School and Applied Child Psychology

This thesis-based degree prepares students to work as school psychologists or to develop specialized knowledge of school and applied child psychology for use in learning or community settings.

Course content for the PhD program follows the accreditation guidelines created by the Canadian Psychological Association’s standards for training.

Our mission is to turn out psychologists who will use their solid scientific foundations of psychology and education to enhance outcomes for learners of all ages in a wide range of applied settings. Graduates have gone on to find rewarding careers in schools and community agencies and in academic and research positions in institutions of higher education.

Completing this program

• Content Courses: Topics include creating a working alliance, clinical supervision in applied psychology, evidence-based consultation and more.

• Candidacy: Students will complete a research proposal and both oral and written candidacy exams.

• Dissertation: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research dissertation.

• Practicum Courses: Courses include an Advanced Doctoral Practicum in Clinical Assessment and Supervision and a School Based Practicum.

• Internship: Students complete a one year full-time or two year half-time supervised internship in a school, clinic or human service agency.

University professors, research organizations, not-for-profit, non-governmental and community agencies, post-secondary institutions, hospitals, counsellors, private practice, intercultural communication, culture studies, curricular consultant, public/private education systems, policy and governance.

A PhD in school and applied child psychology is usually considered a final degree.

1. Collect your documentation

   • Check your program requirements to find out which documents and forms you will need to prepare.
   • See the program's list of required documents for submission details.
   • Prospective doctoral students with funding from the China Scholarship Council: see additional information.

2. Gather references (if required)

   • Contact past professors for potential references. We will invite your referees to complete an online reference form after you submit your application.
   • Some course-based programs do not require references, please see specific admission requirements if you are unsure.

3. Begin your application

   • Create an eID to log in. If you already have an eID, you can begin your online application. 
   • Once you begin, remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

4. Submit your application

   • Pay your application fee:
     • $125 for Canadians or Permanent residents
     • $145 for International Students
   • Learn about payment options here