Admission Requirements for Master's Programs
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
Course-Based Master's Programs
The Werklund School's course-based master's programs offer a flexible and practical approach to graduate studies, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge directly to their professional practice.
Graduate Certificate
- MEd Interdisciplinary Studies (Route) Topic: In year 1, applicants will select one of the Interdisciplinary topics to earn a Graduate Certificate.
- MEd in School Counselling (Route) Topic: In year 1, applicants must complete: Foundations in School & Counselling Psychology to earn a Graduate Certificate.
- Degree: A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific Unofficial Transcript Requirements and Official Transcript Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to uploading documents to your application. - Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full courses).
Please Note for International Applicants: There are specific International Admission Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary. - English Language Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary.
- Statement of Intent: A written statement of intent (suggested length: 300 words) indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs in Education. The statement should address the following:
- Please identify your reasons for applying to this graduate program.
- Please outline the particular topics or questions that you plan to pursue in your specialization.
- In what way is this program related to your desired career path or employment objectives?
- References: Two references are required. Referees will be asked to complete an online reference form*. No hard copy documents will be accepted.
In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievements may be considered for admission to the program. The candidates must provide the relevant graduate program with evidence demonstrating a potential to undertake successfully the proposed program of studies.
Such candidates are advised to make early contact with Graduate Programs in Education, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, such as:
a) Evidence of personal continuing education/training.
b) Results in these continuing education efforts.
c) Experience in a field related to the aspired degree.
d) Evidence of successful management of people, resources, finances, situations.
e) Increasing or varying responsible positions in organizations related to the aspired degree.
f) Work-related products, e.g. reports, programs of learning or training, handbooks, videos, manuals, workshops, seminars.
g) Evidence of personal growth in knowledge, understanding, management skills, and intellectual resources.
h) Evidence of innovation.
i) Evidence of leadership, coordination.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
Graduate Diploma
- MEd Interdisciplinary Studies (Route) Topic: In year 2, applicants will select one of the Interdisciplinary topics to earn a Graduate Certificate.
- MEd in School Counselling (Route) Topic: In year 2, applicants will select either: Mental Health & Wellbeing in Schools: Social Justice in Practice OR Supporting and Enhancing Children's Mental Health to earn a Graduate Diploma.
- Degree: Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for admission into the Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Applicants do not need to submit transcripts or provide English language proficiency.
- Statement of Intent: A written statement of intent (suggested length: 300 words) indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs in Education. The statement should address the following:
- Please identify your reasons for applying to this graduate program.
- Please outline the particular topics or questions that you plan to pursue in your specialization.
- In what way is this program related to your desired career path or employment objectives?
MEd Interdisciplinary Studies
Application deadline: March 1, 2025
- Topic: In year 3, applicants will select the third, and culminating topic, Educational Research – Interdisciplinary Studies Step 3 which is necessary to fulfill requirements for the MEd, Interdisciplinary degree.
- Degree: Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for admission into the MEd Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Applicants do not need to submit transcripts or provide English language proficiency.
- The minimum admission requirements for the final step of the MEd Interdisciplinary degree program is the completion of the Graduate Certificate AND the Graduate Diploma.
In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievements may be considered for admission to the program. The candidates must provide the relevant graduate program with evidence demonstrating a potential to undertake successfully the proposed program of studies.
Such candidates are advised to make early contact with Graduate Programs in Education, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, such as:
a) Evidence of personal continuing education/training.
b) Results in these continuing education efforts.
c) Experience in a field related to the aspired degree.
d) Evidence of successful management of people, resources, finances, situations.
e) Increasing or varying responsible positions in organizations related to the aspired degree.
f) Work-related products, e.g. reports, programs of learning or training, handbooks, videos, manuals, workshops, seminars.
g) Evidence of personal growth in knowledge, understanding, management skills, and intellectual resources.
h) Evidence of innovation.
i) Evidence of leadership, coordination.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
MEd in School Counselling
Application deadline: March 3, 2025
- Topic: In year 3, applicants will select the third, and culminating topic, School Counselling Step 3; which is necessary to fulfill requirements for the MEd, Interdisciplinary degree.
- Degree: Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for admission into the MEd Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Applicants do not need to submit transcripts or provide English language proficiency.
- The minimum admission requirements for the final step of the MEd Interdisciplinary degree program is the completion of the Graduate Certificate AND the Graduate Diploma.
In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievements may be considered for admission to the program. The candidates must provide the relevant graduate program with evidence demonstrating a potential to undertake successfully the proposed program of studies.
Such candidates are advised to make early contact with Graduate Programs in Education, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, such as:
a) Evidence of personal continuing education/training.
b) Results in these continuing education efforts.
c) Experience in a field related to the aspired degree.
d) Evidence of successful management of people, resources, finances, situations.
e) Increasing or varying responsible positions in organizations related to the aspired degree.
f) Work-related products, e.g. reports, programs of learning or training, handbooks, videos, manuals, workshops, seminars.
g) Evidence of personal growth in knowledge, understanding, management skills, and intellectual resources.
h) Evidence of innovation.
i) Evidence of leadership, coordination.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
MEd Specialist
Application deadline: March 1, 2025
- Degree: A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific Unofficial Transcript Requirements and Official Transcript Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to uploading documents to your application. - Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full courses).
Please Note for International Applicants: There are specific International Admission Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary. - English Language Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary.
- Statement of Intent: A written statement indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs in Education.
The statement of intent should include answers to the questions below: (Suggested length 300 words).- Please identify your reasons for applying to this graduate program.
- Please outline the particular topics or questions that you plan to pursue in your specialization.
- In what way is this program related to your desired career path or employment objectives?
- References: Two references - References are submitted directly through the online application system. No hard copy documents are required.
In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievements may be considered for admission to the program. The candidates must provide the relevant graduate program with evidence demonstrating a potential to undertake successfully the proposed program of studies.
Such candidates are advised to make early contact with Graduate Programs in Education, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, such as:
a) Evidence of personal continuing education/training.
b) Results in these continuing education efforts.
c) Experience in a field related to the aspired degree.
d) Evidence of successful management of people, resources, finances, situations.
e) Increasing or varying responsible positions in organizations related to the aspired degree.
f) Work-related products, e.g. reports, programs of learning or training, handbooks, videos, manuals, workshops, seminars.
g) Evidence of personal growth in knowledge, understanding, management skills, and intellectual resources.
h) Evidence of innovation.
i) Evidence of leadership, coordination.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
MEd in School & Applied Child Psychology
Application deadline: December 1, 2024
- Degree: A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific Unofficial Transcript Requirements and Official Transcript Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to uploading documents to your application. - Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full courses).
Please Note for International Applicants: There are specific International Admission Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary. - English Language Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary.
- Prerequisite Course Requirement: A minimum of 30 credit units in psychology or educational psychology required prior to application. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of "B-" or above. Applicants must complete and submit the Required Courses Table. List all psychology and educational psychology courses which you have taken (minimum 30 credit units required). In some instances, courses that are not designated as (educational) psychology courses may be considered if they have a strong psychology foundation. To have such courses considered by the selection committee for inclusion in your 30 credit unit count, attach a course outline for each non-psychology course you have included in the table. Students must achieve a minimum grade of B- on the prerequisite courses for them to be considered as having met the requirements for successful completion. Any prerequisite course with a grade below a B- will not be accepted towards the prerequisite coursework requirements. Please note that the selection committee is looking for a background in psychology that includes foundational courses (e.g., development, cognition, learning, neuropsychology, statistics).
- Curriculum Vertie (CV): CV/personal resume documenting professional experience.
- Statement of Intent: A short statement of research or professional interests, which includes motivation and commitment to School Psychology and relevant experience with children and adolescents. (approx. 500 words)
- Reference: Two references - References are submitted directly through the online application system. No hard copy documents are required.
Although a teacher certificate is not required for admission to this program, applicants without such certification should bear in mind that employment opportunities in some provinces may be limited for graduates without this qualification.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Successful applicants will need to produce the results of a clear Police Information Check before they will be permitted to participate in practicum or internship experiences associated with the program. Please see the Practicum and Internship section.
At the time of acceptance, students who are living outside of Alberta and undertaking a practicum as part of their program must complete an Acknowledgement of Acceptance of Workers Compensation or NO Workers Compensation, dependent upon their Province, Territory or Country of Residence and where they will be undertaking their practica. More information about this policy is available on the UCalgary Risk website. Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba should review the WCB coverage carefully.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
Thesis-Based Master's Programs
The Werklund School's thesis-based master's programs are designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge and engage in substantial research in the field of education.
MSc in Counselling Psychology
Application deadline: November 1, 2024
- Degree: A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific Unofficial Transcript Requirements and Official Transcript Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to uploading documents to your application. - Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full courses).
Please Note for International Applicants: There are specific International Admission Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary. - English Language Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary.
The Master of Science in Counselling Psychology is an on-campus, thesis-based program. In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, GPE requirements include:
- Pre-requisite Coursework:
- Normally, a minimum of 24 units in Educational Psychology and/or Psychology. This must include:
- One undergraduate statistics courses (Note: For those who completed a psychology degree at the University of Calgary, PSYC 300 - Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology I and PSYC 301 - Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology II acts as an equivalent);
- A senior undergraduate psychology or educational psychology course in the area of Communication Skills in Guidance and Counselling, or its equivalent, Working Alliance;
- A senior undergraduate Psychology or Educational Psychology course in each of (a) cognitive psychology/learning theory, (b) social psychology, (c) biological bases of behaviour, and (d) developmental psychology.
- Normally, a minimum of 24 units in Educational Psychology and/or Psychology. This must include:
- Pre-Admission Checklist: The MSc in Counselling Psychology Pre-Admission Checklist is required.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including information about previous employment and volunteer experience, and a concise rationale for the application (500 words or less) including a description of the applicant's research interests and potential supervisors from within the counselling psychology program area, if applicable.
- References: Two academic references; one of which is from the undergraduate honours supervisor, if applicable. If you do not have two people who can provide an up-to-date academic reference (i.e., within the past 5 years), you can provide a reference from someone who has supervised the applicant in counselling-related employment or volunteer work. References are due on the application deadline, so you should complete the online application earlier in order to give your referees sufficient time to submit their reference. Referees will receive notification on how to submit their reference after you submit your application and are due on the application deadline regardless of when they receive the notification. Please ensure that your references are aware of the supporting document submission deadline. Applications without completed reference forms will be considered incomplete after the application deadline has passed.
Successful applicants will need to produce the results of a Criminal Record Check before they will be permitted to participate in practicum or internship experiences associated with the program.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
MSc in School and Applied Child Psychology
Application deadline: November 1, 2024
- Degree: A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary. Honours degree in Psychology (or equivalent) is preferred
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific Unofficial Transcript Requirements and Official Transcript Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to uploading documents to your application. - Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full courses).
Please Note for International Applicants: There are specific International Admission Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary. - English Language Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary.
The Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology is an on-campus, thesis-based program. In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, GPE requirements include:
- Pre-requisite Coursework:
- Normally, a minimum of 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) in Educational Psychology or Psychology (see Pre-Admission Academic Checklist Appendix A for a description of requirements for each course).. This must include:
- One undergraduate course in statistics
- One senior undergraduate Psychology or Educational Psychology course in cognitive-affective bases of behaviour.
- One senior undergraduate Psychology or Educational Psychology course in development. (The course would need to include content related to pregnancy (fetal development) all the way through adolescence (and ideally emerging adulthood).
- All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of “B-” or above.
- Normally, a minimum of 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) in Educational Psychology or Psychology (see Pre-Admission Academic Checklist Appendix A for a description of requirements for each course).. This must include:
- Pre-Admission Checklist: A completed Pre-Admission Checklist is required, including details of courses completed, practicum experiences, awards and scholarships, scholarly work, research experience, and employment and volunteering.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): include the following items as applicable: Educational history, awards and scholarships, presentations and publications, employment, research experience, volunteering, and professional development. Applicants are encouraged to use this template to ensure they document information.
- Statement of Intent: A short statement of intent (approximately 500 words) of your research and professional interest in school psychology (e.g., expected contribution to the field; understanding of school psychology) indicating your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate work in this degree. Applicants are encouraged to list one or more SACP faculty members they feel best align with their research interests.
- Research Proposal: Please provide a 1-page research proposal, similar to what you would submit for tri-council/scholarship funding. Please note that this proposal does not necessarily need to align with your proposed supervisor’s research program, nor are you guaranteed nor required to carry out this proposed work should you be accepted into the program – the proposal is simply an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to write academically.
- References: Two academic references; one of which is from the undergraduate honours supervisor, if applicable. If you do not have two people who can provide an up-to-date academic reference (i.e., within the the past 5 years), you can provide a reference from someone who has supervised the applicant in counselling-related employment or volunteer work. References are due on the application deadline, so you should complete the online application earlier in order to give your referees sufficient time to submit their reference. Referees will receive notification on how to submit their reference after you submit your application and are due on the application deadline regardless of when they receive the notification. Please ensure that your references are aware of the supporting document submission deadline. Applications without completed reference forms will be considered incomplete after the application deadline has passed.
- Supervisor: In the application, indicate your requested supervisor.
- Interviews: Prior to admission, the most promising applicants will be interviewed to evaluate their understanding of and motivation for entry into the field of School and Applied Child Psychology.
Successful applicants will need to produce the results of a Police Information Check before they will be permitted to participate in practicum or internship experiences associated with the program.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact prospective supervisors prior to applying.
Master of Arts
Application deadline: December 1, 2024
- Degree: A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific Unofficial Transcript Requirements and Official Transcript Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to uploading documents to your application. - Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full courses).
Please Note for International Applicants: There are specific International Admission Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary. - English Language Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Please Note for All Applicants: There are specific English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please review these requirements prior to submitting documents to the University of Calgary.
The Master of Arts is an on-campus, thesis-based program. In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, GPE requirements include:
- Written Statement: A written statement indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs in Education.
- Specialization: Where appropriate, candidates will be expected to have, or to obtain, relevant practical experience in their area of Specialization.
- References: Two references - References are submitted directly through the online application system. No hard copy documents are required.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.