Educational and Counselling Psychology

About the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology

The Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology (ECP) programs and research examine the interplay between complex human systems (cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, and biological) to maximize learning, wellness, and human development in multiple settings and throughout the lifespan.

More specifically, they examine issues pertaining to cognitive processes and developmental neuroscience, assessment and intervention, and the design and evaluation of learning environments and instructional practices, with both typical and atypical populations in mind. While ECP’s primary disciplinary bases are psychology and education, it contributes to and is enriched by extended interdisciplinary collaborations including medicine and other health professions, neurosciences, computer science, science, social work and policy, and law, among others.

In undertaking our professional programs, students benefit from having access to the McGill Psychoeducational and Counselling Clinic and the Departmental Assessment Materials Resource Centre. To develop their professional skills in assessment, therapy, and supervision, students are equipped with the latest standardized materials and a state-of-the-art venue within which to conduct psychological and cognitive assessments.

Our professional programs also have established connections with world-class public and private organizations, which include health care facilities and school boards where you receive supervised training for internships and practica. Our faculty members are involved in intra- and interdisciplinary collaborative research locally, nationally, and internationally. These networks offer you valuable exposure to, and connection with, different research laboratories, research leaders, and professional organizations. You benefit from international mobility programs and specialized training offered in specific locations. Working closely with faculty members in their research teams, our students enrolled in research-based M.A. and Ph.D. programs have proven very successful in obtaining major external fellowships from bodies such as SSHRC, FQRSC, FRQS, and CIHR.

Our graduates secure careers in a varied and rewarding range of settings, including but not limited to academic and research settings, professional psychology (counselling and school psychology), specialized and innovative teaching, educational research, development and leadership at all levels (e.g., schools, colleges, and universities; school boards; ministries of education), staff development, and education in the professions.

Detailed graduate degree descriptions are available in the following sections:

•     Graduate Degrees in Counselling Psychology
•     Graduate Degrees in School/Applied Psychology
•     Graduate Degrees in Educational Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.) Degrees

Students can obtain an M.A. degree in:

1. Counselling Psychology (Non-Thesis) with major concentrations in:
   • Professional/Internship (coursework and internship based) (**Admission to this program is currently suspended.**)
   • Project (coursework and research based)
2. School/Applied Child Psychology (Non-Thesis) Project
3. Educational Psychology with concentrations in:
   • Health Professions Education
   • Human Development
   • Learning Sciences

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degrees

Students can obtain an M.Ed. degree in Educational Psychology. Please note these are all non-thesis options. The M.Ed. program in Educational Psychology offers concentrations in:

• General Educational Psychology
• General Educational Psychology (Project)
• Inclusive Education
• Inclusive Education (Project)
• Learning Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees

Students can obtain a Ph.D. degree in:

1. Counselling Psychology
2. Educational Psychology with concentrations in:
   • Human Development
   • Learning Sciences
3. School/Applied Child Psychology

Postdoctoral Degrees

The Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology offers one postdoctoral diploma:

• Post-Ph.D. Graduate Diploma in School/Applied Child Psychology (**Admission to this program is currently suspended.**)

Graduate Student Policies and Responsibilities

In addition to the University regulations, students enrolled in degree programs in ECP must adhere to Department specific Graduate Student Policies and Responsibilities:

• The Graduate Supervision Policy specifies who can act as supervisors for ECP graduate students.
• The Guidelines for Doctoral Dissertation Preparation and Supervisory Committee Responsibilities pertains to doctoral dissertation preparation and the roles and responsibilities of the supervisory committee.
• The Graduate Student Tracking Policy outlines the mandatory progress reporting that is required of all registered graduate students pursuing a thesis or Research Program (MA thesis, MA Non-Thesis Project, and PhD programs).
• The Social Media Policy helps students to determine how they can best balance the benefits of social media engagement with the potential adverse risks and consequences.

Advising

For information about these graduate programs please view our website at mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/prospective.

Please contact us at admissions.ecp@mcgill.ca for any questions related to the admission process for any of the above programs.

Professional Accreditation

The Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology and the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology are both accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ).

Important addresses:

CPA
141 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 702
Ottawa ON K1P 5J3, Canada
Telephone: 613-237-2144; 1-888-472-0657
Email: cpa@cpa.ca

OPQ
1100 Beaumont, Suite 510
Mount-Royal QC H3P 3H5, Canada
Telephone: 514-738-1881; 1-800-363-2644
Email: info@ordrepsy.qc.ca

Research

Research is an integral part of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology. For a comprehensive list of research groups consult our website.

Educational and Counselling Psychology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Please refer to the department's website for admission requirements and application procedures for the following programs:

• M.A. in Counselling Psychology (Non-Thesis)
• Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology
• M.A. in School/Applied Child Psychology (Non-Thesis)
• Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology
• Post-Ph.D. Graduate Diploma in School/Applied Child Psychology
• M.Ed. in Educational Psychology
• M.A. in Educational Psychology, Human Development
• M.A. in Educational Psychology, Learning Sciences
• M.A. in Educational Psychology, Health Professions Education
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Human Development
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Learning Sciences

English Language Proficiency

For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission. For a list of acceptable test scores and minimum requirements, visit mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/proficiency

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

M.A. in Counselling Psychology (Non-Thesis)

The M.A. in Counselling Psychology program offers the following two concentrations:

1. Professional/Internship (coursework and internship based) **Program closed**
2. Project (research based)

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the M.A. in Counselling Psychology: Project can be found on the department website.

Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology can be found on the department website.

M.A. in School/Applied Child Psychology

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the M.A. in School/Applied Child Psychology can be found on the department website.

Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology can be found on the department website.

Post-Ph.D. Graduate Diploma in School/Applied Child Psychology

**Admission to the Post-Ph.D. program is currently suspended.**

M.Ed. in Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis)

This program offers five concentrations:

1. General Educational Psychology
2. General Educational Psychology: Project
3. Inclusive Education
4. Inclusive Education: Project
5. Learning Sciences

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the M.Ed. concentrations in Educational Psychology can be found on the department website.

M.A. in Educational Psychology (Thesis)

This program offers three concentrations:

1. Learning Sciences
2. Health Professions Education
3. Human Development

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the M.A. concentrations in Educational Psychology can be found on the department website.

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

Admission Requirements

The two concentrations offered are:

1. Human Development
2. Learning Sciences

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology: Human Development concentration can be found on the department website.

Information on application procedures, deadlines, supporting documents, and contact information for the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology: Learning Sciences concentration can be found on the department website.

Available Programs

Program Overview

Graduate Degrees in School/Applied Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.) School/Applied Child Psychology (Non-Thesis) (60 credits)

The MA in School/Applied Child Psychology (SACP) is a research-based, non-thesis degree that requires completion of a research project per program guidelines. SACP at McGill prepares the next generation of school psychologists to provide state of the art educational and mental health services to children and adolescents from birth to 21 years old. Coursework, clinical experiences, field and community service, and research activities are designed to enhance and develop the professional skills and the knowledge base of our students. In McGill's scientist-practitioner training model, research supports and improves our clinical activities; and clinical activities support and inspire our research. McGill's School/Applied Child Psychology faculty and students are among the most productive research units in North America. Professional school psychologists educated at McGill become leaders in research and higher education, school-based practice, hospital-based positions, independent practice, mental health centres, and policy-making roles.

Typically, students entering the M.A. program choose to apply to the Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology program which builds upon the foundation gained in the M.A. degree. Upon completion of the M.A. and Ph.D. programs, students are eligible for licensure as Psychologists with the Ordre des psychologues du Quebec (OPQ).

For further information, consult the website.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) School/Applied Child Psychology

The Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology is the second degree in a sequential pair of programs, the first of which is the M.A. (non-thesis) Research Project in School/Applied Child Psychology or former M.A. in Educational Psychology, School/Applied Child Psychology (thesis) concentration (closed for admission as of Fall 2014).

Most students in the doctoral program completed their M.A. in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, although students can apply for direct entry into the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree obtained at another institution.

At both the M.A. and Ph.D. levels, students take a combination of theoretical, practical, and research-based courses throughout the course of their degree. Students will complete a research project at the M.A. level and a thesis at the Ph.D. level of study.

Extending upon the M.A. degree, the program's focus remains on the improvement of the educational and psychological well-being of children and the education of school psychologists in a manner consistent with the highest international standards in the field. Students explore a variety of topics including mental health, child development, school organization, learning processes, behaviour, motivation, and effective teaching. They are prepared to become inquiring professionals committed to the development of children and youth, and they receive intensive training in clinical practice with children and families, as well as in basic and applied research.

The program develops clinical skills through intensive assessment courses, a Clinic Practicum, Field Placement, and a full-year Internship. Typically, our graduates go on to practice school psychology across a range of environments including private practice, academia, hospitals, and school boards. The Ph.D. program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). Graduates are eligible for licensure in Quebec.

For further information, consult the website.

Graduate Diploma (Gr. Dip.) School/Applied Child Psychology (Post-Ph.D.)

**Admission to this program is currently suspended.**

For further information, consult the website.

Graduate Degrees in Educational Psychology

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program is designed to provide students with an appropriate foundation through course work, with opportunities to apply skills and theories though a variety of field placements, and with the possibility of delving further into an area of interest through research or curricular-development activities. The M.Ed. can be completed on a full-time basis in two years or on a part-time basis over three to five years (the part-time option is not applicable to the Project concentrations). Most of our courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students who are working during the day. Although many M.Ed. students have a teaching degree, a significant proportion of our students hold degrees in psychology, sociology, the health sciences, or other related disciplines.

There are five active concentrations in the M.Ed.: General Educational Psychology, General Educational Psychology Project, Inclusive Education, Inclusive Education Project, and Learning Sciences. Each provides a specially tailored path to the common goals as described above, enabling innovative educators to add advanced knowledge and skills while developing their ability to contribute to new knowledge and skills in their areas of specialization.

1. General Educational Psychology: Focuses on core areas of educational psychology, permitting students with specific experiences and career paths to tailor the program to their particular situations. In addition to a small number of required core courses, students may select courses in learning theories, human development, diversity, and inclusion. Application towards the growth and enhancement of knowledge and practice in a variety of formal and informal educational settings.
   
   See Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis): General Educational Psychology (48 credits).
2. General Educational Psychology (Project): Focuses on core areas of educational psychology, providing students with the flexibility to design a program that satisfies their professional and academic needs. The program provides a foundation in core areas of educational psychology through courses on learning theories, motivation, human development, and diverse classroom populations, complemented by research skill development. The program provides opportunities to study one area in greater depth or to add diverse course experiences and complete a research project.
   
   See Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis): General Educational Psychology: Project (48 credits).
3. Inclusive Education: With roots in Developmental Science, Philosophy, and Human rights, this concentration prepares students to work with diverse individuals in a variety of settings that emphasize inclusive practice. Focuses on the major theories and practices in the field of inclusive education, including diversity in development, and ecological models of teaching, learning, and assessment. Application in school, community, and other settings to develop inclusive practices.
   
   See Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis): Inclusive Education (48 credits).
4. Inclusive Education (Project): Focuses on diversity in developmental behaviour and attainment, and eco-systemic and cultural models of teaching, learning, and assessment. Students will be trained in application and practice through behaviour, literacy assessment and intervention, differentiated teaching planning objectives, and the completion of a Research Project. Application in school, community, and other settings to develop inclusive practices.
   
   See Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis): Inclusive Education: Project (48 credits).
5. Learning Sciences: Focuses on the study of learning as it occurs in real-world situations, and in the ways in which learning may be facilitated in designed environments. Application in instructional design including the use of technology, program/curriculum development, and evaluation.
   
   See Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology (Non-Thesis): Learning Sciences (48 credits).

For further information, consult the website.

Master of Arts (M.A.) Educational Psychology (Thesis) (48 credits)

The aim of the M.A. (Thesis) in Educational Psychology is to produce graduates who:

1. are broadly trained in educational psychology;
2. have sufficient research competence to critically evaluate research in educational psychology, and to design, conduct, and report empirical research; and
3. have experience in applying research methods and findings to the solution of practical problems in varied educational settings.

Candidates are required to select and follow the set of courses in one of three concentrations of study, select a topic for research, and present the results of such research in a thesis.

The program offers three concentrations:

1. The Health Professions Education concentration (mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/programs/healthprofessions) is dedicated to the preparation of qualified researchers, developers, and practitioners who can advance the scientific understanding and practice of teaching and learning as they happen in the health professions and throughout the lifespan. The program is for health professionals who are interested in conducting educational research and working on development projects (e.g., program, curriculum, faculty) as well as for educational psychology graduate students who are interested in issues related to medical education and education in other health professions.
   
   The program will produce a graduate who can recognize the role of education in a health professions context, who has sufficient research competence to conduct empirical research in health education settings, and who can apply research results to solve practical problems in this field. The program is offered in collaboration with the mcgill.ca/ihse/ and affiliated faculty. Graduate supervision is done jointly.
   
   See Master of Arts (M.A.) Educational Psychology (Thesis): Health Professions Education (45 credits).
2. The Human Development concentration (mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/programs/humandev) focuses on core areas of human development such as cognitive, language, social, personality, and gender development among children and adolescents with diverse trajectories and from various family, educational, and community contexts. The program is unique in examining developmental trajectories from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. Theses work should focus on an issue in the field of human development related to educational psychology.
   
   See Master of Arts (M.A.) Educational Psychology (Thesis): Human Development (45 credits).
3. The Learning Sciences concentration (mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/programs/learningsci) The M.A. in Educational Psychology; Learning Sciences focuses on educational research and its application to practice. Exploration and application of contemporary psychological and educational theories and empirical studies in (a) cognition, learning, and instruction; (b) self-regulation, motivation, and emotion; (c) technology-rich learning environments; and (d) social, cultural, and historical foundations of learning. Training in research design and data analytic techniques through coursework and thesis supervision.
   
   See Master of Arts (M.A.) Educational Psychology (Thesis): Learning Sciences (45 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Educational Psychology

The Ph.D. in Educational Psychology emphasizes the development of research skills and supports both basic and applied research pertaining to all domains of educational psychology. It aims to develop graduates who can demonstrate:

1. broad scholarship in planning and implementing basic and applied research on problems of cognition, teaching, learning, and human development;
2. mastery of current theoretical issues in educational psychology and their historical development; and
3. a detailed knowledge of their selected concentration.

The program offers two concentrations:

1. Human Development concentration: (mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/programs/humandev) The Human Development concentration focuses on core areas of human development such as cognitive, language, social, personality, and gender development among children and adolescents with diverse trajectories and from various family, educational, and community contexts. The program is unique in examining developmental trajectories from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. Dissertations should focus on an issue in the field of human development related to educational psychology.
   
   See Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Educational Psychology: Human Development.
2. Learning Sciences concentration: (mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/programs/learningsci) The Ph.D. in Educational Psychology; Learning Sciences focuses on theory and research on understanding and improving learning and teaching in formal and informal educational settings including K–12 and post-secondary institutions, the workplace, professional practice, and virtual learning communities. Practical training in research design, advanced data analytic techniques, and professional development through coursework and dissertation supervision.
   
   See Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Educational Psychology: Learning Sciences.

Location

Faculty of Education
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology
3700 McTavish Street, Room 614
Montreal QC H3A 1Y2
Telephone: 514-398-4242
Fax: 514-398-6968
Email for general inquiries: ecpinfo.education@mcgill.ca
Email for admissions inquiries: admissions.ecp@mcgill.ca
Website: mcgill.ca/edu-ecp