Master of Arts (M.A.)

Admission Requirements

The M.A. degree program is governed by the regulations of the College of Graduate Studies, including its standards for admission of students.

Entering students will normally have an Honours degree (or an undergraduate degree and equivalent research experience) in Psychology or a related area. This must include coursework in statistics and research methodology.

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months. See more here: https://gradstudies.ok.ubc.ca/applying/english-proficiency-requirements/ 

No applicant will be admitted to the Master's program streams until an available faculty member of the Psychology Department has agreed to supervise the thesis research; thus, applicants are expected to research Psychology faculty profiles and name up to three potential supervisors in their applications. View department faculty profiles here: https://psych.ok.ubc.ca/about/contact/. Contacting potential faculty research supervisors is not required in advance of applying.

Admission to the M.A. in Psychology program is restricted to those who intend to continue on to the Ph.D. and who have an overall average of at least 80% (using UBC grading scales) over their 300-level courses (or equivalent), and above. International credentials must meet grading assessments as set out by the College of Graduate Studies.

Prospective applicants should also refer to the Psychology graduate programs’ Frequently Asked Questions regarding admissions, here: https://psych.ok.ubc.ca/graduate/student-resources-admissions-faq/

Program Requirements – Psychological Science (formerly Experimental Psychology)

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out in this section, the minimum requirements for the M.A. are 30 credits as follows:

• a 12-credit master's thesis (PSYO_O 599);
• 6 credits of graduate-level statistics and methodology (PSYO_O 507), normally taken in the first year; 
• 3 credits in Contemporary Theories of Psychology (PSYO_O 506); and
• 9 other credits selected by the student in consultation with and approval of their supervisor, of which no more than 6 credits can be at the 300/400-level, and none may be at the 100/200-level.

Graduate study must be on a full-time, residence basis. Part-time or distance delivery is not offered. 

Program Requirements – Clinical

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out in this section, the clinical program requires:

• 6 credits of graduate-level statistics and methodology (PSYO_O 507), normally taken in the first year;
• 6 credits in Professional Practice: Assessment (PSYO_O 514 and PSYO_O 515);
• 6 credits in Individual Differences (PSYO_O 510 and PSYO_O 511);
• 3 credits in Ethics and Professional Standards (PSYO_O 512);
• 6 credits in Professional Practice: Intervention (PSYO_O 516 and PSYO_O 517);
• 3 credits (100 direct client hours) of approved Practicum (i.e. a 10-month comprehensive assessment practicum, PSYO_O 530C, completed within our in-house Psychology Clinic);
• Successful defense of a 12-credit thesis (PSYO_O 599);
• Other additional requirements, if deemed necessary by the Clinical Training Committee. 

Our program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Students are expected to complete all Master's program requirements within two years.

Graduate education in the Psychology Department follows a scientist-practitioner model in which students conduct research in close collaboration with a particular faculty research supervisor, and engage in supervised clinical experiences. Graduate study must be on a full-time, residence basis. Part-time or distance delivery is not offered.

See the Department website for complete details regarding the various psychology programs.