Early Life and Education of Jordan Peterson: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jordan Peterson. A timeline of key moments.

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and commentator known for his views on cultural and political issues. Rising to prominence in the late 2010s, he's often labeled as conservative but identifies as a classical liberal and traditionalist. His work explores psychology, mythology, religion, and personal development, emphasizing individual responsibility and the importance of traditional values. Peterson gained significant attention for his opposition to certain aspects of political correctness and identity politics.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1937: Walter Peterson Born

In 1937, Walter Peterson (1937–2024), Jordan Peterson's father, was born.

1939: Beverley Peterson Born

In 1939, Beverley Peterson (1939–2024), Jordan Peterson's mother, was born.

June 1962: Jordan Peterson Born

In June 1962, Jordan Bernt Peterson was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is the oldest of three siblings.

1979: Graduates from Fairview High School

In 1979, Jordan Peterson graduated from Fairview High School in Fairview, Alberta and entered Grande Prairie Regional College.

1982: Completes BA in Political Science

In 1982, Jordan Peterson completed his BA in political science at the University of Alberta.

1984: Receives BA in Psychology

In 1984, Jordan Peterson returned to the University of Alberta and received a BA in psychology.

1985: Moves to Montreal to attend McGill University

In 1985, Jordan Peterson moved to Montreal to attend McGill University.

1989: Marriage to Tammy Roberts

In 1989, Jordan Peterson married Tammy Roberts.

1991: Earns PhD in Clinical Psychology

In 1991, Jordan Peterson earned his PhD in clinical psychology from McGill University under the supervision of Robert O. Pihl.

June 1993: Concludes Post-Doctoral Fellowship

In June 1993, Jordan Peterson concluded his post-doctoral fellowship at McGill's Douglas Hospital.

July 1993: Begins Teaching at Harvard University

In July 1993, Jordan Peterson began teaching and conducting research at Harvard University as an assistant professor in the psychology department.

June 1998: Leaves Harvard University

In June 1998, Jordan Peterson left his position at Harvard University and returned to Canada to become a full professor at the University of Toronto.

2000: Collection of Soviet-Era Paintings

Around 2000, Jordan Peterson began collecting Soviet-era paintings, using them as reminders of the dangers of totalitarian propaganda and oppression.

2014: Uploads University of Toronto Class Recordings

From 2014, uploads include recordings from two of his classes at University of Toronto ("Personality and Its Transformations" and "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief").

2016: Honorary Member of Kwakwakaʼwakw Family

In 2016, Jordan Peterson became an honorary member of the extended family of Charles Joseph, a Kwakwakaʼwakw artist, and was given the name Alestalagie, meaning "Great Seeker".

2016: Dietary Restrictions for Health

In 2016, Jordan Peterson restricted his diet to meat and a few vegetables in an attempt to manage his depression and autoimmune issues.

2016: Initial Clonazepam Prescription

In 2016, Jordan Peterson was prescribed clonazepam for anxiety, starting at 0.5mg/day.

2018: Adoption of Beef, Salt and Water Diet

In mid-2018, Jordan Peterson further restricted his diet, consuming only beef, salt, and water to manage his health.

2019: Health Problems Related to Benzodiazepene Dependence

In 2019, Jordan Peterson suffered health problems related to benzodiazepene dependence.

January 2020: Treatment in Russia for Addiction

In January 2020, after being unable to find doctors in North America willing to perform a medically induced coma for his addiction, Jordan Peterson went to Moscow, Russia, for the procedure. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and placed in a coma for eight days.

June 2020: First Public Appearance After Treatment

In June 2020, Jordan Peterson made his first public appearance in over a year on his daughter's podcast, recorded in Belgrade, and reported feeling "back to my regular self".