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.
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.
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.
Insider Tips
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You don't have to have perfect grades to get into the honours program!
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Most students apply for the honours program at the end of their 2nd year.
Insider Tips
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An honours degree is still useful to have even if you aren't 100% sure if you ultimately go to graduate schools.
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Even if a graduate program does not necessarily require an honours degree, applicants who have one will often be given priority.
Insider Tips
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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!
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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.
You need to have completed the following (all must have grades of at least C-):
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PSYC 104 and 105
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STAT 151 or STAT 161
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At least one 200-level PSYC course
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And PSYC 212 (or at least be enrolled in PSYC 212 for winter semester)
Additionally:
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Must be a psychology major
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Overall cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher (B average or above)
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200+ Level Psychology Courses must have GPA 3.3 or higher (B+ average or above)
Previous course work:
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Minimum of 45 credits completed
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At least 6 credits in PSYC at 200-level or above
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At least 24 credits in last 12 months
Specific courses:
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STAT 252 recommended as required for later coursework
Finally, you must find a faculty member who is interested in supervising you.
Click here for a list of faculty members' research interests!
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Insider Tips
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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
Insider Tips
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Be early! Dr. Rogers is also 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!
What other options do I have if I don't get accepted?
If you don't get accepted into the honours program, or decide that the program isn't for you - don't fret! You can also complete an independent study (PSYC 398, PSYC 498), which will still provide you with the necessary research experience that is often needed in graduate schools.
Similar to the honours program, you will need to reach out to potential supervisors ahead of time. These courses are generally one semester long, but still give you the ability to collaborate with a supervisor on a specific topic in-depth.
It is recommended that you complete at least 2 independent studies in order to be equivalent with an honours degree.
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And finally, being a research assistant in a professor's lab is another way to engage in research at MacEwan and can be added to your curriculum vitae for graduate school. Don't be scared to email professors who you are interested in and see if they have availability in their lab