Program overview
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The School/Applied Child Psychology program is based upon the science of psychology, with a primary foundation in the study of human development, as well as psychopathology, the study of individual differences, learning, and the theory of assessment of human performance, potential, and other characteristics. While the program operates a MA as well as a PhD the master's degree is not viewed as a terminal degree in the training as an academic researcher, psychological consultant or professional psychologist. The program focuses upon three basic domains; research, professional development; and the acquisition of technical skills necessary for the practice of psychology.Through coursework, research apprenticeships, and clinical work students are exposed to a multidisciplinary approach to applying research and empirical findings in helping children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of psychological problems. The program seeks to help graduate students to prepare to be a scientist and scholar, able to integrate knowledge from different fields in order to bring meaning to problems encountered in practice; to conceptualize and conduct applied theoretical research arising from practice and from the science of psychology as it relates to children and adolescents, their families and teachers; to prepare graduates to teach a course in higher education settings and to supervise school psychology graduate students; to develop professional skills such as establishing cooperative relationships with children, parents, teachers, and participants in multi-disciplinary teams, and being a contributing member of the professional and scientific community; to foster professional skills conducting and reporting comprehensive psycho-environmental measurement and assessments, adapting curriculum, and remediation with children and youth having different exceptionalities; to develop skills as a problem-solving consultant with parents, teachers, and others, with an emphasis on evidence-based interventions for academic and behavioural problems, and to provide direct services to children, parents, families, and teachers; and to facilitate skills in working with culturally diverse clients. These skills are developed through coursework, clinical training and participation in clinical field placements and internships. - Director Ingrid Sladeczek |
 Ingrid Sladeczek Program Director |
Brochure
School/Applied Child Psychology Brochure [.pdf]
Degrees
Click on links below for program information and application requirements and procedures:
- MA in Educational Psychology - School/Applied Child Psychology Concentration
- PhD School/Applied Child Psychology
- Post-PhD Graduate Diploma in School/Applied Child Psychology
The program is built on the Scientist-Practitioner (Boulder) model and prepares graduates for the practice of professional psychology and academic occupations. The PhD in School/Applied Psychology builds upon the theoretical, research, and clinical experiences completed in the MA in Educational Psychology, School/Applied Child Psychology degree. At both the MA and PhD levels, students take a combination of theoretical, practical, and research-based courses throughout the course of their degree. Students will produce a thesis at both levels of study.
McGill's online Graduate Calendar will also provide further information about the program, including application requirements, course work and other features of the program.
Skills & careers
The School/Applied Child Psychology program at McGill University prepares students to work primarily in school, institutional, and university settings, and private practice. The goal is to develop competent and inquiring professionals who have the skills to improve the educational and psychological well-being of children, to use research to critically inform practice, and to be able to conceptualize and conduct applied and theoretical research arising from practice and the science of psychology, especially as it relates to issues in education. This model provides a basis for students to develop their leadership skills in School/Applied Child Psychology, and to be able to adapt effectively to future changes in the needs served by all psychologists working with preschool or school-age children and adolescents, their families, teachers, counselors, and other healthcare providers.
Our students go on to practice school psychology across a range of environments including private practice, academia, hospitals and school boards.
Progression from the MA to PhD
Students completing the MA program will graduate with a degree in Educational Psychology with a stream in School/Applied Child Psychology. M.A. graduates who wish to proceed to the Ph.D. must arrange for supervision before applying into the PhD program and submit an application package as outlined in the PhD School/Applied Psychology web page. There is no presumption of continuation from one degree to the next. Students successfully completing the MA and having arranged a commitment of doctoral advising should expect a fair review of their application.
However, students can be admitted to a combined MA and PhD degree in the School/Applied Child Psychology. It is expected that as long as student performance is satisfactory in the MA, the thesis (or project report) is submitted by August 31 of the second year of their program, and PhD advising has been arranged, they will be admitted to the Ph.D. upon completion of the MA portion of the program.
To proceed from the MA to the PhD, MA students should be sure to:
- Be in good academic standing.
- Submit a McGill online application form to enter the PhD by the application deadline during their second year. It is not necessary to submit reference letters, personal statements, or transcripts, apart from annual reports.
- Identify a PhD thesis advisor and have the supervisor submit a letter indicating his/her willingness for supervision. Individuals having difficulty making such an arrangement should obtain the help of the Program Director. The prospective PhD advisor may be the MA advisor, but need not be so.
- Complete all MA program requirements and submit the MA. thesis or project report for formal examination no later than August 31 prior to formally beginning PhD studies. Students who, at the beginning of their 3rd year have not met all the MA requirements and submitted the thesis or report by August 31st will not be permitted to register as PhD students or to take the doctoral courses. Such students will have to register as Additional Session MA students.
Contact
For information, email: schoolpsych [dot] education [at] mcgill [dot] ca (School/Applied Child Psychology, General Information)