Psychological Clinical Science: Counselling and Clinical Psychology MA; Field: Clinical Psychology

Master of Arts

Program Description

The Counselling and Clinical Psychology program offers studies leading to the MA and PhD degrees. It is offered by the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and the Graduate Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), St. George campus.

This graduate program is intended for students seeking to pursue careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice. At the time of application, students will be required to identify a preference for a specific field as well as for a potential supervisor with whom they would work if admitted to the program.

The program has two fields:

  • Clinical and Counselling Psychology, offered by OISE;

  • Clinical Psychology, offered by UTSC.

The field in Clinical Psychology is offered by the Department of Psychological Clinical Science at UTSC. Clinical Psychology at UTSC adheres to a Clinical Science model of training and is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). The primary and overriding objective of graduate training in Clinical Psychology at UTSC is to foster exceptional clinical scientists according to the highest standards of research and professional practice.

Graduate training in Clinical Psychology at UTSC has primary research strengths in the areas of: clinical and cognitive neuroscience, psychological assessment and clinical neuropsychology, psychopathology, personality, and mindfulness- and acceptance-based psychotherapies.

The field in Clinical Psychology adheres to a generalist model of training, with a primary focus on adults, including emerging adults and older adults. A unifying theme of faculty research in Clinical Psychology at UTSC is to advance knowledge of the etiology and assessment and treatment of mental disorders. Instruction is provided in psychopathology, assessment, and intervention, and students are trained to practise with a variety of adult populations. The field also boasts strength in neuropsychology.

The full-time, two-year MA program is designed for applicants interested in working as researchers or practitioners in a variety of psychological and academic settings. This program enables students to apply for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) as a Psychological Associate. It also meets the needs of students who plan to apply to the PhD program in Counselling and Clinical Psychology.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Psychological Clinical Science's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least an A– (or first-class standing) in the final two years of undergraduate study, and at least 4.0 to 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in psychology including statistics and some laboratory research experience. Students who are admitted to the program without 4.0 to 6.0 FCEs in required undergraduate coursework may be required to complete additional courses in the master's program. Applicants with a strong background in mathematics, computer science, statistics, biological science, or neuroscience are encouraged to apply.

  • Two academic letters of reference.

  • A personal statement.

  • A curriculum vitae.

  • Completion of the Department Application Form.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. Applicants must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or its equivalent according to SGS regulations, prior to submitting the application. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. The Clinical Psychology field for the MA in Counselling and Clinical Psychology requires 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including an ethics course, practicum-based courses, a clinical practicum, and a thesis.

    • 4.5 FCEs as follows:

      • Year 1:

        • CPS1601H Psychopathology (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1701H Psychological Assessment I (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1702H Psychological Assessment II (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1801H Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1901H Ethics (0.5 FCE).

      • Year 2:

        • CPS1101H Clinical Research Design (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1102H Statistical Techniques I (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1802H Applied Interventions in Clinical Psychology (0.5 FCE);

        • CPS1803H Practicum in Psychological Interventions (0.5 FCE).

    • 0.5 FCE: Students must complete a clinical practicum at a pre-approved placement site in the final Summer of the program (CPS2999H Summer Practicum).

  • Research thesis to be completed and orally defended in Year 2 of the program.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time