' research interests!

Tips

The honours advisor will be your life-saver when it comes to planning your requirements before and during the program. As of 2020, the honours advisor is Dr. Sean Rogers! See below for more information about Dr. Rogers.

Who can I talk to about the honours program?

Aside from your supervisor, your main point of contact for the honours program will be the honours advisor, Dr. Sean Rogers!

Dr. Rogers is an important resource because he assists you with optimal course planning tailored to your future goals, and he provides oversight ensuring that you meet all the requirements for graduation.

Additionally, Dr. Rogers is available to meet one-on-one for consultation regarding options available post-undergraduate study.

Tips

Be early! Dr. Rogers is a very active supervisor, instructor, and researcher in addition to being the honours advisor. So if you need to learn more about the program, do it sooner than later!