Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies

General Information

Three graduate programs are offered : (1) Counselling Psychology, (2) Educational Psychology with three focus areas (Learning and Development; Measurement, Evaluation, and Computer Applications; Special Education) and (3) Leadership Studies.

Contact Information

Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies

Location: MacLaurin Building, Room A439

Mailing Address:

Courier Address:

Telephone Number: 250-721-7799

Fax Number: 250-721-6190

Website: <www.educ.uvic.ca/epls/>

Chair: Dr. John Anderson

Department Administrative Officer: Deb Renney

Department Administrative Assistant: Zoria Crilly

Graduate Program Assistant (Leadership): Vivian McCormick

Graduate Program Assistant (Counselling and Educational Psychology): Stacey Brownell

Degrees and Specializations Offered

• Counselling Psychology - project-based MA, thesis-based MA
• Educational Psychology - MEd, MA, PhD
• Learning and Development
• Measurement, Evaluation, and Computer Applications
• Special Education
• Leadership Studies - MEd, MA

Counselling

The Counselling Graduate Program assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to work as professional counsellors in a wide variety of settings. The program is characterized by relatively small classes, ongoing contact with a program supervisor, and a focus on the practicum/internship component of counsellor preparation.

Educational Psychology Focus Areas

All Educational Psychology focus areas share foundational courses in learning, development, and measurement. Each focus area builds on this foundation with additional courses, faculty supervision, and culminating theses or projects. This specialization provides externally identifiable areas of expertise as well as programs of study that can flexibly meet individual career goals.

We currently offer three Educational Psychology focus areas:

• Learning and Development
• Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications
• Special Education

All Educational Psychology focus areas are characterized by small classes that provide rich dialogue, development of critical thinking skills, and active integration of research and theory with practice. All students are offered individualized mentoring and supervision, and all have opportunities to gain research experience.

Please note that Educational Psychology programs are suitable for achieving advanced TQS standing for previously qualified teachers, but none of our graduate programs lead to BC Teacher Certification.

Learning and Development - This program integrates the psychology of learning and instruction with the psychology of human biological, cognitive, emotional, and social development. The developmental content of this focus area embraces a life-span methodological perspective, but focuses primarily on the first two decades of life. The learning portion of this focus area is applicable across the life-span.

General objectives of the Learning & Development focus area:

• To update students' knowledge of what is currently known about human learning, self-regulation, and motivation.
• To update students' knowledge of what is currently known about human development from birth through emerging adulthood.
• To develop students' ability to critically integrate educational psychology theory and research with their personal observations and professional practices.
• To provide students with opportunities to develop specific research competencies and to teach effective communication of information in both research and applied educational psychology settings.

Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications - The Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications focus provides students with the opportunity to pursue advanced study in measurement, statistics, evaluation, and technology; and to support individual research investigation of a significant topic within these areas. Topics of interest include large-scale assessment, classroom assessment of student achievement, and educational technology.

The general objectives of the Measurement, Evaluation, and Computer Applications focus area:

• To provide students with current theoretical, research and practical knowledge as a basis for professional development in educational psychology.
• To provide students with opportunities to investigate significant issues in the field of educational psychology.

Special Education - The Special Education focus area provides the opportunity for advanced study in research and practice to support the needs of students with exceptionalities such as students with learning disabilities, emotional and behaviour disorders, sensory impairments, communication disorders, intellectual and physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, or students who are gifted. Practices that promote inclusion, resilience, and the developmental health of exceptional populations across multiple contexts (e.g., school, home, community) are emphasized.

The general objectives of the Special Education focus area:

• To meet the advanced training needs of current or prospective special educators in contemporary research and practice within inclusive education.
• To cultivate professional knowledge and skills in assessing, programming, and supporting individuals with special needs, and to enhance consultative and administrative skills within special education and related health fields.
• To promote research and guide graduate students in empirically examining important issues in special education and related health fields.

Leadership Studies

The University of Victoria offers programs leading to the Master of Education (MEd) and the Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership Studies. These degrees are intended for students with diverse backgrounds who have earned undergraduate degrees. The aim of the program is to broaden understandings of contemporary theories and practices of leadership, education, learning and issues that affect schools, community, and society. Candidates will choose their specific degree, MEd or MA, before entering the program.

We are in the process of developing a PhD program with a focus on social justice, school and/or community emphasis and life-long learning. Presently a PhD in Leadership Studies is offered by Individual Graduate Programs by Special Arrangement with a quota on admissions.

Ethical and Professional Behaviour

Graduate students in the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies are expected to adhere to a professional code of conduct for the basis of their relationships with peers, faculty and for any children/adolescents for whom they may provide services. Students will be subject to the provisions of the ethical guidelines of their respective professions. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program when ethical, medical, or other reasons interfere with satisfactory practice in their respective professions.

Facilities

• MacLaurin Building
• McPherson Library
• Curriculum Library

Financial Support

Fellowships and Scholarships

The University of Victoria awards a limited number of Graduate Fellowships for full-time study. No duties are involved. The awards are competitive and are based on academic standing. All students admitted to the program and assessed with a 7.0 or higher GPA will be considered.

A small number of Faculty scholarships, fellowships and awards are available to students, usually in their second year of study.

Students with strong GPAs are encouraged to apply for SSHRC fellowships early in the fall semester. These awards are competitive and compare students on three main criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and communication skills. For more information about these awards see: <www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/web/apply/students_e.asp>.

A list of awards and financial support can be found at: <web.uvic.ca/gradstudies/fund/award-alpha-cat.html>.

Paid Research Assistantships

Paid research assistantships are available with individual faculty in the department. These assistantships are usually supported through grant funding. They are available to a limited number of qualified students. Students interested in research assistantships should contact faculty members directly.

Paid Teaching Assistantships

Paid teaching assistantships are available within the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies to a limited number of qualified students. The number of teaching assistantships varies yearly. For information, contact the Graduate Secretary (eplsgrad@uvic.ca) and review postings on the departmental website.

Work Study Program

The Work Study Program is funded by the University of Victoria Student Awards and Financial Aid Office. The objective of the program is to provide additional financial assistance through on-campus part-time employment opportunities for students who have documented financial need. The Work Study Program runs from September to April of each academic year and students may earn up to a maximum of $3,400 for this 8 month period. Students may only hold one work study position at one time. Additional information is available online at: <registrar.uvic.ca/safa/workstudy/workstudyindex.html>.

Co-operative Education and Work Placements

It is possible for graduate students to combine their graduate studies with co-op education semesters in which they apply knowledge and skills in paid work placements across Canada. This usually involves extending program completion by two semesters. For more information please contact: spacoop@uvic.ca.