Overview of M.A. Degree

The M.A. is designed for students interested in careers in psychological research and practice in a variety of psychological and educational settings as researchers or practictioners.

Students must plan their program of study according to the current Guidelines for the Counselling Psychology Program. Faculty supervisors will assist in this process.  Every program of study will include courses in counselling theory, practice, assessment, ethics, personality and cognitive assessment skills, and research methodology, as well as a practicum placement. 

Students whose plans include preparation for professional practice in psychology should note that the professional practice of psychology in Ontario is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. It is each students responsibility to ensure that their educational background meets the requirements of the College of Psychologists on Ontario. For further information, contact the College of Psychologists of Ontario http://www.cpo.on.ca directly. The M.A.also fulfills the academic requirements for students who plan to apply to the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology for Psychology Specialists. Admission to the M.A. does not guarantee admission to the Ph.D. Students must apply separately for Ph.D. admission. The Ph.D program has been accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree in psychology or any appropriate bachelor’s degree that would contain the psychology requirement equivalent (defined as 6.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs] in psychology, including 0.5 FCE in research methods, 0.5 FCE in statistics, and at least 3.0 FCEs at the third- and fourth-year levels).
• A standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A- or better in the final year.

How to Apply

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Registration Status

This program of study can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Students in the part-time program will be required to complete one year of full-time study to fulfill their degree requirements.

Program Delivery

Required courses are offered in both day and night schedules to accommodate full-time and flex-time students. In-class instruction is the method of delivery for all courses.

Program Length

For full-time students, it is expected that all degree requirements will be completed within two years. Normally, three half-courses are taken in each of the Fall and Winter Sessions and a maximum of two half-courses in each of the Summer Sessions.

Part-time students are restricted to one course per semester in the first year, and must be full-time the following years. The program can be completed in 2 to 3 years.

Fees and Funding

Full-Time Registration

The M.A. program has a Guaranteed Minimum Funding Package for the first year of study.

Part-Time Registration

The M.A. program does not offer a funding package for part-time students. View the fee schedule for domestic students (OISE Registrar's Office)

For international students
http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/link/students/fees13/intl_sgs.htm

Course Load

Students must complete eight half-courses (including practicum course APD1203Y).

Course Requirements

Students are encouraged to complete APD1202H, APD1203Y, and APD1263H early in their program, as they are prerequisites for many other Counselling Psychology courses.  Two other courses may be selected from the list of optional courses at the end of the Guidelines.  Courses may be selected from outside the department as well. 

Students intending to apply to the Ph.D. degree following completion of the M.A. degree should plan their course work accordingly.  In particular, students may consider taking APD1287H (formerly CTL2004H) as a prerequisite for APD1288H (formerly CTL2808H) at the Ph.D. level.

Practicum

Students must complete 500 hours in a practicum setting. All practicum and internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Internship Coordinator.  Students are encouraged to consult the Coordinator, Dr. Judy Silver, as soon as possible after admission into their program of study.  Upon acceptance, students may begin their programs in July or September. 

To view practicum and internship sites, forms, and policies, go to the Practicum page.

Thesis

A thesis is required for this program. The thesis is completed under the supervision of a full-time faculty member from the Counselling Psychology Program.

Counselling Psychology Colloquium Series

The Counselling Psychology colloquia make up a series of approximately three seminars each fall and winter semester. Attendance at these colloquia for one academic year is compulsory for M.A. and Ph.D students. Attendance at this series partially fulfills the course requirements for APD1203Y for M.A. students and APD3268Y for PhD students The colloquium series is normally attended prior to or concurrent with the above stated courses.  It is expected that all MA students will attend a minimum of 3 CP colloquium presentations and PhD students will attend a minimum of 6 CP colloquium presentations during their program.

When this requirement is completed, students should complete the CP Colloquium Attendance Form (attached) and submit it to Dr. Judith Silver.