Mental Health Studies Major (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Psychological & Health Studies
Are you a prospective student applicant?
You can enter the to accelerate your career in a health care profession
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:
, , , , ,
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鈥檚 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 and .
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use and our program checklists to plan your future courses.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Get writing support at the .
- Apply to the Psychology Department鈥檚 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 (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 expand your interests 鈥 you can check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete core courses: (or equivalent), , , and .
- Begin taking B-level courses toward the Psychosocial and Psychobiological and Additional credits in Psychology program requirements (see the for details).
- Use to plan your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Supervised Study course [].
- Seek out volunteer positions in faculty research labs.
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the (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 (>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 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 (
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete .
- Continue taking B- and C-level courses toward the Psychosocial and Psychobiological and Additional credits in Psychology program requirements (see the for details).
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Supervised Study course [].
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library , 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, , DSL and the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the (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 .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the 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 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Thesis course []. Plan ahead to ensure you meet prerequisite requirements.
- Apply for a travel award through the DSL or Department of Psychology.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
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 (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- ISC - International Student Centre (/utscinternational)
- PNDA - Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (/psych/psychology-and-neuroscience-departmental-association-pnda)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
Departmental Contact
Ainsley Lawson
E-mail: psychology-undergraduate@utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/welcome-department-psychology
Mental Health Studies Librarian
Sarah Guay
E-mail: sarah.guay@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7497
Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association [PNDA]
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Did You Know?
UTSC is home to the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, offering an MA/PhD program in clinical psychology.