First: Obtain An Undergraduate Degree
To become a Psychologist in British Columbia you must ultimately obtain a Doctoral degree in psychology. Upon completion of a Masters Degree in Psychology you can register as a “Psychological Associate”, and with the completion of a doctoral degree (PhD), you can register as a “Psychologist”. There is no difference in what a registered Psychologist and a registered Psychological Associate are allowed to practice, only that a Psychologist holds a doctoral degree.
I would recommend choosing an undergraduate that includes a Psychology Honors, Specialization or Major route. This will highly increase your chances of later being accepted into a Graduate program.
Undergraduate Schools With Psychology Degree in British Columbia:
| University of British Columbia |
| University of British Columbia Okanagan |
| University of Northern British Columbia |
| Simon Fraser University |
| Trinity Western University |
| University of Victoria |
Second: Obtain a Graduate Degree
The minimum requirements to register as a registered Psychologist in British Columbia is to have a doctoral degree, and to become a registered Psychological Associate you need to obtain a masters graduate degree. This degree should be a major in psychology or a degree that is very similar to a graduate degree with a major in psychology. You must obtain your degree from a government authorized degree granting institution of higher Canada, or a higher education institution in the United States, or the proper governing body has recognized the University in the specific country country the degree was obtained in. To find out more, please visit: College of Psychologists of British Columbia
Graduate School Programs in British Columbia:
Third: Where and How do I Register?
Register as a Psychologist or Psychological Associate in British Columbia: College of Psychologists of British Columbia
The College of Psychologists of British Columbia will asses whether you qualify using the detailed steps outlined in this PDF: Registration Requirements
The outline of how you will be assessed will follow these general steps:
Step 1: Review of Academic Qualifications
Step 2: Apply for Registration as a Psychological Associate
- Application for Registration
- Supervised Experience: 1 year for post-masters internship and 3 years supervised and 1 year pre-doctoral.
- Examinations (EPPP scale score of 500, a written jurisprudence, and oral examination)
- You will be informed as to your progress as you complete the steps outlined in the Registration Requirements provided by the College of Psychologists of british Columbia.
College of Psychologists of British Columbia
#404, 1755 West Broadway
Vancouver, B.C. V6J 4S5
Toll Free BC: 1-800-665-0979
Telephone: (604) 736-6164
Fax: (604) 736-6133
Further Information On How To Become A Psychologist in British Columbia:
British Columbia Psychological Association – @ BCPA
Canadian Psychological Association – @ CPA
College of Psychologists of British Columbia
Here is the College of Psychologists of British Columbia’s registration requirements.
Hi I’m a high school student that lives in Vancouver,BC.
I would like to ask what electives should i take at grade 11 and 12 to go to the right path of Psychologist stream in BC
Hey Emma,
I’m currently a BA Psychology student. I would suggest the following courses:
Biology 12
Psychology 12
Principles of Math 12
French 12
Biology 12 will help you a lot for Psychopathology (Abnormal Psyc)and the course of Brain and Behaviour as well.
Psychology 12 is very helpful to get a good grade in the first two psychology intro courses.
Principles of Math will help you lots for Statistic and Research Methods courses.
French 12 or another language will help lots regarding the general framework for your degree. Most colleges and Universities require students to take 2 language courses. If you take this in high school, they can waive that requirement.
A course that helped me a lot was Science 10 which helps in Cognitive Psychology.
Good luck!
Advanced stats are required and will be used, especially during your late undergrad and after (think: just about every scholarly journal article ever published). When I was in High School in BC, I took “Stats and probability” and some geometrical (gr 12) course on intersecting 3D lines and planes that helped.
I’ll also recommend bio and chem 12, because various courses (brain & behav., abnormal, and neuro all come to mind) and go down to the cellular, cell-receptor, and chemical level.
Also… and this is more for while you’re attending university: don’t be afraid to submit your essay’s for scholarly review and publishing. A grad school application will look much better if you’ve already been published a few times.
Hi, im a psychology student in Colombia. I was wondering if anyone knows if I could do a masters in clinical psychology and integrative psychopathology in the university of Paris and still do a PhD in Vancouver in order to work as a clinical psychologist there, or do I have to do both an MA and a PhD in Vancouver?
Thank you very much for your time and help
hi, I have completed Masters in English Literature in India, Will I be able to do a Masters in Psychology and Phd thereafter
Hello, I’m wondering if anybody could provide some insight. After my BA, I am hoping to pursue an MA and a PhD in either clinical psychology or forensic psychology. I’m wondering if there are any differences between UBC and SFU’s programs. Thanks in advance! 🙂
Thank you for your initiative.
I am an Indian with Master of Arts in Psychology from India and practicing counselor since past three years. I wish to know what do I need to become a psychologist in BC, Canada and what courses can I pursue to start a career in psychology in Canada ?
What are the topmost required jobs in Canada other than clinical psychology?