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Psychology (MA, PhD)

Part of the Faculty of Arts

Psychology student with baby on lap who is wearing an eeg tracking headset

Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: Master of Arts or PhD

Launched in 2007, this innovative program offers study in the fields of Psychological Science or Clinical Psychology under a core faculty trained at and recruited from top universities in Canada, the United States and around the world. In a department known for its experiential and career-focused learning, and with a curriculum anchored in real-world issues, the graduate program takes advantage of its downtown Toronto location to offer proximity to major sites for practicum training and clinical research, and world-class training opportunities. The department has more than 15,000 square feet of research and student training space designed from the ground up to meet the specialized research needs of the department.

Psychology PhD candidates Rachel Bar (left) and Fiona C. Thomas received Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in 2017. Photo by Clifton Li.

At a Glance

MA

  • Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree in Psychology or related field (e.g., Applied Cognitive Science or Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience) from an accredited institution
  • As per the Graduate School policy, a minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study is required. However, due to the competitive application process, a minimum of 3.67/4.33 GPA (A-) is strongly recommended. Check the program's web page for further details.
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English Proficiency Test
  • An interview will be required for selected applicants

PhD

  • Completion of a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution
  • As per the Graduate School policy, a minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+) in the last two years of study is required. However, due to the competitive application process, a minimum of 3.67/4.33 GPA (A-) is strongly recommended. Check the program's web page for further details.
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English Proficiency Test
  • An interview will be required for selected applicants

Note: The GRE test is no longer required as an admissions requirement effective fall 2021.

More information on admission requirements. Please note this program is extremely competitive and spots are currently limited to qualified domestic applicants.  Potential International applicants are encouraged to contact the program before submitting an application.

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

  • Clinical Psychology (accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association)
  • Psychological Science with four core research areas:
    • Brain, Perception and Cognition
    • Community and Health Psychology
    • Lifespan Development
    • Social Psychology

In addition to traditional course work and thesis/ dissertation milestones, students complete practicum placements where they apply their knowledge and skills. Some recent research and clinical practicum sites include:

  • Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Duke University Medical Centre (North Carolina)
  • Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York)
  • Ontario Correctional Institute
  • Pelly Crossing School (Yukon)
  • Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Psychology (MA, PhD) graduate program calendar

  • The PRTC and Stress Institute features 31 dedicated research laboratories and groups; shared observation rooms; flexible interview, research and group therapy rooms; seminar and conference rooms; graduate student space; and offices.
  • Specialized research equipment and technology include EEG; psychophysiology, BioPac and BioLynx ambulatory systems; face/emotion capture and eye tracking; headmounted virtual reality with scenario suite; a sound attenuated chamber; and an assay laboratory.
  • The Clinical Psychology Program offers a unique practicum experience through its Psychology Training Clinic located within the St. Michael’s Hospital Family Health Team Clinic at 80 Bond Street. The Clinic is outfitted with state-of-the-art video recording equipment.

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Todd Girard
Graduate Program Director
PhD, University of Waterloo
Research areas: hippocampus; schizophrenia; memory; spatial cognition; fMRI; sleep-paralysis hallucinations
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552646
Email: todd.girard@torontomu.ca

Sarah Carmichael
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552178
Email: psychgrad@torontomu.ca

“[TMU]’s Psychology program has provided me with the skills and opportunities to conduct high-level research that aims to change how we view sexual violence. The knowledge that my research has the potential to translate into clinical and policy recommendations to increase the safety of Canadians is incredibly rewarding.”

Andrew Brankley, PhD student and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient (2014-17)

Student profile: Singing for your brain (external link) 

Ella Dubinsky (psychology MA alumna and PhD student, and the university's 2017 3MT® winner and Canadian 3MT® finalist) explores using music to improve hearing in aging adults.

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Psychology (MA, PhD).

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.