Careers in Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour
Getting Started
Career exploration takes time and is an iterative process that begins with reflection. Ask yourself: what kind of life do I want?
If you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend starting with the following chapters:
- Start Here: Your Career Path
- The Importance Of Self-Assessment In Career Planning
- How To Research Career Paths
- Finding Your Impact: A Problem-Solving Approach To Career Planning
- Take Action: Test Out Your Career Ideas
For personalized support, book an appointment with a Science Career Advisor at the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) on OSCARplus.
Studying Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour At McMaster
Interested in learning more about Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour programs at McMaster? Visit the Department of Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour website and consult the Academic Calendar for detailed program information. For guidance on program eligibility and requirements, connect with an Academic Advisor in BSB 136.
Which PNB program is right for you?
Visit the Department of Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour website for the complete table.
What Skills Do Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour Graduates Develop?
Graduates of McMaster’s Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour programs build a wide range of employability skills, including:
Science Professional Competencies
In addition to discipline-specific skills, McMaster Science students develop eight Science Professional Competencies that prepare them for diverse career paths. Learn more about these competencies here.
Entering The Workforce
Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour graduates from McMaster pursue careers across a wide range of industry sectors. Most commonly, they work in:
Spotlight of careers in counselling and therapy
|
Job Title |
Description |
Organizational/Training Requirements |
|
Apply scientific understanding to help individuals, institutions, and society with issues related to mental health, behaviour, and happiness. |
Advanced degrees (Ph.D. or Psy. D.) state licensure |
|
|
Medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental illness, often using medication. |
Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), residency in psychiatry, board certification |
|
|
Provide talk therapy to help clients manage and overcome mental health issues. |
Training in psychotherapy, often requires state licensure |
|
|
Often guidance and support for personal, mental, and emotional issues. |
Degree in counselling or related field, state licensure |
Want to learn more about one of these occupations? Use the Government of Canada Job Bank “Job Profiles” tool to explore job descriptions, education requirements, and labour market trends.
Other common occupations for Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour graduates:
Click on a job title to learn more about the role, qualifications, and employment outlook in Canada:
- Academic Program Assistant
- Autism Behavioural Therapist
- Autism Therapist
- Behaviour Consultant
- Behaviour Therapist
- Communication Manager
- Digital Communications Coordinator
- Data Scientist
- Early Childhood Educator
- Employee Assistant Program (EAP) Coordinator
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist
- Family Support Worker
- Human Resources
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Professional Counsellor
- Organizational Psychologist
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Medical Rehabilitation Science/Physiotherapist
- Research Coordinator
- School counsellor
- Substance Abuse Counsellor
- Support services Professionals
- Therapy Counsellor
- Primary Teacher
- Secondary Teacher
- University Professor
- Mental Health Research Director
The occupations shared above is not an exhaustive list of careers you can pursue!
Connect With McMaster Alumni
Curious about what McMaster Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour graduates have done with their degree? Join MacConnect, McMaster’s alumni networking platform, hosted by Alumni Career Services.
MacConnect gives you access to a global community of Marauders and is your key to connecting with alumni who are eager to support your career journey. It’s quick and easy to sign up—and you’ll find a wealth of experience, insights, and career advice from a generous and diverse alumni network.
Use MacConnect to:
- Explore career paths by connecting with alumni in your field of interest
- Learn what it’s like to work abroad and gain international perspectives
- Get job search tips from experienced professionals
- Discover how others have used their McMaster degree across industries
- Build meaningful relationships with alumni mentors and expand your network
For more guidance on how to network with alumni, visit Conducting Information Interviews.
Further Education
It is very common for undergraduate students to pursue additional education or training. Use the Government of Canada Can Learn Program Search tool to explore further education programs across Canada, including certificates and diplomas.
Psychology-Specific Professional Associations
Professional associations are excellent sources of industry-specific information, networking opportunities, and often feature dedicated job boards. Consider joining one aligned with your discipline or career interests:
Psychology-Specific Job Search Resources
Looking for job opportunities in related fields? These platforms offer targeted listings and resources:
- Canadian Psychology Association Careers
- Ontario Psychology Association Careers
- Psychology Careers
- Psychology Jobs on Indeed
For additional job search support, visit the following chapters:
Need more support with your career planning?
Meet with a Science Career Advisor
Book a 30-minute appointment with the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) in advance through OSCARplus.
Design your future with SCIENCE 2DL3
Enrol in SCIENCE 2DL3: Design Your Science Career— an interactive career development course designed to help undergraduate students take charge of their future with creativity and confidence.
Follow us on Instagram @McMasterSCEC
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