Practicum

  • A third year practicum course is offered, PSYC 3901/3902. It requires a term paper and presentation related to the practicum placement.
  • It is an opportunity to learn in an applied setting within community agencies, hospitals or government departments.
  • Great way to investigate potential career paths and great for the resume.
  • When deciding on a practicum, make sure to find out not just about the organization but the type of work you would be required to do.
  • Choose a practicum that will offer you meaningful challenging work to get the best of your experience.
  • To find out about the organizations that offer practicums look at the 3rd year course listing, select PSYC 3901/3902, then Potential Placements.

B.A General

  • If you are in your last year, and not planning on further educational training, start your job searching and application process early.
  • Many jobs, particularly in government, have long interviewing and recruitment processes and some will require you to take tests.
  • Do not be discouraged if you feel like the process is going slowly. It takes time and patience to find a good job that is challenging and rewarding.
  • Your first job out of university is not the defining job of your career and it will take time to advance in your organization, so do not be disappointed if it is less challenging or high paying than you expected.
  • Keep in mind that Carleton’s Career Centre is available to alumni as well as students and you can always come back for more help.

B.A. Honours

  • A GPA of 10 in Psychology major is required to do the honours thesis for students who transferred into or began the program in Fall of 2010.
  • Prior to the fall of 2010, a GPA of 9 in the Psychology major was required.
  • A thesis is required for most graduate programs in Psychology.
  • If you take the honours essay instead you can take any 1.0 credit at the 3000 level to replace the honours seminar.

If you will be writing a thesis

  • Begin to approach professors about supervision. 
  • Visit the research section of the psychology webpage to find out what kind of research is being conducted and approach professors with research interests similar to yours.
  • When you have found a supervisor you need to fill out the appropriate form and submit to the Department.

If you want to continue to graduate school

  • You may need to take entrance tests such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc. depending on the school or program you are applying to.
  • If you are sure you need to take one of these test start thinking about when you will take it and give yourself adequate time to prepare.
  • You will be likely taking the test during your fourth year.