Psychology (MA)

Our Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology faculty members have a wide range of research experience. The program is offered within three fields of study: Community, Developmental and Social Psychology.

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Close mentorship with faculty.

Community engagement.

Hands on, diverse research experiences.

Program Details

Be an Agent of Change

In our Community Psychology field, you’ll gain valuable work experience as a community consultant through our practicum placement. You’ll spend 200 hours in your practicum placement learning important practical skills as you critically reflect on your practicum experience using an Action, Theory, and Research (ART) model.

In community psychology, we’ll teach you to take a value-based, action-oriented and ecological approach to your research – focusing not only on the individual, but also on the social, physical and community environment in which that individual lives.

Advance Your Research Abilities and Interests

In developmental and social psychology, we believe that great researchers are trained in a supportive learning environment. As soon as you start either of these program fields, you’ll begin conducting research with a faculty adviser in your first year.

Over the course of two years, with the close mentorship of your adviser, you’ll learn how to develop a research program, how to use new research methodologies and statistical techniques, and how to communicate your research like an expert. You’ll generate new research that can advance basic knowledge in psychology, and you may have the opportunity to present your research at national or international conferences.

You’ll form close bonds with faculty and peers through small, intensive courses, research lab groups, and regular area meetings including seminars and journal clubs.

Program Options

This full-time program is normally completed in two years (six consecutive terms). Program requirements vary by field.

Research

Research Projects

Examples of research projects currently be conducted in the department include:

  • Taking culture seriously in community mental health (Community).
  • Housing, self-help/mutual aid, and community support projects for people with physical, developmental and/or mental health challenges (Community).
  • Aging and intergenerational relationships (Developmental).
  • Child memory and learning (Developmental).
  • Self and social cognition (Social).
  • Factors that affect women's and minority group's psychological and social responses to experiences of discrimination (Social).

Faculty Research Expertise

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"Immerse yourself in all Laurier has to offer while completing your graduate education. Enjoy the journey – remember to have fun too!"

Paula C. Fletcher, associate dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

  • Start: Fall (September)
  • Format: Full-time
  • Application deadline: Jan. 6 (first consideration), March 30 (international applicants), July 30 (domestic applicants). We evaluate late applications if space permits.

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact Jeffery Jones, graduate coordinator, at jjones@wlu.ca or 548.889.3746. For general inquiries, contact Rita Sharkey at rsharkey@wlu.ca or 548.889.3863.

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier Waterloo is where tradition, innovation and incredible school spirit collide.

The Waterloo campus spans one large city block, ensuring you’re close to your classes, favourite study spots, student services and favourite coffee shops. Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

We offer the guidance and support you need to thrive academically and personally throughout your degree.

Discover Laurier Waterloo for yourself: 

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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Careers

Many Psychology master's students continue with their PhD at Laurier. Other Laurier graduates have been admitted to prestigious doctoral programs in a variety of fields at other universities.
Other students have gone on to work in industry, government, and research labs.

Examples of jobs held by our graduate include:

  • Faculty position at Carleton University;
  • Position with the Government of Canada; and
  • Researcher at a Kitchener non-governmental organization.

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Faculty

Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research.