Banner - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Back to Program List

Psychology (PhD)

Download the Program description (in PDF)
 
General
Information
Teaching
Staff
Admission
Program
Requirements
Courses
Contact
Us

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

The department offers a collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. For more information on this program, see “Admission Requirements”.

The programs operate within the general framework of the “General Regulations” of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) of the University of Ottawa, which are posted on the FGPS website.

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.

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 the social development of children, behaviour problems in children, social skills training, depression, psychotherapy, marital therapy, family psychology, correctional psychology, community psychology and program evaluation. Students may also elect to choose a thesis supervisor from the Experimental program.

This program is fully accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

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 from the director of the clinical psychology program to do so.

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 the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.