Counselling Psychology

Program Overview

The Counselling Psychology program is offered by the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), leading to the Master of Education (MEd) and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees.

Quick Facts

Master of Education

Program Description

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy, within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for counselling individuals across a variety of work settings. Students are encouraged to tailor their courses and practicum learning experiences to meet their particular learning goals. Examples of the types of goals for which suitable programs of study could be developed include counselling and psychotherapy with adults, college and university students, or older adults: career counselling; counselling with diverse clients; and counselling and psychotherapy in community mental health and family service settings. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

• At least one year of relevant counselling-related experience.

• Two letters of reference.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • APD1202H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part I (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1203Y⁺ Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (1.0 FCE). The practicum placement is the supervised training component of this course.

  • APD1214H Critical Multicultural Practice: Diversity Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE; corequisites: APD1202H and APD1302H).

  • APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1260H Family Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD1261H Group Work in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1302H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part II (0.5 FCE).

  • 1.5 FCEs in electives. Recommended electives: one of

    • APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE),

    • APD1267H Emotion-Focused Therapy (0.5 FCE),

    • APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood (0.5 FCE),

    • APD1278H Cognitive Therapy (0.5 FCE).

• A comprehensive examination. Upon completion of program course requirements, students must pass a written comprehensive exam of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

• Optional additional practicum, counted as one of the electives. Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course (APD1203Y⁺ Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy). Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Master of Education

Program Description

The field in Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology, within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for the field of mental health and counselling psychology in international contexts. Students will be prepared to work in a variety of global applied settings with a focus on mental health. This degree program is ideally suited to students interested in an international perspective of mental health and counselling. This degree is cohort based and is offered full-time only.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

• At least one year of relevant counselling-related experience.

• Two letters of reference.

• Normally, an interview is required prior to admission.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1228H Couples Counselling (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1278H Cognitive Therapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context (0.5 FCE).

  • APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research (0.5 FCE).

  • APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master's Level (0.5 FCE).

  • In consultation with the program chair, students will take APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood, APD1291H Addictive Behaviours: Approaches to Assessment and Intervention, or another elective.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

1) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Medicine (China Medical University)

Program Description

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Medicine (MMed) in Psychiatry and Mental Health programs.

In Year 1, students complete MMed coursework at CMU in Liaoning Province, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MMed coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at CMU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Students will gain both degrees in three years rather than the four years it would take to acquire the degrees independently.

Contact

Master of Education / Master of Medicine Program
Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Education Program
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto
Email: admissions.oise@utoronto.ca

Master of Medicine Program
Department of Medical Psychology and Mental Health, China Medical University
Email: mqu@cmu.edu.cn

Application Process

• Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Medical Psychology and Mental Health at CMU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• In order to be admitted to the dual degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs. The admission requirements of the GMHCP field within the MEd program are stated below.

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto as well as the specific requirements of the MEd program.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a standing in the final year equivalent to at least a U of T B+.

• At least one year of relevant counselling experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

• Two letters of reference.

• Normally, an interview is required prior to admission to the MEd program.

Program Requirements

During their U of T registration in the GMHCP field within the MEd program, students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

Year 1

• Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MMed courses at CMU.

Year 2

• Students complete the following Year 2 MEd courses at U of T.

• Fall session (1.5 FCEs):

  • APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology.

  • APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context.

  • In consultation with the program chair, students will take APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood, APD1291H Addictive Behaviours: Approaches to Assessment and Intervention, or another elective.

• ​Winter session (2.0 FCEs):

  • ​APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy.

  • APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

  • APD1278H Cognitive Therapy.

  • APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research.

• May-to-June period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

  • APD1228H Couples Counselling.

• July-to-August period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

  • APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master’s Level.

Year 3

• Fall session (0.5 FCE):

  • Complete the U of T MEd course APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health. This is a 250-hour placement in an approved field setting and must be arranged prior to admission to this program.

  • Continue the MMed program requirements at CMU.

• Winter and Summer sessions:

  • Complete the MMed program requirements at CMU.

Program Length

9 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S/F/W/S)

2) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Science (China Medical University)

Program Description

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Psychology programs.

In Year 1, students complete MSc coursework at CMU in Liaoning Province, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MSc coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at CMU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Students will gain both degrees in three years rather than the four years it would take to acquire the degrees independently.

Contact

Master of Education / Master of Science Program
Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Education Program
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto
Email: admissions.oise@utoronto.ca

Master of Science Program
Department of Applied Psychology, China Medical University
Email: mqu@cmu.edu.cn

Application Process

• Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Applied Psychology at CMU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• In order to be admitted to the dual degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs. The admission requirements of the GMHCP field within the MEd program are stated below.

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto as well as the specific requirements of the MEd program.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a standing in the final year equivalent to at least a U of T B+.

• At least one year of relevant experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

• Two letters of reference.

• Normally, an interview is required prior to admission to the MEd program.

Program Requirements

During their U of T registration in the GMHCP field within the MEd program, students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

Year 1

• Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MSc courses at CMU.

Year 2

• Students complete the following Year 2 MEd courses at U of T.

• Fall session (1.5 FCEs):

  • APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology.

  • APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context.

  • In consultation with the program chair, students will take APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood, APD1291H Addictive Behaviours: Approaches to Assessment and Intervention, or another elective.

• ​Winter session (2.0 FCEs):

  • ​APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy.

  • APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

  • APD1278H Cognitive Therapy.

  • APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research.

• May-to-June period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

  • APD1228H Couples Counselling.

• July-to-August period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

  • APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master’s Level.

Year 3

• Fall session (0.5 FCE):

  • Complete the U of T MEd course APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health. This is a 250-hour placement in an approved field setting and must be arranged prior to admission to this program.

  • Continue the MSc program requirements at CMU.

• Winter and Summer sessions:

  • Complete the MSc program requirements at CMU.

Program Length

9 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S/F/W/S)

3) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Applied Psychology (Zhejiang University)

Admissions to this dual degree program have been administratively suspended for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

Program Description

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and Zhejiang University (ZJU)'s Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programs.

In Year 1, students complete MAP coursework at ZJU in Hangzhou, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MAP coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at ZJU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Students will gain both degrees in three years rather than the four years it would take to acquire the degrees independently.

Contact

Master of Education / Master of Science Program
Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Education Program
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto
Email: admissions.oise@utoronto.ca

Master of Applied Psychology Program
Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Zhejiang University
Email: jiananzhong@zju.edu.cn

Application Process

• Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science at ZJU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• In order to be admitted to the dual degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs. The admission requirements of the GMHCP field within the MEd program are stated below.

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto as well as the specific requirements of the MEd program.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a standing in the final year equivalent to at least a U of T B+.

• At least one year of relevant experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

• Two letters of reference.

• Normally, an interview is required prior to admission to the MEd program.

Program Requirements

During their U of T registration in the GMHCP field within the MEd program, students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

Year 1

• Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MAP courses at ZJU.

Year 2

• Students complete the following Year 2 MEd courses at U of T.

• Fall session (1.5 FCEs):

  • APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology.

  • APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context.

  • In consultation with the program chair, students will take APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood, APD1291H Addictive Behaviours: Approaches to Assessment and Intervention, or another elective.

• ​Winter session (2.0 FCEs):

  • ​APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy.

  • APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

  • APD1278H Cognitive Therapy.

  • APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research.

• May-to-June period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

  • APD1228H Couples Counselling.

• July-to-August period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

  • APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master’s Level.

Year 3

• Fall session (0.5 FCE):

  • Complete the U of T MEd course APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health. This is a 250-hour placement in an approved field setting and must be arranged prior to admission to this program.

  • Continue the MAP program requirements at ZJU.

• Winter and Summer sessions:

  • Complete the MAP program requirements at ZJU.

Program Length

9 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S/F/W/S)

Master of Education

Program Description

The field in Guidance and Counselling, within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for the field of guidance and counselling in the schools. Strong preference for admission to this field is given to experienced teachers who are interested in specializing in guidance and counselling in the schools. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

• Teacher certification.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • APD1202H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part I (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1203Y⁺ Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (1.0 FCE). The practicum placement is the supervised training component of this course.

  • APD1214H Critical Multicultural Practice: Diversity Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE; corequisites: APD1202H and APD1302H).

  • APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1260H Family Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD1261H Group Work in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1262H Educational Psychological Testing for Counselling (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE).

  • APD1302H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part II (0.5 FCE).

  • 0.5 FCE in electives.

• A comprehensive examination. Upon completion of program course requirements, students will take a comprehensive examination of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

• Optional additional practicum. Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course APD1203Y⁺ Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Doctor of Education

Program Description

Advanced counsellor training in this degree program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in educational and community settings with expertise in supervisory and consultative skills and advanced counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of counselling and psychotherapy as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school and college personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling in community and educational settings.

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy will be especially attractive to individuals who have demonstrated a career commitment to the provision of counselling-related services in an educational and community setting. This professional doctorate is designed to prepare students to refine and build on professional knowledge and practice to support the development of scholar-practitioners to be leaders in their fields of professional practice.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is only available on a full-time basis.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

• Applicants must have the following to be admitted to the EdD program:

  • A bachelor's degree: an appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline from a recognized university, with high academic standing.

  • A master's degree: an MA or MEd degree in Counselling Psychology or School and/or Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Toronto with a grade of B+ or better, or its equivalent from a recognized university. The applicant must have had successful professional experience and interest to increase and advance their knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy to become leaders in their fields. Applicants who hold an MEd or other non-thesis master's degree must submit evidence of their ability to identify a research question or problem, to design and conduct a research study or project, and to report the findings or results, all in a rigorous manner. This constitutes a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP).

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must take courses related to the development of advanced competence in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health theory and practice and become sophisticated consumers of research in these and related fields. Students must complete a minimum of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including a practicum, internship, and thesis (dissertation in practice) as follows:

  • APD3115H⁺ Research Proseminar in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3215H Advanced Psychotherapy Seminar (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3261H⁺ Clinical Supervision and Consultation Practicum (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3217Y⁺ Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit): complete a 500-hour practicum before the Final Oral Examination.

  • APD3270H⁰ EdD Internship (0.5 FCE): complete 500 hours of internship, typically after the Final Oral Examination. All internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training.

  • Three courses, one from each of the following three groupings:

    • APD3116H Proseminar ll: Practice-Based Research in School and Counselling Psychology

    • APD3178H Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD3160H Advanced Family Therapy (0.5 FCE)

    • APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems (0.5 FCE) or one elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE).

  • In addition, students must take 1.0 FCE in their specific area of focus.

    • Option 1: Counselling and Psychotherapy for Adults

      • APD3163H Advanced Multicultural Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE)

      • One elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE)

    • Option 2: Counselling and Psychotherapy for Schools and Youth

      • APD5284Y Assessment and Intervention with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (1.0 FCE).

• Optional additional practicum. Students may choose to take an optional continuous practicum (APD3271H⁰ Additional PhD Practicum) in conjunction with the required doctoral practicum course APD3217Y⁺ Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit).

• Thesis (dissertation in practice). All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be: a) well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health practice; b) involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice; c) exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and; d) has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

• Students are full-time and must maintain continuous, full-time registration and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.

• Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Doctor of Education

Program Description

Counsellor training in this degree program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in educational and community settings with the goal of enhancing their expertise in their professional roles including supervisory and consultative skills and the advanced study of counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of counselling and psychotherapy; as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school and college personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling in community and educational settings.

The field in School Psychology will be especially attractive to practitioners providing direct services to children and youth in the education system (K-12) and will provide school psychology practitioners with core theoretical and practical training needed to develop research-informed leaders in the field of school psychology. The program is structured to provide students with the requirements necessary for registration as a School Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is only available on a full-time basis.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

• Applicants must have the following to be admitted to the EdD program:

  • A bachelor's degree: an appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline from a recognized university, with high academic standing.

  • A master's degree: an MA or MEd degree in Counselling Psychology or School and/or Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Toronto with a grade of B+ or better, or its equivalent from a recognized university. The applicant must have had successful professional experience and interest to increase and advance their knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy to become leaders in their fields. Applicants who hold an MEd or other non-thesis master's degree must submit evidence of their ability to identify a research question or problem, to design and conduct a research study or project, and to report the findings or results, all in a rigorous manner. This constitutes a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP).

  • Applicants must demonstrate either undergraduate- or graduate-level competence in each of the five core content areas of psychology: 1) Biological Bases of Behaviour; 2) Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behaviour; 3) Historical and Scientific Foundations of Psychology; 4) Scientific and Professional Ethics (graduate level); and 5) Social Bases of Behaviour, by successful completion of

    • 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) at the second-, third-, or fourth-year undergraduate level or

    • 0.5 FCE at the graduate level.

  • If the above requirements are not met, students must take additional courses to ensure they have completed the above requirements by the end of their program.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must take courses related to the development of advanced competence in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health theory and practice and become sophisticated consumers of research in these and related fields. Students must complete a minimum of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including a practicum, internship, and thesis (dissertation in practice) as follows:

  • APD3115H⁺ Research Proseminar in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3215H Advanced Psychotherapy Seminar (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3261H⁺ Clinical Supervision and Consultation Practicum (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3217Y⁺ Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit): complete a 500-hour practicum before the Final Oral Examination.

  • APD3401H Assessment with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3402H Intervention with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3403H⁰ EdD Internship in School Psychology (0.5 FCE): complete 1,600 hours of internship, typically after the Final Oral Examination. All internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training.

  • Three courses, one from each of the following three groupings:

    • APD3116H Proseminar ll: Practice-Based Research in School and Counselling Psychology.

    • APD3178H Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD3160H Advanced Family Therapy (0.5 FCE).

    • APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems (0.5 FCE) or one elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE).​

• Optional additional practicum. Students may choose to take an optional continuous practicum (APD3271H⁰ Additional PhD Practicum) in conjunction with the required doctoral practicum course APD3217Y⁺ Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit).

• Thesis (dissertation in practice). All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling or school psychology theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or children/youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be: a) well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health or school psychology practice; b) involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice; c) exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and; d) has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

• Students are full-time and must maintain continuous, full-time registration and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.

• Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.