Mental Health Studies
Mental Health Studies Specialist (HBSc)
Program Overview
Mental Health Studies is a sub-discipline in the field of Psychology that examines psychological well-being and mental disorders. This program focuses on processes relevant to abnormal thought, feelings and behaviour. The program seeks to understand the causes of mental disorders from the level of the brain to the impact on everyday life. Students in this program are often interested in moving into careers in the mental health field. The program aims to provide preparation for students in fields such as clinical psychology, psychiatry or psychiatric social work. Programs in Psychology and Mental Health Studies cannot be combined.
Complementary Programs: Neuroscience, Health Studies, Human Biology, Sociology, Anthropology, Linguistics
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Communication (oral and written)
- Interpersonal abilities
- Mediate and negotiate
- Knowledge of mental health issues
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Research
- Teamwork
- Planning/Organizing
- Problem-solving and reasoning
- Leadership
Careers for Graduates
- Case Manager in Social Services
- Psychometrist’s Assistant in Psychological Services
- Research Assistant in Hospitals
- Human Resource Assistant in Business
- Youth Worker in Community Services
- Marketing Representative in Business Services
- Employment Consultant in Non-Profits
Further Education
- Psychology
- Clinical or Counselling Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Education
- Medicine
- Law
- ABA Behaviour Therapy
- Human Resources
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete PSYA01H3 and PSYA02H3.
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use Degree Explorer and our program checklists to plan your future courses.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
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Apply to the Psychology Department’s Budding Scholars program.
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Apply to UTSC chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honour Society in Psychology.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
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Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Join the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA) to connect with students in psychology; explore other student groups as well.
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Volunteer in the Alternative Reading Week to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development; visit Department of Student Life (DSL) for details.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx.
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete core courses: PSYB07H3 (or equivalent), PSYB70H3, PSYB30H3, and PSYB32H3.
- Begin taking B-level courses toward the Psychosocial and Psychobiological and Additional credits in Psychology program requirements (see the UTSC Calendar for details).
- Use Degree Explorer to plan your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Supervised Study course [PSYB90H3].
- Seek out volunteer positions in faculty research labs.
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Apply Theory to Practice
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Get involved in the Psychology & Neuroscience Undergraduate Journal Club to learn how to critically analyze scientific literature, and discuss articles with peers.
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Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the ISC to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
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Complete the Global Citizenship Certificate; look into Global Learning opportunities such as the Summer Abroad program and the Explore program through the International Student Centre (ISC).
Plan for Your Future Career
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Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete PSYC37H3.
- Continue taking B- and C-level courses toward the Psychosocial and Psychobiological and Additional credits in Psychology program requirements (see the UTSC Calendar for details).
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Supervised Study course [PSYC90H3].
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize, the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards, and the U of T Excellence Award (UTEA).
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA).
- Take part in the Wellness Peer Programs in the Health & Wellness Centre to help foster a healthy community.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 credit in Psychology at the D-level.
- Complete any other outstanding program requirements.
- Ensure you have at least 2.0 credits in your program at the C-level or higher.
- Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Thesis course [PSYD98]. Plan ahead to ensure you meet prerequisite requirements.
- Apply for a travel award through the DSL or Department of Psychology.
- Again, consider competing for UTSC Library, NSERC, and UTEA awards.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the Summer & Full-Time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; and for access to full-time job listings.
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Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
- ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
- PNDA - Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/psychology-and-neuroscience-departmental-association-pnda)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactAinsley Lawsonpsychology-undergraduate@utsc.utoronto.cahttps://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/welcome-department-psychology
- Mental Health Studies LibrarianSarah Guaysarah.guay@utoronto.caARC main floor416-287-7497https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association [PNDA]https://www.facebook.com/thepnda/
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
Did You Know?
UTSC is home to the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, offering an MA/PhD program in clinical psychology.