Developmental Psychology and Education

Program Overview

The Developmental Psychology and Education 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 Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Students have an opportunity to construct an overall perspective on developmental psychology and human development and their implications for practice with children in educational and other applied settings.

Students take foundation courses in human development and research methodology. Elective courses cover a range of areas including cognitive, social, and emotional development; cognition and instruction (language, literacy, and mathematics); special education and adaptive instruction; developmental neuroscience; advanced research methodology and evaluation; and early childhood policy and programs, including child care.

The MA and PhD programs are designed for students wishing to pursue an academic or research-based career. The MEd program is designed for the reflective teacher or other practitioner in education or related fields.

Quick Facts

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/Home/Future_Students/Master_s_Degrees/MEd_Global_Mental_Health_Dual_Degree_Program/

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)

This dual degree program will start in September 2023.

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: not available

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)

This dual degree program will start in September 2023.

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: not available

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 Arts

Program Description

The Developmental Psychology and Education program offers studies leading to the MA, MEd, and PhD degrees. Students have an opportunity to construct an overall perspective on developmental psychology and human development and their implications for practice with children in educational and other applied settings.

Students take foundation courses in human development and research methodology in consultation with their advisor. Elective courses cover a range of areas including cognitive, social, and emotional development; cognition and instruction (language, literacy, and mathematics); special education and adaptive instruction; developmental neuroscience; advanced research methodology and evaluation; and early childhood policy and programs, including child care. The MA program is designed for students wishing to pursue an academic or research-based career.

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• An appropriate bachelor's degree with the equivalent of a University of Toronto A– or better. Although most applicants will have a degree in psychology, applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree in cognitive science, computer science, linguistics, or a helping profession such as occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, nursing, social work, or another discipline relevant to their specific program of study are also eligible to apply for admission.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • APD1209H Research Methods and Thesis Preparation in Human Development and Applied Psychology (0.5 FCE)

  • JOI1288H Intermediate Statistics and Research Design (RM) (0.5 FCE)

  • Two elective courses (1.0 FCE total) chosen in consultation with the student's advisor, which may include APD2252H Individual Reading and Research (0.5 FCE).

  • Students who have not taken a previous course in human development are required to take APD1201H Child and Adolescent Development (0.5 FCE) or an equivalent.

  • In addition to their required 2.0 FCEs, students who have not taken a previous course in statistics are required to take JOI1287H Introduction to Applied Statistics or an equivalent course.

• Master's thesis.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Master of Education

Program Description

The Developmental Psychology and Education program offers studies leading to the MA, MEd, and PhD degrees. Students have an opportunity to construct an overall perspective on developmental psychology and human development and their implications for practice with children in educational and other applied settings. The Master of Education (MEd) program is designed for the reflective teacher or other practitioner in education or related fields. This is a degree primarily designed for those working in applied settings and it does not require a research thesis.

Students take foundation courses in human development and research methodology. Elective courses cover a range of areas including cognitive, social, and emotional development; cognition and instruction (language, literacy, and mathematics); special education and adaptive instruction; program evaluation and mental health; advanced research methodology and evaluation; and early childhood policy and programs, including child care.

The MEd program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Admission to the MEd program normally requires an appropriate bachelor's degree with standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better.

• Applicants normally possess a teaching certificate and have at least one year of relevant professional experience.

Program Requirements

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

  • APD1200H Foundations of Human Development and Education (0.5 FCE).

  • APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research (0.5 FCE).

  • 2.0 additional FCEs must be selected from the department electives list, available on the departmental website or in the Applied Psychology and Human Development program guidelines.

  • The remaining 2.0 elective FCEs may be taken from within or outside the department. Elective courses must be chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisor. Students are asked to meet with their faculty advisor in the first session of their program.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Emphasis: Program Evaluation

Program Description

Within the MEd program in Developmental Psychology and Education, the emphasis in Program Evaluation is designed to engage students in an exploration of program evaluation used in education, psychology, and social sciences. Program evaluation is a systematic analysis of the process, effectiveness, and outcomes of programs. The primary purpose of program evaluation is to assess what components of a program is working or not and why. Students will learn to understand the concepts and theories needed to be a critical reviewer of evaluation designs and develop core components of program evaluation proposals and reports. As such, students will develop the basic competencies needed for program evaluation, including critically appraising evaluation research; assessing program needs; developing a logic model; evaluating process and outcomes of the program; evaluating efficiency; dealing with ethical issues; warranting evaluation claims; and communicating with stakeholders. Furthermore, students will develop an understanding of how social, cultural, and political factors impact program evaluation.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), which are counted towards the total FCEs required for the student's degree program, as follows: 1.0 FCE from the Program Evaluation menu and 0.5 FCE from the Research Methods menu, listed below.

• Program Evaluation menu (1.0 FCE from the following):

  • APD1212H Basics to Program Evaluation in Social Sciences

  • APD1226H Foundations in Inquiry and Data-Based Decision Making

  • APD1241H Outcomes of Early Education and Child Care

  • APD1250H Program Evaluation Practicum

  • APD1292H Instrument Design and Analysis (RM)

  • APD3202H A Foundation of Program Evaluation in Social Sciences (RM)

  • APD3301H Issues in Child Study and Education: Research, Policy, and Problems of Practice (RM)

  • APD3305H Systems and Organizational Change.

• Research Methods menu (0.5 FCE from the following):

  • APD1210H Research Practicum

  • APD3201H Qualitative Research Methods in Human Development and Applied Psychology (RM)

  • JOI1287H Introduction to Applied Statistics (RM)

  • JOI1288H Intermediate Statistics and Research Design (RM)

  • JOI3043H Development and Use of Surveys in Education Research (RM)

  • JOI3048H Intermediate Statistics in Educational Research: Multiple Regression Analysis (RM)

  • JOI3228H Mixed Methods Research Design in Social Sciences (RM).

Upon successful completion of the emphasis requirements and successful completion of the degree requirements, students may make a request to the Developmental Psychology and Education Master of Education Program Liaison to have the emphasis noted on the student transcript. This request must be made before application for graduation.

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Developmental Psychology and Education program offers studies leading to the MA, MEd, and PhD degrees. Students have an opportunity to construct an overall perspective on developmental psychology and human development and their implications for practice with children in educational and other applied settings.

Students take courses in human development and research methodology. Elective courses, chosen in consultation with their advisor, cover a range of areas including cognitive, social, and emotional development; cognition and instruction (language, literacy, and mathematics); special education and adaptive instruction; developmental neuroscience; advanced research methodology and evaluation; and early childhood policy and programs, including child care. The PhD program is designed for students wishing to pursue an academic or research-based career.

The Developmental Psychology and Education program offers both a full-time and a flexible-time PhD program option. Applicants must declare the option for which they are interested in applying. The flexible-time PhD degree program is designed to accommodate demand by practising professionals for a PhD degree that permits continued employment in areas related to their fields of research. Degree requirements for the full-time and flexible-time options are the same.

PhD students have the option of completing an emphasis in Early Learning. Please see details below.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• Normally, an appropriate bachelor's degree and a master's degree in developmental psychology and education, cognitive psychology, applied developmental psychology, or child study, with standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A– or better in the master's degree. Applicants with master's degrees in other disciplines such as adult education, anthropology, computer science, curriculum, philosophy, or a profession such as speech-language pathology, nursing, social work, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy may be eligible to apply for admission, but may have to complete additional courses to fulfil master's-level requirements equivalent to the MA in Developmental Psychology and Education. Students who have not completed a master's thesis will be required to submit a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP) prior to final admission to the program.

• Required letters of recommendation and a second academic letter of recommendation.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • APD3200H Research Proseminar in Human Development and Applied Psychology (0.5 FCE).

  • 0.5 FCE in statistics and research methods from an approved menu.

  • 1.0 FCE in electives (2 X 0.5 FCE).

  • The 2.0 FCEs are normally completed in Year 1 and should be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. Students who have an insufficient background in developmental psychology may have to complete additional courses.

• A comprehensive examination.

  • The purposes of the comprehensive examination are threefold:

    • To demonstrate the student’s ability to work independently within an area of concern in human development.

    • To gain knowledge of a new area, a new technique or method in a specified area in human development.

    • To demonstrate the ability to integrate information at the accepted standard for a PhD student.

  • Students have two options when fulfilling their PhD comprehensive requirements:

    • Option 1: Empirical Research Paper or

    • Option 2: Internship.

• A thesis and Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• Students must register continuously and pay the full-time fee until all degree requirements have been fulfilled.

• Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• Normally, an appropriate bachelor's degree and a master's degree in developmental psychology and education, cognitive psychology, applied developmental psychology, or child study, with standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A- or better in the master's degree. Applicants with master's degrees in other disciplines such as adult education, anthropology, computer science, curriculum, philosophy, or a profession such as speech-language pathology, nursing, social work, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy may be eligible to apply for admission, but may have to complete additional courses to fulfil master's-level requirements equivalent to the MA in Developmental Psychology and Education. Students who have not completed a master's thesis will be required to submit a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP) prior to final admission to the program.

• Required letters of recommendation and a second academic letter of recommendation.

• Applicants to the flexible-time PhD option are accepted under the same admission requirements as applicants to the full-time PhD option.

• Applicants must demonstrate that they are currently employed and are active professionals engaged in activities relevant to their proposed program of study.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • APD3200H Research Proseminar in Human Development and Applied Psychology (0.5 FCE).

  • 0.5 FCE in statistics and research methods from an approved menu.

  • 1.0 FCE in electives (2 X 0.5 FCE).

  • The 2.0 FCEs are normally completed in Year 1 and should be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. Students who have an insufficient background in developmental psychology may have to complete additional courses.

• A comprehensive examination.

  • The purposes of the comprehensive examination are threefold:

    • To demonstrate the student’s ability to work independently within an area of concern in human development.

    • To gain knowledge of a new area, a new technique or method in a specified area in human development.

    • To demonstrate the ability to integrate information at the accepted standard for a PhD student.

  • Students have two options when fulfilling their PhD comprehensive requirements:

    • Option 1: Empirical Research Paper or

    • Option 2: Internship.

• A thesis and Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• Students must register continuously and pay the full-time fee until all degree requirements have been fulfilled. They must register full-time during the first four years and may continue as part-time thereafter, with their department's approval.

• Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.

Program Length

6 years

Time Limit

8 years

Emphasis: Early Learning

Admissions to this emphasis have been administratively suspended.

Students interested in the Early Learning emphasis should consult with the Graduate Coordinator.

• Students wishing to complete the emphasis in Early Learning will include the following courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) in their overall PhD program:

  • APD3200H Researching Proseminar in Human Development and Applied Psychology (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3273H Researching Early Learning (0.5 FCE): an overview course of quantitative and qualitative methodology which meets the requirements of an intermediate or higher-level statistics course required of all Developmental Psychology and Education students).

  • APD1211H Psychological Foundations of Early Development and Education (0.5 FCE).

  • APD3274H Early Learning and Thesis Development (0.5 FCE).