Mental Health Studies

Admissions Category: Psychological & Health Studies

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/welcome-department-psychology

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

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

Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply to the Psychology Department’s Budding Scholars program.
Apply to UTSC chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honour Society in Psychology.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA) to connect with students in psychology; explore other student groups as well.
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

Get involved in the Psychology & Neuroscience Undergraduate Journal Club to learn how to critically analyze scientific literature, and discuss articles with peers.
Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the ISC to gain valuable international and research experiences.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
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

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

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)

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

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; and for access to full-time job listings.
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)