Master of Arts in School Psychology
General Information
The Master of Arts program in School Psychology is a speciality program which prepares students to enter the profession of school psychology. The program is designed to address the academic, research and professional practice requirements for certification as a psychologist in provinces/territories where masters level preparation is permitted. As well, the program is designed to enable participants to move to PhD level programs.
The two year full-time program balances research, theory and practice. It follows a holistic approach to children, youth, and young adults as key collaborators, along with their parents/guardians and other professionals, in addressing their individual strengths and needs within the context of home, school and community.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in psychology, preferably an honours degree in psychology or equivalent, with a high academic standing (normally a minimum of a B+ (GPA3.3) is required. In addition, a degree in education with a high academic standing (normally a minimum of a B+ (GPA 3.3) is also preferred and considered necessary in some provinces in order to work in the schools.
- Related work/volunteer experience.
- Three letters of reference attesting to academic and work experiences, and personal characteristics.
- Prior to admission the most promising applicants may be interviewed to evaluate their understanding of and motivation for entry into the field of school psychology.
Note to applicants regarding the psychology and education registration/licensing/certification requirements: Applicants to the program should be aware that registration, licensing, and certification requirements vary in each province/territory. Furthermore, some provinces do not permit school psychologists to work in the schools without an undergraduate degree in education in addition to their preparation in psychology. Applicants are advised to consult with the provincial/territorial Board of Examiners in Psychology and Teacher Certification Departments to determine specific requirements.
Entrants to the graduate program in school psychology should be aware that while it is their responsibility to check with individual Boards of Examiners in Psychology regarding registration requirements and with individual teacher certification bodies regarding certification, normally the following themes should be addressed as a part of their undergraduate degree with a major or honours in psychology with a minimum of 1.0 unit of coursework in the biological basis of behaviour, cognition, development, social, psychopathology and research.
Note: As part of its continuous review process, the MASP program updates program requirements to meet changing demands of the profession and registration requirements. Student programs will be devised in accordance with current requirements and may vary from the listed courses.
Program Requirements
| Required Courses (10 units) |
| ❏ | GSPY 6801 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6817 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6819 | 1.0 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6820 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6822 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6824 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6840 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6841 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6842 | 1.0 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6843 | 1.0 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6844 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6845 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6846 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GSPY 6847 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | GEDU 6130 | 1.0 unit |
| ❏ | GEPY 6608 | 0.5 unit |
Program Policy Manuals
Students will be provided with copies of various program, practicum and internship policy manuals. These documents provide specific information governing professional practice, program and personal requirements. Practicum and internship placements may result in additional costs to students for materials and will necessitate travel which is the responsibility of the student.