Admission Requirements. Admission to the PhD degree requires a master's degree in psychology from a recognized university. Admission to the MA degree requires an honours degree in psychology or its equivalent. Enrolment in these programs is limited in part by the availability of research supervisors and, for the Research and Clinical Training Option, by space in that option.

Applicants are selected on the basis of past academic record, letters of recommendation, the results of the Graduate Record Examination (optional, but highly recommended), and the relevance of their proposed research to the research expertise of the faculty. Students successfully completing their master's program in psychology at Concordia University need submit only an application form and letters of recommendation when applying for the doctoral degree. Psychology graduate courses are not open to graduate-level independent students, except in specific circumstances as defined by the department.

Upon recommendation of their thesis supervisor, students enrolled in the Master of Arts (Psychology) program at Concordia University who have completed a minimum of 12 credits of graduate level course work and who have shown high academic performance and potential through performance in research may apply for accelerated admission to doctoral studies without submitting a master's thesis. Approval for accelerated admission must be obtained from the student's thesis committee and the graduate admissions subcommittee by August 15 to allow entry into the PhD program in the Fall term. Students in the Research and Clinical Training option may not obtain accelerated admission to the PhD program from MA Year I, but may apply for accelerated admission, upon recommendation of their thesis supervisor, from MA Year II.

Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.

Language Requirements. Although no formal language courses or examinations are required, students intending to work in Quebec are strongly encouraged to develop a working knowledge of French. Students who plan to seek admission to the Order of Quebec Psychologists (OPQ) are advised that Article 46 of the professional code of the Province of Quebec states that a working knowledge of French is required for professional certification.

Undergraduate Teaching. Students are encouraged to take opportunities to assist in undergraduate teaching. The department treats such teaching as part of the student's learning experience. Discussion of aims and techniques as well as advice and criticism will be involved as part of the training that students obtain as teaching assistants.

Colloquia. All students are expected to attend departmental colloquia.

Academic Regulations

1. Academic Standing. Please refer to the Academic Standing  section of the Calendar for a detailed review of the Academic Regulations.
2. Time Limit. Please refer to the Academic Regulation page for further details regarding the Time Limit  requirements. In the case of the Diploma in Clinical Psychology, the time limit is 9 terms (3 years) for full-time students; for part-time students the time limit is 15 terms (5 years).
3. Graduation Requirement. In order to graduate, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.

1. Residence. The minimum residence requirement is two years (6 terms) of full-time study beyond the MA degree, or the equivalent in part-time study.
2. Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 90 credits, including Core courses and elective Options.
3. Core Courses:
   1. Students are required to complete 72 credits of core courses as follows: PSYC 801 , PSYC 802  (6 credits); PSYC 880  (0 credit); PSYC 890  (60 credits); PSYC 721 , PSYC 724 , PSYC 725 , PSYC 726  or PSYC 727  (6 credits).
   2. Comprehensive Examination. Students are required to write a comprehensive examination ( PSYC 880 ) within 12 months of being admitted for the degree. The examination will be in two parts, one dealing with general issues and the other with the candidate's area of specialization.
   3. Thesis. The research will be undertaken within one or more of the areas of research specialization of the department (Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical and Health Research, Human Development and Developmental Processes, and Cognitive Science) under the supervision of a faculty member. The thesis is expected to make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge. The content and form of the thesis must be approved by a departmental committee prior to submission to the School of Graduate Studies. For purposes of registration, this work will be designated as PSYC 890 - Research and Thesis  (60 credits).