PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in Counselling Psychology

Counselling Psychology (Psy.D.)

Offered by: Educational & Counselling Psych (Faculty of Education)   
Degree: Doctor of Psychology

Program Description

The Doctor of Psychology in Counselling Psychology focuses on the positive growth, well being, and mental health of individuals. The program includes clinical experiences, field and community service, and research activities.

Required Courses (60 credits)

Research Project

Internship 

Complementary Courses (6 credits)

6 credits from the following: 

Elective Courses (6 credits)

6 credits at the 500 level or higher, which are on topics related to specialized interests and must be approved by the supervisor.

(Note that individual supervisors may list further details, such as when they are taking new students and application instructions in the Graduate Supervision section at the bottom of their individual profile pages.)

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Possess a Bachelor's degree consisting of 42 credits of core Psychology courses in specific domains (see Pre-Admission Checklist below).
2.  Possess a Master's degree equivalent to the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, or a Master's degree from a directly relevant program (e.g. Clinical Psychology, other Counselling Psychology programs).
3. A completed Pre-Admission Checklist including 42 discipline-specific credits at the university level in specific Psychology domains. Admitted students are required to have all Undergraduate pre-admission course requirements completed by the beginning of their degree. Applicants missing courses from their Master's level education will be required to complete these courses after entering the doctoral program. Please consult the Pre-Admission Domain Guide that provides added details and instruction for the checklist.
4. A minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher. International applicants can look up grade equivalencies on McGill’s Future Graduate Students website.
5. Proficiency in English. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, or from a recognized institution in Canada or the US (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English. 

All applications are done through McGill's Graduate Applicant Portal. The application steps and instructional video are on the University's Future Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

1. A complete application form (accompanied by your application fee payment).
2.  A copy of your unofficial transcripts from all previous university-level studies (undergraduate and graduate).  Official transcripts are required to be submitted by those who gain admission to the program. (Instructions on sending official transcripts will be sent upon acceptance.)
3. A completed Pre-Admission Checklist. (Please consult the Pre-Admission Domain Guide to assist you in completing the checklist.)
4. The McGill ECP Counselling Psychology Curriculum Vitae Form. (Click to download this form in Microsoft Word.)
5. Letters of Reference: Within the online application, applicants must provide valid institutional e-mail addresses for three (3) references. McGill University will contact the referees directly to submit their letters of reference.
6. Statement of Research Interest and Preferred Supervisor(s): Within the online application, applicants are required to concisely outline their proposed area(s) of research interest should they be admitted to this program (250-word maximum). Applicants will also be required to list the names of up to three (3) Counselling Psychology supervisors, in order of preference, who they would like to supervise their area of research interest(s). Applicants should ensure their preferred supervisor has listed expertise in their chosen area of research interest.
7. Personal Statement (3-page maximum, double-spaced) in APA style. Please include the following information:
   • Research experience: Describe your past and current research experience, outlining the research projects you have been involved with. Include the title and supervisor, a description of participants, and provide specific details about research skills that you acquired through these experiences. For at least one of these studies, provide a summary of the theory, methodology, and your interpretations of the findings. (1 page.)
   • Career objectives: Why are you applying to this program? How do program training standards match your general career objectives? Which skills would you like to gain? (1/2 page.)
   • Research supervision: Concisely outline your proposed area(s) of research interest(s), should you be admitted to this program. List the name(s) of up to three (3) Counselling Psychology supervisors in order of preference. Provide a brief rationale for selecting each supervisor and ensure your preferred supervisor has listed expertise in your chosen area. (1/2 page.)
   • Optional topics: Your personal trajectory, personal challenges along your scholastic journey, experiences or challenges you've encountered related to identity. Note that students who identify as being part of a minority group are encouraged to self-identify to facilitate access to any applicable financial aid and/or awards, as part of McGill's Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) mandate. All personal data submitted will be kept confidential and used only for operational decision-making.
8. Writing sample (e.g., paper for a course, MA thesis, publi­cation).
9. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) (if applicable/optional): Please arrange for test scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) - both general and the psychology subject tests, to be sent directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the McGill University institution code: 0935.
10. English Language Proficiency Test Score (if applicable): Please arrange for test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) to be sent to McGill directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the McGill University institution code: 0935.

• Fall Admission: December 1

As the deadline is firm, please make sure you start your application process early, leaving yourself with enough time to secure the essential components needed for your submission, in particular the transcripts, references, and test scores which can take several weeks to obtain.

Recommended candidates will receive a "Recommendation of Acceptance" email by April, confirming that their application has been reviewed and is being transmitted to McGill's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Successful candidates will be contacted via email with an official offer of admission. Candidates are then required to confirm their acceptance via their Graduate Applicant Portal. Kindly note that acceptance deferrals are not typically granted except under extraordinary circumstances.