Admission Requirements

To apply, you must have either an Honours degree in psychology or equivalent (i.e. an undergraduate degree majoring in psychology along with sufficient and relevant research experience). If you are interested in counselling, but do not hold those qualifications, you may be interested in either our Master of Education in Counselling, or in completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Found at: http://www2.acadiau.ca/prg_gr_psyc.html

Over the past five years, we have averaged 75 applications for 4 to 5 spaces per year. Of admitted students, the average GPA was 3.8. Previous research activity, work experience, and clinically-related public service are considered. Short-listed candidates shall receive a telephone or in-person interview with two or more faculty members in order to augment the selection process. Admission is restricted to those holding a bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology (with a thesis) or equivalent (please see chart below).

Admission Requirements

*Biological bases of behaviour (neuropsychology, biological psychology, physiological psychology) Cognitive bases of behaviour (learning, memory, cognition), Social bases of behaviour (social psychology, cultural, ethnic and group processes), Individual differences (abnormal psychology, developmental psychopathology) 

**The research statement is 1-3 pages long and must outline how you are prepared to complete a master’s thesis. Please describe your research experience and completed coursework that is related to research such as research design and statistics. The statement must also include general areas of research interest and potential Acadia supervisors in those areas. The statement of applied interests is 1-3 pages long and must describe your academic and clinical interests and how you intend to pursue them in the clinical psychology graduate program at Acadia University. Please state what you are interested in studying and why Acadia University is a good place for you. Please also include your career objectives, preparation, suitability for the program, and any other relevant information. Applicants are invited to describe any special circumstances that may affect their application and academic record such as the need for paid employment during undergraduate years, parental and medical leave(s), and possible socio-cultural disadvantages. If included, this information should be added to the “Statement of Applied Interests” part of the application with the subheading “Special Circumstances”. This last component is completely voluntary and not required; however, the Department is committed to Equity/ Diversity/ Inclusiveness principles and actions and is willing to consider applicants’ special circumstances as part of the admissions selection process.

***The onus is on the applicant without a four-year Honours degree in Psychology (thesis-based) to demonstrate, in their research statement and statement of applied interests, how all requirements have been met. At least one referee must comment on how you are prepared to complete a Masters thesis.

Also important are previous research activity, work experience, clinically related public service, three letters of recommendation. Priority is given to B.A., B.Sc. Honours Graduates in selecting candidates for Graduate Program. All questions regarding admission and required application documents need to be sent to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies of Acadia University. You can contact them for further information at gradadmissions@acadiau.ca

The application deadline is December 15, 2023, for entrance in September 2024.