Psychology (MA)

Master of Arts in Psychology

Program Website: Psychology

Field(s) of Specialization

• Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Lifespan Development
• Social/Personality

Faculty and Administration

For a listing of program faculty and administrative contacts, please visit the program directory.

Program Description

The Psychology Department offers a thesis-based MA program that provides intensive research training within one of three focus areas: Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, Lifespan Development, and Social/Personality. Students also develop an appreciation of the scientific basis of psychology and the skills necessary to systematically examine basic and applied issues in their field of interest.

For full-time students, the program is normally completed in six terms (two years). Research work includes an empirical thesis, completed over a two-year period. Coursework includes a two-term course on research methods and data analysis, a one-term ‘core’ course specific to each focus area, a one-term elective, and a two-term research seminar taken for each of two years.

Full-time and part-time study is available. 

Many graduates are interested in further training at the doctoral level; others choose to work in a wide variety of occupations in which an appreciation of the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological basis of psychology is of value. Normally, those admitted to the MA program have the option of proceeding on to the PhD program when the MA criteria have been met and formal permission to proceed has been granted.

Facilities

The department is well-equipped for the study of neurocognitive and psychophysiological function with EEG and eye tracking equipment; a three-bedroom sleep laboratory equipped with multiple channel digital amplifiers and specialized software for recording and analysis of human sleep and alertness in a 24-hour context; enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of steroid hormones in samples collected from rodents or humans; animal housing equipment for neurobehavioural studies; animal labs with operant chambers, Y-mazes, automated activity cages, and provisions for surgery and histology; one-way mirror and video-equipped rooms and play rooms for behavioural assessment and observation; separate rooms for individual and group testing; and an easily accessed pool of Psychology undergraduates who regularly volunteer for research participation. Research activities are supported by IT and onsite science stores. The University Library provides online access to a substantial number of scientific databases and journals that are relevant to the three areas of specialization. In addition, students have in-person borrowing privileges at most Canadian university libraries, subject to the policies of the lending library. Several labs are affiliated with the The Jack and Nora Walker Canadian Institute for Lifespan Development Research, which includes facilities for research on developmental issues across the lifespan. Resources include parking access for community participants, a volunteer database, regular research meetings, and access to various training workshops.

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in Psychology or related fields, including courses in research methods and statistics, with a minimum average of 78%. Successful applicants typically have achieved an average of at least 80% in each of their last two years of undergraduate study. Normally, applicants will have completed an Honours thesis (where possible). In the absence of an Honours thesis, applicants must provide evidence of research experience that includes conceptual contributions to a research project (e.g., proposal, paper, poster). Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are recommended but not required for applicants with a background in Psychology or related fields. Please see the program website for a list of faculty members who recommend submitting a GRE score with your application.

Students applying at the MA level should indicate on their application whether they intend to pursue graduate studies through to a PhD so that their application can be considered in the context of their academic goals.

Applicants required to demonstrate English language proficiency must meet the standard minimum requirements established for graduate-level study.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Please note that, in any given year, admission to a particular field of study depends, in part, on the availability of supervisory and teaching resources.

Students applying to the MA program with backgrounds other than Psychology or related fields:

In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of Psychology, the Admissions Committee will consider applications from students holding degrees in allied fields. To ensure that such applicants have a background in psychology adequate for successful completion of their graduate program, applicants from fields outside Psychology or related fields must have completed an undergraduate thesis in another discipline that involved empirical research of scope and complexity comparable to that of an undergraduate Psychology thesis and must submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and the GRE Psychology Subject Test scores.