Master of Education in School & Applied Child Psychology

The Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology is a blended program. Courses are offered through a flexible e-learning mode of delivery. The purpose is to enhance accessibility, flexibility, and responsiveness of graduate level training. The program is designed to meet the needs of both local and distant learners.

In a blended program, the majority of the coursework will be completed online, however there are also several required on-campus residencies during the program that require students to work face-to-face with instructors and peers.

The program utilizes the latest technology:

• live class meetings and seminars
• interactive group projects
• class forums and online resources
• podcasts and interactive e-texts

Live class meetings will use Zoom, a web-based audio-conferencing system that allows direct real-time communication online between all of the members of the class. It is used to create a virtual classroom in which the course instructor and participants can communicate and do presentations. This web-based audio-conferencing package enables real-time discussions with students using PowerPoint slides, text chat, video presentations, web sites, interactive whiteboard, and shared applications.

Throughout the term, participants will meet in the Desire2Learn course site which provides course and program information, discussion forums, resources, links to relevant websites, recommended readings and study materials. Desire2Learn is the place where all assignment information and projects are submitted, presented and reviewed.

For more information about online delivery, visit elearn.ucalgary.ca. It provides online tutorials and manuals on Desire2Learn and Zoom. You will also find important information about assistance that you can access online and other relevant information and resources for learning online. 

This Master of Education program consists of 17 half- courses with core content in the topic areas of psychological foundations, assessment, intervention, consultation, school psychology practice and development, and statistics/research methods.  Core content areas are complemented by field experience in school and/or community settings (1200-hour internship).

Course content for the MEd in School and Applied Child Psychology program follows the accreditation guidelines created by the National Association of School Psychologists for training.

For courses offered by term, please view the program schedule & course descriptions tab below.

Required Courses

1. Psychological Foundations 

• EDPS 653 Professional Practice of School Psychology (includes 2 week on-campus residency)
• EDPS 687 Developmental Psychopathology
• EDPS 688 Cognitive & Affective Bases of Behaviour (elective)*
• EDPS 654 Neurobiological and Developmental Bases of Learning and Behaviour
• EDPS 650 Family and Social Bases of Behaviour (elective)*
• EDPS 681 Theory and Skills of Counselling
• EDPS 614 Ethics in Professional Psychology

*Students have the option of completing one or both electives depending on their needs for licensure.

       2.  Assessment, Intervention and Consultation

• EDPS 652 Academic and Language Assessment
• EDPS 689 Cognitive Assessment
• EDPS 696 Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Assessment and Intervention
• EDPS 690 School-based Intervention and Consultation

       3.   Research and Program Evaluation

• EDPS 605 Psychological Measurement and Statistics
• EDPS 607 Fundamentals of Measurement

        4.  Field Experience Practicum

• EDPS 697 Practicum in Academic and Cognitive Assessment
• EDPS 676 Practicum in Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Assessment 

        5.  Capstone Course: EDPS 684 Advanced Seminar in the Domains of School Psychology Leadership and Function in the Schools

       6.  Internship (1200 hours) EDPS 698 Pre-Masters Internship in School and Applied Child Psychology

Tuition and general fees charged by the University of Calgary are approved annually by the Board of Governors. Fees can be found in the Academic Calendar.

Students are eligible for some internal scholarships including the Robert M.S. Owen Award.  See the program-recommended awards page for details. 

Police Information Check

All successful applicants to the Werklund School of Education School MEd School & Applied Child Psychology program are required to provide a current and clear Police Information Check which includes a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search. Students must apply for a Police Information Check through their nearest police service or RCMP detachment in the area where they reside.

The original Police Information Check must be presented to and accepted by the administration in the Graduate Program Office in the Werklund School of Education, dated within timelines as directed by the Placement Coordinator.

Students will be required to request a Police Information Check upon admission and each subsequent year that they go on placement (Educational Psychology 676, 697, and 698).

A current and clear Police Information Check is required for all placements. Failure to present a clear and current Police Information Check may result in the student being unable to begin their program and/or go on placement. Successful completion of all placements is required for graduation.

Intervention Record Check

The Werklund School of Education (WSE) strongly recommends that all students get an Intervention Record Check (IRC) each year that they have a practicum and/or internship. Even if your Site does not specifically require this check, it is to your advantage to have an IRC done so as to prevent a potential issue should there be a last minute change in your placement Site.

NOTE: IRCs are not required by the WSE, and should not be submitted to WSE. Results should be kept in your personal records, and shown to your practicum and/or internship Site should they request to view them.

Placement Schedule

• EDPS 697 (2nd year of program): 
  • Off Campus – Community based (Winter term) OR On Campus - Centre for Wellbeing in Education (Summer term) OR Off Campus – Community based (Summer term)
• EDPS 676 (3rd year of program): 
  • On Campus - Centre for Wellbeing in Education OR Off Campus – Community based (Summer term)
• EDPS 698 (3rd year of program):
  • Off Campus – Community based (Fall & Winter terms)

At least 1 practicum must be completed On Campus - Centre for Wellbeing in Education.

Practicum

Included within the 17 courses (3 units each) are two, 200-hour practicum courses that have been designed to allow students to develop competency in a number of assessment methods. Student have the option of completing the first practicum course in the community during the winter or summer term. They also have the option of completing this practicum on-campus during the summer months through our Centre for Wellbeing in Education clinic. One of the two practicum courses must be completed in the Centre, and EDPS 676 can only be completed in the summer term.

For a community-based practicum, students are responsible for arranging for their own supervision by a psychologist, with review and approval by the Academic Coordinator. Students completing a winter practicum can expect to devote a minimum of 2 days per week at their practicum site. Summer practicums are full-time (i.e., 35+ hours) on- or off-campus over the term (typically 7 weeks).

Students completing a community practicum cannot complete it at their place of employment.   Site supervisors in community settings must be approved by the Academic Coordinator and possess the following:

• Expertise in the area of school psychology, including conceptual knowledge and practical experience in the field of school psychology
• A graduate degree related to the area of school psychology (or equivalent), approved by the Academic Coordinator
• Designation as a Registered/Licensed Psychologist in Alberta (or other provincial equivalent), such as College of Alberta Psychologists
• Normally a minimum of four years, post-master’s successful practice in the school psychology field prior to taking a supervisory role

It is recommended that Supervisors have advanced training in supervision.

Because of the distance nature of the MEd SACP program, the practicum supervisors will normally meet the following criteria:

• Regular access to email and Internet
• Access to a computer with certain hardware and software requirements (see our website for more details)

On-campus requirements: Regardless of the practicum option (community or on-campus), all students are responsible to attend the summer residency for the first two years they participate in the program. In some cases, students must also attend in the third year of their program (see below*).

In their first year of the program, students will attend a two-week summer residency as part of their first course (EDPS 653), typically at the end of July & beginning of August. During this first summer residency, students will participate in face-to-face components as well as spend time doing client observations in the on-campus clinic (Centre for Wellbeing in Education, CWE) with upper-level classmates. At the end of their two-week residency, students will have to demonstrate they can accurately administer a standardized academic measure.

In their second year of the program, the summer residency is held the first full week of the summer term (i.e., first 5 days of the summer term, inclusive of Saturday and Sunday when applicable). In year two, students will participate in the summer residency before completing their first practicum course (EDPS 697). The goals of the summer residency in the second year are to provide intensive instruction, practice, and evaluation of a second standardized test administration. At the end of the 5-day summer residency, students will have to demonstrate they can accurately administer a standardized cognitive measure prior to beginning their practicum. 

*In their third year of the program, students who did not complete their EDPS 697 practicum in CWE, will come to campus to complete the program requirements in their second practicum course (EDPS 676). While students in their EDPS 676 practicum will not be participating directly in the summer residency, they are required to be on campus this week to begin working with clients in their practicum. Students who completed their EDPS 697 practicum in CWE do not need to attend summer residency in their third year.

We expect all students to attend summer residency on-campus as this provides you with a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow students and develop some strong working relationships. Students find this component of their program challenging to complete well via distance and typically do poorly on their test administration. As such, the summer residency is a requirement of the program and must be attended in person.

Internship

Core content areas are complemented by a full-time 1200-hour internship under the supervision of a psychologist in a school and/or community setting during fall and winter terms (September-April). The internship is completed in the last year of a student's program and requires a full-time commitment. Students will not be permitted to complete internship on a part-time basis. This may require taking a leave of absence from your place of employment in order to complete your internship. Students should not plan to complete their internship at their place of employment. Students are responsible for arranging for their own supervision by a psychologist, with review and approval of site and supervisor. See the information provided with regard to supervisor requirements. It is permissible to complete the internship as a paid position. Such paid arrangements, however, are the responsibility of the student to arrange and may not be permitted within some agencies/school divisions.

1. What is the application deadline? Can I still apply to the M.Ed. SACP program if I have missed the deadline?

The application deadline is December 1st for programs beginning the following July. The online program closes after that date and submissions are not possible.

2. I do not have the 30 credits of psychology courses required for admission to the program; however, I have courses in education/social work/communications/ early childhood, etc. Will those courses count toward the 30 credits?

In some instances, courses that are not designated as (educational) psychology courses may be considered if they have a strong psychology foundation. Due to time and administrative constraints, we do not review prerequisites prior to the application deadline. If you believe the course will fit criteria, you are welcome to apply and attach a course outline for each non-psychology course you have included.

Although we will accept educational psychology coursework, the majority of courses should be in psychology. The courses should provide foundational knowledge in this field such as cognition, development, learning, neuropsychology, social, abnormal, and statistics/research methods.

3. I am not sure if courses I have taken in the past will meet the prerequisites for admission. Will you a look at my transcripts before I apply?

Due to time and administrative constraints, we do not review prerequisites prior to the application deadline.

4. When it asks for 30 credits, what does that mean?

At the University of Calgary one-semester courses are worth 3 credits each. A 3-credit course is equal to 39 hours of instruction. Some universities use 1.5 or 0.5 credits to equal one course. You will need to check your transcripts to determine how many credits each course is worth by either counting the course credits or the instructional hours. If all your courses are worth 3 credits each, you would require 10 courses to apply.

5. Is this program accredited?

Although our MEd program is not an accredited program, our PhD program is an accredited program from the Canadian Psychological Association. The Canadian Psychological Association only accredits doctoral programs. Graduating from a non-accredited program should not affect individuals' ability to obtain employment in Canada as a school psychologist.

The MEd program is considered a ‘gold star’ program with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and our graduates are eligible to apply through Pathway 4 to have their credentials approved with CAP. For more information about accreditation from CAP see: https://www.cap.ab.ca/registration/apply-for-evaluation-of-academic-credentials

6. I am short some credits. Can I apply to the program while I am currently enrolled in courses that are needed to meet the program prerequisites?

Yes. Students who are currently enrolled in courses required for admission may apply to the program. Any acceptance offered to such students will be contingent upon successful completion of the required courses. Official transcripts showing course completion must be received prior to start of program (end of June).

7. What are the minimum requirements for admission? If I don't meet the minimum GPA requirements will I still be considered for the program?

Although the minimum GPA required for admission to the M.Ed. SACP is 3.0, admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. If students do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, they should provide a strong rationale for why their application should be considered such as evidence of personal continuing education/training or experience in a field related to the aspired degree.

8. How are my grades used to assess whether I meet the minimum GPA requirement?

We use the grades from the applicant's final two years of their last degree or the equivalent number of courses to calculate the GPA. The most senior level courses are averaged to calculate academic standing. If an applicant has taken individual courses at an institution after a degree has been conferred, those grades are not included in the calculation.

9. I have taken post-degree courses to upgrade my academic standing. Do these courses count in calculation of academic standing?

If an applicant has taken individual courses at an institution after a degree has been conferred, those grades are not included in the calculation. If an applicant is concerned about their GPA, but have better after-degree grades, they should indicate reasons for the discrepancy in their statement of intent.

10. I applied last year. Do I have to submit new reference letters and transcripts?

Yes.

11. I have gone to multiple universities. Do I need to obtain transcripts for all of them?

Yes.

12. If I am applying to two different specialization areas (e.g., MSc and MEd) do I need to complete two applications?

Yes.

13. Where can I get more information on the program, application procedure, competitive admission criteria, and fees?

Please see the appropriate sections above for information, i.e., the "Registration and Fees" section.

14. I have been out of school for a number of years and it is going to be very difficult for me to provide two academic letters of reference. What should I do?

In a case like this it is important for applicants to invite referees who are able to speak to their ability to handle academic demands of graduate school. Ideally, it would be someone who has supervised you doing program development, evaluation or research. This referee should be credible (i.e., not your friend, close colleague) and be able to speak to your ability to do things such as conceptualize problems, integrate literature, develop questions and other academic-like tasks.

15. If I include a professional reference letter, who is eligible to write a letter?

A professional reference letter can come from anyone who has knowledge of your ability to work with children and families. Examples may include a supervisor at a volunteer setting or summer camp or an employer at a setting where you worked with children and families as part of your job.

16. Can I take courses in your program if I'm not a registered student?

Only registered students can take courses in the program. However, students who are enrolled in Open Studies are generally permitted to take some courses through our program at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. Applied courses (e.g., assessment, intervention, consultation and practicum) are closed to non-program students.

Courses taken in the program as open-studies student cannot be counted as a prerequisite if you intend to apply to the program.

Interested applicants are discouraged from taking courses as open-studies if they intend to apply to the program.  They are better off strengthening their application by other means such as getting practical experience with children or adults with exceptionalities.

17. If I enroll in the 3-year program, is it possible to maintain part-time/full-time work while still being able to meet the demands of my courses?

Most students enrolled in the three-year program continue to work part-time and some even full time. The ability to do this depends on other life commitments (e.g., employment workload, family responsibilities). Students can take up to 6 years to complete the program by taking fewer courses each year making it flexible for those with other life commitments.  Students can add more courses to their load if the schedule permits it and are responsible for determining their own program plan.

It is important to note that your 1200-hour internship must be completed full-time during the terms it is offered. This is typically during the Fall and Winter terms (September through April). You should expect to take the full 8 months to complete your internship requirements. This may mean taking a leave of absence from your place of employment. Also, it is not recommended that you complete your internship at your place of employment due to complications with dual relationships.

18. What does a typical program plan look like?

Please see the "Program Schedule & Course Descriptions" section above for the standard program plan for students enrolled in the 3-year program.

19. Is it possible to complete this program in less than three years?

It is not possible to complete this program in less than three years given the course requirements in combination with the practicum and internship timelines.

20. Is it necessary to have a B.A. / BSc. In Psychology to enter into your program?

No. A degree that is equivalent to Education or Psychology will be accepted as part of admission into our program as long as the applicant has 30 credits in psychology; however, most successful applicants have a strong psychology background.

21. I live outside of Calgary. Will I be able to take this program and stay in my home community?

This program is delivered through a blended (online and face-to-face) format. Face-to-face components are during the Summer.  Our Professional Programs offer you an opportunity to engage in your studies while continuing to work and to live in your home community.

Although the majority of learning in the M.Ed SACP program is completed online, students must complete one of their practica on campus. If students are unable to find practicum placements in their own communities, their alternative option is to complete the two practicum courses on-campus during the summer. This option requires more travel.

Regardless of the practicum option (community or on-campus), all students are responsible to attend the Summer Residency before completing the each of the first two practicum courses (i.e., EDPS 697, 676). The summer residency in the first year (as part of the first course, EDPS 653) is held the last two weeks of July on campus. The second residency is held the first full-week of the summer term (i.e., first 5 days of the summer term, inclusive of Saturday and Sunday when applicable).

22. How does the practicum placement work?

There are two practicum courses in the MEd SACP program. Students can elect to complete one practicum course off-campus within a school and/or community setting under the supervision of a psychologist. Community-based practicum can be completed in the winter or summer terms. Students selecting this option are responsible to arrange for both the supervisor and practicum site. The second practicum course must be completed during the summer term through the clinic affiliated with our program, the Centre for Wellbeing in Education clinic. The summer practicum courses are intensive,  7-week courses that require students to be available full-time for approximately 8 hours per day.

23. What is the summer residency?

Regardless of the practicum option you select, students in their first and second years of the program are responsible to attend campus during the summer term. In their first year of the program, a two-week residency on campus is required as part of the Professional Practice of School Psychology course (ED)S 653). In their second year of the program, the summer residency is held the first full-week of the summer term (i.e., first 5 days of the summer term, inclusive of Saturday and Sunday when applicable) and consists of intensive instruction, practice, and evaluation of your assessment skills that precede the practicum course. The third residency is the completion of either the first or second practicum course on-campus in our Centre for Wellbeing in Education clinic. This requires students to be on campus during the summer residency week to begin seeing clients in the Centre clinic.

We require all students to attend on-campus as this provides you with a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow students and develop some strong working relationships.

24. Can I arrange to complete my practicum or internship at my place of work?

While it is highly discouraged, you may be able to complete your practicum internship at your place of work but we would have to ensure that you are getting the proper experience and supervision as well as avoiding dual relationships. We decide this on a case-by-case basis and students must get permission from the Academic Coordinator.

25. Once I complete this program, will it allow me to work in a clinical setting? For instance, open my own practice?

Individuals considering the field of school psychology should keep in mind that a master's degree is only the first step to obtaining the credentials necessary for professional practice. Students who graduate from this program will still need to register with a regulatory board located within their own jurisdiction before practicing as a school psychologist. Registration is a process that is completely separate from the MEd SACP program.

In each province, the profession of psychology is regulated. The requirements for licensure vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, the doctorate degree is required for registration and in others it is the master's degree.
The types of employment opportunities available for students graduating from the MEd SACP program differ depending on a) the province in which they reside, b) the level of education required for registration, and c) the regulatory body with which they register.

Students are encouraged to check out the registration requirements in their own jurisdiction to ensure they meet requirements. Regulatory boards include:

College of Alberta Psychologists
College of Psychologists of BC
BC Association of School Psychologists

Additional regulatory boards are listed on the Canadian Psychologist Association website:http://cpa.ca/public/whatisapsychologist/PTassociations/

Alberta graduates may want to register with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). The M.Ed. SACP program is designed to provide students with the graduate academic background required to begin the licensing process through CAP. However, CAP has additional requirements beyond what is provided within the program at the University of Calgary, including undergraduate psychology courses, supervised clinical hours, and oral and written examinations. It is not the responsibility of the M.Ed. program to ensure that students meet the requirements for registering.

26. How does the MEd SACP program differ from the Masters of Science (M.Sc.) degree?

We distinguish between our professional programs (MEd SACP, MC) and our research programs (MSc SACP /Counselling). Within our Faculty, it is the case that the MSc-PhD route is considered the research stream, with the MSc degree required for admissions into the PhD program. In contrast, the MEd/MC programs are currently considered terminal Master's programs. As the MEd/MC programs do not have a thesis requirement, you may find that you have limited, if any, options to pursue further PhD studies with these degrees. However, you will need to look up specific PhD admission requirements for other Universities to determine if this is the case (although, again, it is the case within our programs).

27. Do I need to complete the GRE when applying to your program?

You are not required to complete the GRE for admission into the MEd SACP program.

28. How do I apply to your program?

Visit the how to apply page.

Required documentation:

a) Transcripts are assessed at the time of application therefore applicants may apply to the program with prerequisite courses in progress. Preference may be given to applicants who have completed all pre-requisites. Official transcripts per university are sent directly to:

Jingchang (Tom) Liu
Graduate Programs in Education (GPE)
Education Tower 114, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada

b) Once an application is submitted an automatic email will be sent to the applicant requesting them to upload a letter of intent, written statement indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs
c) CV/personal resume documenting professional experience.
d) Two letters of reference. Once an application is submitted the Referee will receive an automatic email asking them to upload the reference. The referees should follow the instructions as sent to them by the automatic email to upload the reference.

*If you have problems submitting an application, contact Information Technologies for assistance: http://www.ucalgary.ca/it/

29. There are a number of options to choose from in the application portal. Which program do I choose when going to the application portal for the MEd SACP program?

• Degree: Graduate Studies Master's Crse - Master of Education
• Program: Educational Psychology
• Joint Program: N
• Application Term: Summer 20XX
• Specialization: School and Applied Child Psychology
• Location: Distance Education