Our Psychology Program
Our psychology program continues to be one of the University’s most popular programs. Our small classes ultimately provide students with individual attention and a more personal student-professor relationship.
Are you a college student? Visit the ONTransfer website to view more of our pathway agreements.
Our psychology program offers two different degrees, tailored to the students’ strengths and interests. The Bachelor of Science (BSc four-year) degree requires students to complete a greater number of biological-based courses compared to the Bachelor of Arts (BA four-year) degree.
In addition to the standard courses on methodology that are required for a psychology degree, we offer courses on a wide range of topics in psychology. The majority of courses that we offer fall under one of two broadly-based categories: those that focus on the social bases of behaviour, and those that focus on the biological bases of behaviour. While it is widely known that psychology can involve the identification of, and counselling for, abnormal thoughts and behaviours, there are many other areas of psychology that you can explore with us.
A psychology degree is really a stepping stone to the next phase of a student’s life. We teach you how to be dedicated, motivated, and to think critically about scientific data, human and non-human behaviour, and science in general. These are skills that are in demand by many prospective employers. Many of our former students have continued with higher education at the graduate level, earning Master’s and PhD degrees. We also have former students with law and education degrees, and others who are now speech and language pathologists, audiologists, forensic psychologists, and neuroscientists.
What You Can Expect
Hands-on learning, a close-knit campus community, and caring faculty.
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Fourth-year Thesis
Our fourth-year thesis course allows students to select a topic of their choice, conduct an extensive review of literature, design their own experiment, collect and analyze data, and present their research at the Algoma University Annual Psychology Thesis Conference. Check out our previous psychology theses!
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Summer Employment Program
Each summer, the Psychology Department hires students as Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants through the Summer Employment Program. Such positions provide students with valuable experience working in their field.
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Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
Psychology students are eligible for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA). These awards are meant to stimulate students’ interest in research in the natural sciences and engineering.
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Two degree options, one great program
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The science-based option has a greater number of biological-based courses. Each will use both sides of your brain.
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Study the forefather of psychology
Students will study the theories and minds of history’s most influential psychologists, and will learn how their theories relate or conflict with each other. Students will study Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, B. F. Skinner, Erik Erikson, and many more.
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Nature versus Nurture
One of the oldest debates in psychology, students will learn about the nature versus nurture debate and analyze which side has a greater influence on childhood development, or if both exert equal force.
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Tweeting in the classroom
Did you know that all of Dr. Brodbeck’s lectures can be found online on iTunes as podcasts and that he encourages tweeting inside and outside of the classroom to facilitate discussion and to get extra help? Follow him on Twitter @dbrodbeck.
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Open door policy
Our caring faculty maintain an informal setting where you are welcome to drop by our office to discuss any academic matters. This allows students to seek help, find answers outside of regular class time, and broaden their overall understanding of psychology.
Our Courses
Please visit the Student Portal or the Employee Portal to access the Course Catalogue via “Self-Service“.
For members of the general public who wish to learn more about Algoma University’s academic programs and course offerings, please visit our Academic Calendar webpage.
Master of Psychotherapy (MAP)
Offered full-time or part-time, the Master of Psychotherapy (MAP) program combines theory, clinical skills, and real-world experience to prepare you for a meaningful career helping others thrive.
START NOWMeet our Faculty and Staff
Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing the support necessary to assure our student’s academic and career success!
Meghan Boston-McCracken, MSW, RSW
Coordinator, Psychotherapy Practicum and Admissions Support
View Full BioDr. Laurie Bloomfield
Acting Dean, Cameron Faculty of Science, Associate Professor
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4314
Educational Background:
- PhD (University of Alberta)
- MA (Queen’s University)
- BA Hons (Laurentian-Algoma University)
My area of specialization may be broadly listed as Cognitive Psychology; I am interested in how songbirds, which are vocal learners like humans, pay attention to, and utilize, their vocalizations in their social world. Therefore my research areas encompass the following aspects of psychology: attention, perception, language/communication, and comparative psychology. I teach courses on cognition, perception, and neurobiology, and act as coordinator for the fourth year thesis course where I assist in research design and data analysis.
In collaboration with fellow faculty members and student research assistants, I am also investigating whether birds use particular vocalizations to communicate the discovery of profitable food sources. This is being conducted both in the field and in my laboratory, which has an operant conditioning testing room, a spatial cognition testing room, and a sound-attenuating chamber for recording individual birds. Check out my website for more information and pictures.
On a more personal level, I enjoy reading horror/suspense/sci-fi novels, and baking and decorating cakes. When I have the opportunity to get out of the house, I spend time with my husband and our young daughter at our camp north of the city, riding our four-wheeler or snowmobile. I also enjoy visiting with extended family in southern Ontario during the summer.
For more information, check out my website.
Dr. David Brodbeck
Professor, Psychology
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4336
Educational Background:
- PhD (University of Toronto)
- MA (University of Toronto)
- BA Hons (University of Western Ontario)
My research focus is on spatial cognition in various species, especially birds, but I have done work on human cognition as well. Generally, my area of specialization is evolutionary psychology. I am interested in how evolution has shaped cognitive systems. I teach courses on statistics, animal behaviour, neuroscience and neuropharmacology. I podcast all of my lectures, which are available on my class website, or search for ‘Dave Brodbeck’ on iTunes.
In my spare time I like to play video games (xbox live and PSN username dbrodbeck) and I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.
I wear the badge ‘geek’ proudly. My interests include science fiction, technology and history. I have a number of personal podcasts covering topics such as retro television, technology, sci-fi and history, pop culture and a show with my wife, Isabelle Michaud, which is one of the longest running podcasts in Canada. Isabelle is a French Prof here at Algoma U. I have appeared on a number of podcasts including Futures in Biotech on the TWiT network and Fourcast with Tom Merrit and Scott Johnson. Follow me on twitter @dbrodbeck.
For more information, check out my website.
Dr. Paul Dupuis
Associate Professor, Psychology
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4332
Educational Background:
- PhD, (Queen’s University)
- MA, (Queen’s University)
- BSc Hons (St. Mary’s University)
My main teaching and research interests are in forensic psychology and criminal behaviour with a focus on social cognitive/perceptive processes. Much of my research regards witness memory for crimes and perpetrators but I am moving towards examining interrogation techniques as well as how people perceive, and make judgments about, violent altercations.
Outside of academics I love to spend time with my family and friends, having barbeques, cooking, and playing games. I am a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, both figuratively and literally, and love to take my daughter skating and to Soo Greyhounds games.
Dr. Arthur Perlini
Professor, Psychology
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4116
Credentials: BA Hons (University of Western Ontario), MA (Carleton University), PhD (Carleton University)
Dr. Dwayne Keough
Associate Professor; Chair, School of Psychology
[email protected]
705-949-2301
Teaching Interests:
Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to teach a variety of undergraduate courses. I particularly enjoy teaching introductory to psychology, sensation and perception, cognition, human neuropsychology, and statistics. No, that was not a typo…I really do like teaching statistics!
Research Interests:
In general, I am interested in motor control. More specifically, I want to understand how sensorimotor feedback is used during motor planning and execution. My research has largely focused on the importance of auditory feedback during singing. To this extent, I have examined how individuals with differing levels of expertise rely on what they hear to control their voice fundamental frequency (pitch). I am also interested in other areas of perception and comparative cognition
Recent Publications:
- Keough, D., Hawco, C., & Jones, J. A. (2013). Auditory-motor adaptation to frequency-altered feedback occurs even when participants ‘ignore’ feedback. BMC Neuroscience, 14, doi:10.1186/1471-2202-14-25.
- Keough, D., & Jones, J. A. (2011). Contextual cuing contributes to the independent modification of multiple internal models for vocal control. Journal of Neurophysiology, DOI: 10.1152/jn.00291.2010.
- Keough, D., & Jones, J. A. (2009). The sensitivity of auditory-motor representations to subtle changes in auditory feedback while singing. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 126, 837-46.
- Hawco, C., Jones, J. A., Ferretti, T., & Keough, D. (2009). ERP correlates of online monitoring of auditory feedback during vocalization. Psychophysiology, 46, 1-10.
- Jones, J. A., & Keough, D. (2008). Acoustic-vocal mapping for pitch control in singers and nonsingers. Experimental Brain Research, 190, 279-287.
Dr. Teryn Bruni
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Dr. Bruni is a Paediatric Psychologist with expertise in integrated care, school psychology, and applied behaviour analysis. Her research interests include evaluating the effectiveness of single-session mental health interventions, the use of professional task-shifting to increase access to mental health support, and the promotion of psychological flexibility in youth. She is focused on establishing a program of research that is responsive to the needs of the community and aligns with ongoing mental health initiatives. Dr. Bruni is a licensed Psychologist in the state of Michigan and is currently in the process of pursing her registration in Ontario. She has maintained her behaviour analysis certification with the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board since 2011. Her predoctoral and postdoctoral training was in the area of behavioural pediatrics, which included rotations in integrated primary care, elimination disorders, weight management, sleep medicine, and feeding disorders. Dr. Bruni worked as a faculty member at Michigan Medicine for four years, where she provided and supervised mental health services within the pediatric primary care setting. During her time at Michigan Medicine, she became interested in the conduct of implementation research to improve patient access to evidence-based mental health interventions within the paediatric primary care setting.
Dr. Chantal Lemieux
Assistant Professor, Psychology
[email protected]
24 Queen St E, Brampton
Educational Background:
PhD, (University of Ottawa)
MA, (University of Ottawa)
BA Hons (University of Ottawa)
My main research interests are in Cognitive Psychology where I have experience in several areas within the domain of higher-order cognition, including face perception, spatial cognition, metacognition and driving. Most recently, I have been focused on gender differences in spatial cognition, particularly visual spatial cue processing and performance monitoring. I am particularly excited to be teaching Sensation and Perception where I have several physical in-class demonstrations and illusions which make for a fun course! My other teaching interests include: Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience, Scientific Method and Analysis, and Laboratories in Psychology.
Outside of academics, I am a proud mother to two curious boys who enjoy the outdoors going on nature walks and hikes with our dog. I enjoy yoga, playing soccer, and gardening. Most of all I love to travel. I have been to Thailand, Cambodia, India, Philippines, various countries in Europe, and the US and hope to grow this list throughout the years.
Dr. Karolina A. Bearss
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Educational Background:
PhD: York University
MSc: Trent University
BSc: York University
I am particularly interested in how we integrate multisensory information – signals of vision, audition, touch and proprioception in the brain and convert them into motor movements of our eyes, limbs and body in response to external stimuli. I further investigate how this integrated multisensory information is modulated by learning, memory, cognition and attention by using various cognitive and neuroscience techniques such as eye tracking to measure eye movements; electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure changes in electrical rhythms of the brain, and fMRI to measure activity and structure of the brain. I studied Psychology as an Undergrad at York University, completed a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology at Trent University and graduated from my PhD at York University in 2022. I have special interests in understanding how dance, an alternative form of fun, physical exercise therapy, helps improve both motor and non-motor Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, which was the focus of my doctoral work and continued passion in research. See more on this fascinating research here. https://www.thestar.com/life/health-wellness/study-says-dancing-helps-slow-progression-of-symptoms-of-parkinson-s-disease/article_8623b6e8-f2db-5626-baec-1aa5903dd905.html
Dr. Olivia Lena Pastore (she/her)
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Educational Background
B.Sc. Specialization in Biology and Minor in Psychology (University of Ottawa)
M.A. in Human Kinetics (University of Ottawa)
Ph.D. in Kinesiology Sciences (McGill University)
Teaching Interests
I strive for my students to acquire life skills that extend beyond the classroom. As such, I try to use interactive and engaging methods to help students better understand the material and make it meaningful to their life or future career goals. To achieve this, my teaching philosophy encompasses three core elements: Building a Foundation of Respect and Compassion, Fostering Student Engagement and Experiential Learning, and Implementing Equitable Assessments.
Research in Health and Exercise Psychology
My primary research interests are in understanding and promoting health behaviours and mental health among adults through motivation-based and mindfulness-based interventions, with a focus on social populations (i.e., university students, adults with disabilities, caregivers). My goal is to foster relationships within the community to ensure my research is more meaningful, relevant, and useful. Through community engagement, I strive to prioritize knowledge mobilization to create practical resources for the community to foster positive change.
Outside of School
Outside of school you will find me spending time with my family, engaging in any form of physical activity/sport, or reading a good book! I am also a certified yoga instructor at Core Self-Care Studio here in Sault Ste. Marie where I try to incorporate evidence-based practices within my classes.
Dr. Monica Ghabrial (she/her)
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Postdoctoral Fellowships: Western University (Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry), Harvard University (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Collaborative), University of Toronto (Dalla Lana School of Public Health)
PhD: University of Toronto
MA: University of Toronto
BSc: University of Guelph
Trained as a health psychologist with experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health, my research uses qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to investigate stress, resilience, and health among marginalized and oppressed populations. Guided by intersectionality theory, my research has largely focused on issues concerning queer and trans Black people, Indigenous people, and people of Colour (BIPOC) and stress factors associated with health inequities, including immigration status, racialized homophobia, and intergenerational trauma. I have worked with many diverse populations and on a range of health topics, including domestic and sexual violence, housing access, sex work and sex tourism, HIV, and gynaecologic cancers.
As an educator, I employ an experiential learning model and am particularly interested in learning about and teaching perspectives of health from epistemologies that have been historically erased from dominant discourses in psychology.
In my spare time, you might find me sewing (making or altering clothes), lifting weights, playing tennis, listening to audiobooks, watching television, and spending time with my families of choice and origin.
Victoria Orlando, MA, RP
Assistant Professor, School of Psychology
As a Registered Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the helping professions and 16 years of clinical practice, Victoria Orlando brings deep, real-world expertise to the Master’s program. Her clinical practice has primarily focused on addictions and mental health diagnoses, built upon strong foundational training in evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, and EFT, and reinforced by her Level 1 and 2 Trauma Treatment Certification.
Victoria values and utilizes integrative approaches in psychotherapy, consciously incorporating key theories and practice from each wave to facilitate meaningful, lasting change. Her clinical lens is particularly focused on contemporary, cutting-edge frameworks, including Fifth Wave Psychotherapy theories (Neuroscience-Informed). Her extensive professional development includes specialized training and interest in: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CRAFT interventions, and Stages of Change Therapy, alongside numerous advanced courses in addictions and mental health diagnoses.
Victoria is acutely aware of the ever-evolving and rapidly advancing nature of psychotherapy, which drives her dedication to continuous professional development. This commitment ensures she brings the most current, evidence-based mentality directly into the curriculum, preparing students with knowledge that shifts and advances alongside the latest research.
In the classroom, Victoria bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students benefit from a unique clinical perspective that encourages critical thinking about how psychological concepts apply to complex, real-world practice. Her goal is to inspire future psychotherapists to navigate human behaviour with both rigorous expertise and profound compassion.
Victoria carries a genuine belief in the ability of therapists to help facilitate profound change in people’s lives. She emphasizes to her students the deep care they must hold for others and the vital lesson that practitioners learn as much from their clients as they may learn from them.
Outside of her professional life, Victoria is a mother of two and enjoys an active lifestyle, finding fulfillment in nature and meaningful community connections.
Educational Background:
- MA (Yorkville University)
- BA Hons (Wilfrid Laurier University)
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I have 16 years of clinical practice and over 20 years in the mental health field. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse settings and with a wide range of populations, with training in an array of therapeutic modalities including CBT, DBT, IFS, EFT, and evidence-based trauma treatment protocols.
My research interests are directly shaped by my clinical experience, with a specific focus on developing integrative psychotherapy models that facilitate meaningful and lasting change for individuals. I am particularly interested in understanding the systemic burden of mental health challenges and addiction on family members and caregivers. My work aims to create interventions that not only support the individual but also empower the entire family unit, fostering resilience and improving long-term well-being.
I bring a unique clinical lens directly into the classroom. My goal is to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging students to think critically about how psychological concepts apply to everyday life. By drawing on my clinical experience, I hope to inspire students to navigate the complexities of human behaviour with both compassion and a strong sense of purpose.
Beyond my professional life, I am a mother of two. I enjoy an active lifestyle, finding fulfillment in nature and meaningful community connections.
Meghan Boston-McCracken, MSW, RSW
Coordinator, Psychotherapy Practicum and Admissions Support
Meghan Boston-McCracken is the Coordinator of Psychotherapy Practicum and Admissions Support for the Master of Psychotherapy (MAP) Program at Algoma University. In this role, she works closely with prospective students, current students, and community partners to ensure a supportive and meaningful educational experience.
Meghan brings extensive experience as a program coordinator, having led and managed projects in health promotion, mental health, service delivery, preconception and prenatal health, child development, professional education and conferences, and community-based research. She is also a Registered LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) trainer.
With years of experience in admissions and field education, Meghan is dedicated to fostering high-quality learning opportunities. She believes that fieldwork is the heart of professional education, providing students with the opportunity to integrate theory into practice and develop the skills essential to their growth as future psychotherapists. She is committed to making students’ educational journeys as smooth and supportive as possible. She is also actively engaged in the community and has a strong understanding of the historical and present-day realities that shape life in Northern Ontario. Meghan is passionate about supporting students on their educational path to becoming psychotherapists who deliver responsive, clinically excellent care, with the ultimate goal of fostering resilient and thriving northern communities.
In her personal time, Meghan enjoys spending time north of Sault Ste Marie along the shores of Lake Superior, particularly exploring Havilland Bay, Batchewana Bay, and Pancake Bay. A mother of two, she values quality time with family and friends and enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, skating, skiing, and relaxing by a bonfire. She also appreciates quiet moments spent reading or crafting.
Rose Cameron, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Psychology
Boozhoo, Dr. Cameron is an Anishinaabekwe who originates from Northwestern Ontario. She is a survivor of the residential school system, a recent member of the Department of Psychology, and is a team member of the Master of Psychotherapy Program. She belongs to the Caribou Clan, and speaks her Anishinaabemowin language. She is an Educator who is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), an Associate Professor, and a former Director of the School of Social Work.
She brings a wealth of academic and practical work experience to the program, and her Anishinaabe worldview and values are the cornerstones of her work. Her research is multifaceted and she has collaborated with many esteemed researchers and scholars in numerous projects. Her primary research is on Indigenous child welfare and her dissertation, “What are you in the dark: The transformative powers of manitouminasuc upon the identities of Anishinaabeg in the Ontario Child Welfare System”. The parents of Anishinaabe descent spoke on how the child welfare system could potentially be changed to support them. Her numerous research topics of interest include, for example, Grandparents raising children, Housing, Trauma and Recovery, Developing an Indigenous-based Pedagogical Teaching Tool, Lateral Violence, and supporting the work of First Nation Communities. Her current research activities are in the area of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), Climate Activism, creating a Child Welfare Pathway for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous social work practitioners, partnering with faculty from the University of Auckland, and working on an innovative biography with an Elder, and other projects are ongoing and she remains active in her work.
She has worked in education, child welfare, and has supervised students in practicum at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She will be instrumental in the development of the Indigenous Master of Psychotherapy, and she thoroughly enjoys engaging with students and her colleagues in the learning process.
Educational Background:
- PhD (University of Toronto)
- MSW (Lakehead University)
- BEd (Lakehead University)
- HBSW (Lakehead University)
- BA (Lakehead University
- ECE (Canadore College)
Dr. Cameron is an Anishinaabekwe who originates from Northwestern Ontario. She is a survivor of the residential school system, and is a recent member of the Department of Psychology. She is from the caribou clan, and speaks her Anishinaabemowin language. She is an Educator who is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), an Associate Professor, and a former Director of the School of Social Work.
Her research is multifaceted and she has worked with many esteemed researchers and scholars in numerous projects. Her primary research is on Indigenous child welfare and in speaking with parents on how the system could potentially be changed to support them. She, for example, has worked on other topics such as: Grandparents raising children, Housing, Trauma and Recovery, Developing an Indigenous-based Pedagogical Teaching Tool, Lateral Violence, and supporting the work of First Nation Communities. Her current research activities are in the area of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), Climate Activism, creating a Child Welfare Pathway for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous social work practitioners, partnering with faculty from the University of Auckland, and working on an innovative biography with an Elder, and other projects are ongoing and she remains active.
She has supervised students in practicum at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She will be instrumental in the development of the Indigenous Master of Psychotherapy, and she thoroughly enjoys engaging with students and her colleagues in the learning process.
Ready to Apply
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“I really enjoyed my time at Algoma University. My favourite aspects were the small class sizes, which allowed for in-depth discussions, and the accessibility of professors for one-on-one clarification or extra help. I also appreciated the wide variety of courses available both within my discipline and when selecting electives. Not only did I learn the course content, but I was also encouraged to think critically and seek out empirical evidence/skills that have stayed with me throughout my academic journey. I drew on these abilities during my exchange in England and, more recently, while completing my master’s degree in Germany. ”
Taylor Felix
“My name is Isabella DiBerardino and I graduated from Algoma University’s BSc Psychology program in 2024. The BSc Psychology program is great for those who are passionate about the biological and neural aspects of psychology. I really liked that there was a range of required electives to choose from based on your scientific interests. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable in their diverse areas of expertise and the smaller class sizes allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with each of them. This program fostered my love for neuroscience, and ultimately led to my current pursuit of graduate studies. I would recommend the BSc Psychology program to anyone regardless of their future career or educational trajectories (i.e. psychotherapy, teaching, research, etc.) because you will gain skills that can be applied to various disciplines. ”
Isabella DiBerardino
“I had a wonderful experience at Algoma University. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, AU was the obvious choice for me. Within the Psychology program, I had a wide variety of courses to choose from, which allowed me to tailor my education to my interests. The small class sizes created an engaging and supportive learning environment, where I was able to bond with classmates and connect with professors. This fostered more meaningful discussions and individualized learning that truly enhanced my undergraduate education. Overall, Algoma University's Psychology program provided me with a well-rounded education, strong connections with peers and faculty, and the skills I needed to succeed in medicine. I highly recommend this program. ”
Jamie Lucio
MD, BSc
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