The School of Psychology offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Specializations are offered in Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychology in the following five fields approved by the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies:
• Clinical Psychology;
• Social Psychology;
• Developmental Psychology;
• Cognition;
• Behavioural Neurosciences.
Only students who intend to complete a doctorate are admitted. In special circumstances, students may be requested to complete the MA program after their first year of enrolment
Program Objectives
MA - PhD with Specialization in Experimental Psychology
The objective of this program is to train researchers in experimental psychology with emphasis on one of the following areas : behavioral neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychophysiology, human and animal cognition, learning, language, sleep and dreams, social, cognitive and emotional development, perception, intergroup relations, motivation, and the social psychology of health and work. Training in behavioral neuroscience may also be provided through the Behavioral Neurosciences Specialization Program which is a collaborative program coordinated by the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
MA - PhD with Specialization in Clinical Psychology
The purpose of this program is to provide doctoral training in the area of clinical psychology and prepare students to work with adults and children. Professional training includes exposure to cognitive-behavioural, experiential, systemic/interpersonal, and community consultation approaches. Thesis supervisors within the clinical program have special expertise in areas such as social development of children, behaviour problems in children, social skills training, depression, psychotherapy, marital therapy, family psychology, correctional psychology, community psychology and program evaluation. Training in behavioural neuroscience may also be provided through the Behavioural Neuroscience Specialization program which is a collaborative program coordinated by the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Students may also elect to choose a thesis supervisor from the Experimental program.
This program is fully accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
In Ontario, practice as a psychologist is governed by statute law; graduation from the doctoral program in clinical psychology does not by itself qualify a person to practice as a psychologist. For further information, the College of Psychologists of Ontario should be contacted, at the following address: The Registrar, The College of Psychologists of Ontario, 1246 Yonge Street, Suite 201, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1W5, Tel: 416-961-8817, Fax: 416-961-2635.
Regulations of the School of Psychology prohibit involvement by students in the private practice of psychology, outside of practica and internships, unless they have received explicit permission to do so, which may be granted under certain conditions.
Co-ordination of the Programs
The Graduate Studies Committee, and its two permanent subcommittees (for the programs in experimental and clinical psychology, respectively) ensure the ongoing co-ordination of the programs, in keeping with all regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Specific guidelines and procedures are available from the office of the Graduate Program Administrator.