Frequently Asked Questions About the Psychology Graduate Program
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology is available in two fields (applied and experimental).
What are the Differences Between the Two Streams (Applied and Experimental)?
Applied Psychology
The Applied MA in Psychology has a Clinical emphasis and follows the scientist-practitioner model. The program is designed to prepare graduates to work in schools, mental health, or other applied settings, or to pursue PhD level studies. In addition to course work and research, students must also complete a practicum which requires 400 hours in a supervised field placement. This is a two-year program.
Graduates of the Applied Psychology M.A. will be able to pursue registration as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (other conditions apply) and pursue professional practice in psychology.
Experimental Psychology
The program is designed to provide extensive training in Psychological Science for graduates who wish to teach at a community college, pursue further studies at the doctoral (PhD) level in psychology or other areas or work in a variety of settings. Students will complete course work and a rigorous research thesis. This is a two-year program.
Is the Applied Stream Accredited by the College of Psychologists?
No - Masters' programs are never accredited (only PhD programs are) but it is the first step in becoming a Psychological Associate. Other steps include:
. Have at least four years of acceptable experience after completion of the Master’s degree;
. Have completed a period of authorized supervised practice;
. Pass the examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP);
. Pass the College’s Jurisprudence and Ethics Examination;
. Pass the College’s Oral Examination;
. Have completed any further training which may be required by the College.
What are the Admission Requirements?
1) A high average in your last two years of school (typically in the high 70’s for the Experimental Program and the low 80’s for the Applied Program).
2) Two letters of reference from someone in the field of academics – more than two letters of reference can be submitted but two is the minimum. Also, letters from non-academic references may be submitted in addition to the two academic references.
ALSO
3) No specific courses are required but you should have completed a fourth year thesis course and if you are interested in the Applied stream you should take Clinical-based courses.
4) No GRE score is required.
5) Having funding is a huge asset in being accepted (OGS, NSERS, SSHRC).
6) Having a professor interested in being your supervisor is a huge asset in being accepted.
7) If applying for the Applied stream, having experience (work, volunteer) with a clinical population is an important factor in being accepted.
Is there a PhD graduate program in Psychology?
No, there is not and there will not be one in the foreseeable future (i.e., next 5 years).
What are tuition costs?
Currently, it is $1895 per semester – this can be automatically taken out of your G.T.A. ($6950.00 yearly). There is also $434.00 required for yearly student fees.
Are there scholarships and/or financial aid I can apply for?
Yes, it is advised that you apply for scholarships like OGS, NSERC, and SSHRC before you apply for graduate school. This is something that should be done ASAP. Further information can be found on the websites for those scholarships and/or the Graduate Studies Office in the Parker Building 3rd floor.
Yes, you can apply for financial aid for Graduate School.
Important Websites
For information on program, student handbook, faculty interests, scholarship deadlines, visit our website www.psychology.laurentian.ca, then click on Master of Arts in Psychology.
APPLIED OPTION -- Courses necessary to graduate:
PSYC 5000 Thesis (12 cr)
PSYC 5005 Master's Applied Practicum (not until 2nd year) (12 cr)
PSYC 5106 Applied Multivariate Statistics (1st year mandatory) (3 cr)
PSYC 5306 or 5336 Assessment (Child) OR Assessment (Adult) (3 cr each)
PSYC 5316 Psychological Disorders (3 cr)
PSYC 5406 Ethical and Professional Issues (3 cr)
PSYC 5326 OR 5327 Counseling (Child) OR Counseling (Adult)
OR 5346 OR Child and Systems Focused Psychological Consultations
PSYC 5356 Psychology of Individual Differences
ONE 3-credit elective at the Graduate level
EXPERIMENTAL OPTION -- Courses necessary to graduate
PSYC 5000 Thesis
PSYC 5056 Research Practicum
PSYC 5106 Applied Multivariate Statistics (1st year mandatory)
PSYC 5135 Survey Course in Experimental Psychology
ONE 3-credit elective at the Graduate level
Any course that has animal or research participants requires review by the appropriate Laurentian University Ethics Committee.
The application deadline for September admission is February 1, 2012.