Skills Developed through a Psychology Degree

The ability to understand human behaviour can be a powerful tool in any workplace. Here are just a few of the skills a Psychology degree can help you develop:

Core Psychology Skills

• A comprehensive understanding of behaviour, including thought, feeling and action viewed from social, developmental and biological perspectives
• Knowledge of different aspects of psychology from animal behaviour to the philosophy of psychology
• The ability to gather various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields and effectively put them into writing

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements
• An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound and well-reasoned decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
• Logical thinking skills and the ability to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• Canadian Psychological Association
• Ontario Psychological Association
• Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors
• Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists
• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse