Program Requirements

Master's in Counselling Psychology

The program requirement for the project-based MA degree is a minimum of 25.5 units of study. The thesis-based MA degree is a minimum of 28.5 units of study. The following ED-D courses are restricted to graduate students who have been admitted to either the project-based MA or thesis-based MA counselling program, or by permission of the department: ED-D 514, 518, 519 (A, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, N, and P), 521, 522, 523, and 524.

Project-based MA Program Requirements

A minimum of 25.5 units of course work is required in the project-based MA program and a comprehensive exam. The program of study includes the following required courses:

Electives may be taken from several sources. Each year additional courses in counselling are taught, generally on a rotating basis from the ED-D 519 series. Graduate courses are offered by other sections of the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies (i.e. Learning and Development, Special Education, -Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications). As well, there is a range of courses being offered in other graduate programs across campus.

Students may focus on one or more of the following four areas:

• Trauma
• School/Higher Education Counselling
• Aboriginal Counselling
• Addictions

Course approval will be granted by the student's Supervisor or Graduate Adviser.

Thesis-based MA Program Requirements

A minimum of 28.5 units of study is required in the thesis-based MA program, and includes a thesis and its oral defense. Students choosing to conduct a thesis involving qualitative methodology are required to complete ED-D 563 or equivalent in addition to ED-D 560 and ED-D 561A. The program of study includes the following required courses:

Electives may be taken from several sources. Each year additional courses in counselling are taught, generally on a rotating basis from the ED-D 519 series. Graduate courses are offered by other sections of the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies (i.e., Learning and Development, Special Education, Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications). As well, there is a range of courses being offered in other graduate programs across campus.

Students may focus on one or more of the following four areas:

• Trauma
• School/Higher Education Counselling
• Aboriginal Counselling
• Addictions

Course approval will be granted by the student's Supervisor or Graduate Adviser.

Program Length

The project-based MA degree generally takes two years of full-time study on campus to complete. The thesis-based MA degree also requires a minimum of two years of full-time study and often will require at least one additional semester to complete the thesis. Community-based programs have a set time-line which varies depending on the type of delivery model.

Master's Degrees in Educational Psychology

Across all three Educational Psychology focus areas, the MA degree and the MEd degree consist of parallel program requirements with the exception of the closing or final activity: (a) thesis for the MA degree, or (b) project for the MEd degree.

A minimum of 19.5 units of study is required for the MEd and includes a comprehensive exam. A minimum of 21.0 units of study is required for the MA and includes a thesis defense.

The MA degree is a course and thesis based research degree. The MA is most suited to students who seek a future career involving research and teaching in government, agency, or post-secondary contexts. Thesis work typically advances theory, research, and practice in the field of Educational Psychology. Persons who anticipate proceeding on to a doctoral program should apply for the MA degree. Applicants who enjoy and wish to develop the skills of conducting research, writing, and presenting and publishing academic papers frequently select this degree.

Important features of the MA include:

• Minimum of 21 units (students may take more)
• Minimum of 2 years to complete
• Requires the development of quantitative and qualitative research analyses skills
• Culminates in a research based thesis
• It is a prerequisite for entry into PhD programs

The MEd degree is a primarily course based applied degree that culminates in a major project or paper. The MEd is useful for persons seeking employment or advancement in applied educational settings, community organizations, or the Ministry of Education. Projects and papers emphasize the application of theory and research to practice. The MEd program is useful for applicants who are interested in the development and evaluation of programs and services. Please note that MEd students who wish admission into doctoral programs generally require additional research method courses and must demonstrate their research and writing skill.

Important features of the MEd include:

• Minimum of 19.5 units (students often take more)
• Normally completed within 2 years
• Primarily course-based
• Culminates in an applied project or paper
• Is normally not suitable for entry into a PhD program

Transfer between MEd and MA Programs:

Persons admitted to either degree program may apply for transfer to the other. Please note that transfers are not automatic; each transfer request will be evaluated by faculty before approval. This is normally done in the Spring with the new application reviews.

Program Length

The MEd degree generally takes two years of full-time study on campus to complete. The MA degree also requires a minimum of two years of full-time study and often will require at least one additional semester to complete the thesis.

Learning and Development Focus Area Requirements (MA and MEd)

Required Courses (12 units)

Measurement, Evaluation, and Computer Applications Focus Area Requirements (MA and MEd)

Required Courses (12 units)

Special Education Focus Area Requirements (MA and MEd)

Required Courses (12 units)

Master's in Leadership Studies

MEd Program Requirements

The MEd degree requires 19.5 units of study including a research project (ED-D 598 - 3.0 units) and the comprehensive exam (ED-D 597 - 1.5 units).

Compulsory Core Courses (1.5 units): Students are required to select one of the following courses:

Compulsory Core Courses: (4.5 units) Students are required to register in the following two courses which are taught in conjunction BUT only after successful completion of 10.5 units of course work.

Other Courses: (12.0 units). Students may select from among courses numbered ED-D 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 541, 590, 591E, 610.

Up to 3.0 units can be in the form of an Independent Directed Study (ED-D 590) and the student is required to find the instructor to teach this course.

Electives from outside of Leadership courses (0-6.0 units). Up to 6.0 units of electives from outside Leadership Studies courses may be taken. Of those 6.0 units, only one undergraduate course at the 400 level is permitted with the Graduate Adviser's permission.

Compulsory Comprehensive Examination (1.5 units): ED-D 597 is the final requirement of the program, which is set three times each year in November, April and late-August. It consists of a three hour written exam in which a candidate is expected to demonstrate the synthesis and application of concepts and theories in Leadership Studies.

MA Program Requirements

The MA degree requires 19.5 units of study including a thesis (ED-D 599 - 6.0 units) and an oral examination.

Compulsory Core Courses: (1.5 units) Students are required to register in one of the following courses

Compulsory courses:

Two courses in qualitative and/or quantitative research design taken within any faculty at UVic. These should be completed prior to beginning the thesis.

Other Courses: (9.0 units). Students may select from among courses numbered ED-D 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 541, 590, 591E, 610.

Up to 3.0 units can be in the form of an Independent Directed Study (ED-D 590) and the student is required to find the instructor to teach this course.

Other courses: (4.5 units). Up to 4.5 units can be taken from other departments (EDCI, EPHE) in the Faculty of Education or other faculties across campus (permission of supervisor required).

Program Length

The MEd degree program can be completed over three consecutive summer sessions or 15 to 18 months of full-time study (with a May entry point).

PhD Program in Educational Psychology

Advanced doctoral studies in Educational Psychology with special focus in one of the following: Special Education; Counselling Psychology; Learning and Development; or Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications.

This program prepares students to contribute to theory, research and practice in the field of Educational Psychology relevant to their chosen area of focus. Graduates of the program pursue academic, research, government, and professional careers. The flexibility of the program and breadth of faculty expertise provide students with opportunities to pursue individualized scholarly and professional goals in close collaboration with faculty supervisors. Students are encouraged to complete a research apprenticeship and apprenticeship in teaching in higher education.

Program requirements

The minimum total number of units required for the PhD program is 48 units. The program requires a minimum of 15 units of coursework, a candidacy examination (3.0 units), and a dissertation (minimum 30.0 units). Of the 15 units of coursework required, all students must take ED-D 660 (Doctoral Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology), and a minimum of 4.5 units of advanced statistics/research methodology.

Other Requirements

PhD students write candidacy examinations in research methodology and in their area of specialization (for example, learning and development) within educational psychology. The format will consist of two written papers followed by an oral examination. In the oral examination, the candidate will be examined in both research methodology and his/her area of specialization. Normally, within thirty six months of registration as a provisional doctoral student and at least six months before the final oral examination, a student must pass the candidacy examination.

Students are required to submit a report of their progress to their supervisory committee each year by July 1. Failure to submit a report may jeopardize a student's subsequent registration.

The degree requires a minimum of 24 consecutive months from the time of first registration. Students are required to register in every term from the time of admission until the requirements of the degree have been met, or formally withdraw in accordance with regulations set out in the University of Victoria Calendar.

Program Length

A minimum residency of one academic year is required. During the residency year, students are expected to be committed full time to their studies. Normally, a student proceeding toward a doctoral degree will be required to complete all the requirements within seven years from the date of first registration in the program.

Note

Students who wish to be eligible for registration as a psychologist with the B.C. College of Psychologists must consult the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LATHE)

The LATHE Graduate Certificate is a 6.0 unit program that is designed for graduate students who will be pursuing a career in post-secondary teaching or in other settings where extensive teaching of adults occurs. By completing a series of courses, workshops and guided experiences, students will acquire knowledge of current research, theory and pedagogical skills that will enable them to become effective instructors in higher-education and similar settings.

Students normally will enroll in the LATHE program concurrently with their discipline-based Master's or Doctoral studies. During the certificate, students take ED-D 600 (1.5) Teaching and Learning in Higher Education; ED-D 605 (3.0) Educational Psychology: Apprenticeship in Teaching in Higher Education; and ED-D 610 (1.5) Contemporary Issues in Higher Education.

NOTE: The LATHE certificate is not designed to lead to certification as a K-12 teacher in the Public School System.