Master of Arts in Psychology

The Master of Arts program is concentrated in three fields: community psychology, developmental psychology and social psychology.

Community Psychology
The objective of the MA program in the field of community psychology is to train scientist-practitioners with skills in community collaboration. Students receive training in theory, research and practice that will enable them to analyze the implications of social change for the delivery of community services. The program is two years in length for full-time students, although some students have completed the degree in less time. Graduates are prepared for either doctoral level training or for employment in community research and service.

Developmental Psychology
The objectives of the MA program in the field of developmental psychology are to develop competence in designing, conducting and evaluating research in the field of developmental psychology. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for doctoral studies, or for employment in an environment requiring research skills.

Social Psychology
The objectives of the MA program in the field of social psychology are to develop competence in designing, conducting and evaluating research in the fields of social psychology. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for doctoral studies, or for employment in an environment requiring research skills.

Admission Requirements - Community Psychology

For admission to the MA program in the field of community psychology, a student must have completed a BSC or BA honours degree in psychology with a minimum B average in the last 2 years of study. An honours graduate in a program other than psychology or a combination of psychology and another subject or general degree graduates may be admitted if evidence justifying admission is offered. However, a program of appropriate preparatory studies (a qualifying year) may be required of such applicants. Honours graduates in psychology may also be required to successfully complete one or two undergraduate courses before they are admitted to the MA program.

Experience in community settings and identification with a community psychology orientation are key factors in the admission decision. This is assessed by means of an interview procedure in which the applicant's community experiences and responsibilities are reviewed to determine the value system that is reflected in their experience, as well as their understanding of the need for both community and individual change to achieve optimal well-being.

 
Program Requirements - Community Psychology

Six half-credit courses and a thesis constitute the degree requirements. The required courses include:

  • PS600 - Advanced Behavioural Statistics I
  • PS606 - Research in Community Settings
  • PS614 - Community Psychology and Social Intervention I
  • PS615 - Community Practicum I
  • PS619 - Community Psychology and Social Intervention II
  • PS625 - Community Practicum II

In addition, all students must complete PS699 - Thesis in their field.

Note: PS615 - Community Practicum I and PS625 - Community Practicum II are restricted to the students enrolled in the community psychology field. All other graduate courses offered by the Department of Psychology may be taken by any student, subject to the approval of the graduate officer, the appropriate area co-ordinator, and the course instructor. Psychology students may take graduate courses offered in another graduate program at WLU upon permission of their program director and the course instructor, or at other universities through the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student (OVGS) program.

 
Admission Requirements - Developmental

For admission to the MA program in the field of developmental psychology, a student must have completed a BSc or BA honours degree in psychology with a minimum B average in the last 2 years of study. An honours graduate in a program other than psychology or a combination of psychology and another subject or general degree graduates may be admitted if evidence justifying admission is offered. However, a program of appropriate preparatory studies (a qualifying year) may be required of such applicants. Honours graduates in psychology may also be required to successfully complete one or two undergraduate courses before they are admitted to the MA program. 

 
Program Requirements - Developmental

Five half-credit courses and a thesis constitute the degree requirements. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing and completing the thesis. The required courses include:

  • PS600 - Advanced Behavioural Statistics I 
  • PS601 - Advanced Behavioural Statistics II 
  • PS675 - Seminar in Developmental Psychology 
  • PS679 - Research Seminar in Developmental Psychology 
  • One elective from PS660 - Principles of Cognition, PS663 - Principles of Neuroscience, or PS670 - Seminar in Social Psychology

In addition, all students must complete PS699 - Thesis in their field.

 
Admission Requirements - Social

For admission to the MA program in the field of social psychology, a student must have completed a BSc or BA honours degree in psychology with a minimum B average in the last 2 years of study. An honours graduate in a program other than psychology or a combination of psychology and another subject or general degree graduates may be admitted if evidence justifying admission is offered. However, a program of appropriate preparatory studies (a qualifying year) may be required of such applicants. Honours graduates in psychology may also be required to successfully complete one or two undergraduate courses before they are admitted to the MA program.

 
Program Requirements - Social

Five half-credit courses and a thesis constitute the degree requirements. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing and completing the thesis. The required courses include:

  • PS600 - Advanced Behavioural Statistics I 
  • PS601 - Advanced Behavioural Statistics II 
  • PS670 - Seminar in Social Psychology 
  • PS678 - Research Seminar in Social Psychology 
  • One elective from PS660 - Principles of Cognition, PS663 - Principles of Neuroscience, or PS675 - Seminar in Developmental Psychology

In addition, all students must complete PS699 - Thesis in their field.