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WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?

Master's Degree

  • There are many different types of Master's degrees available in the field of psychology. Some examples include MA (Clinical Psychology), MA (psychology), MSc (Applied Behavioral Sciences), MSc (Psychology)

    • An MA in Clinical Psychology covers content related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, multicultural counselling, theory of counselling and psychotherapy, trauma in diverse populations, research methodology, psychological assessment and intervention science. Students can also be expected to complete practical experiences in clinical settings. 

    • An MA in Psychology includes academic curricula in research methods, data collection and analysis, core psychological concepts, mental and emotional disorders, professional ethics and scientific writing in psychology. It is also expected that students will complete a thesis component alongside coursework. 

    • An MSc in Applied Behavioural Analysis OR MPEd (Western) is a program with academic components that introduce students to the philosophical underpinnings, concepts, and principles of behaviour analysis and their application to different populations. Some program components have a strong focus related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of Applied Behaviour Analysis programming.

    • An MSc in Psychology has a strong emphasis on the training of psychological scientists through academic programming in statistics, experimental design, and/or computational foundations, candidates should complete a satisfactory thesis. 

Basic Description of the Application Process and Requirements

  • Master's application requirements include the completion of a four-year program-specific GPA requirements, prior grade, a writing sample and letters of reference. 

  • Some programs also require applicants to identify potential thesis supervisors. 

  • Most programs no longer require completion of the GRE, but scores can be submitted to enhance the application. 

Important Skills

  • Depending on the program, if it is research-intensive you would want a background in research design, methodology, data analysis, coding, and involvement in lab-based research.

  • Volunteer experience with mental health agencies including crisis support lines, or other activities may be useful in supporting applications for programs in clinical or counselling psychology. 

PhD

  • A PhD can be achieved in a specific area of academic and research interest to the student. Some examples offered at Western University are PhDs in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive, Developmental, and Brain Sciences, Industrial/Organizational. These programs consist of graduate seminars and courses, comprehensive examinations in an area of specialization, and a dissertation based on a research project.

  • A comprehensive exam is an in-depth assessment that is outside the specific thesis topic but in the subfield of interest within psychology. The content is usually agreed upon between the student and committee members early in the term in which the comprehensive examination is to be completed. 

  • Similar to masters programs, PhD students are also required to defend their scholarly work in front of a panel of reviewers.

Basic Description of the Application Process and Requirements

  • Most PhD programs require a masters degree in a relevant field, and a program-specific GPA. 

  • The complete application varies by university. For example, for Western:

    • A complete statement of interest

      • Max. 3 page double-spaced encompassing your academic background, who you are, your career passions, why you want to be involved in this work, and overall it provides why the program is well suited to the applicant’s research background, scholarly interests, and training needs

    • Academic references

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