Academic Programs - Graduate

Psychology

Enrol in Acadia's graduate psychology program and prepare for an exciting and rewarding profession as a master’s level psychologist or for further study in clinical psychology.

Dr. Anne Sophie Champod smiles as she instructs a volunteer using a tablet in the use of a game designed to improve patients' visual coordination.

In Acadia's graduate program in clinical psychology you will receive clinical training adhering to the Boulder Scientist-Practitioner model, with emphasis on the integration of science and practice. You will be trained by PhD-level clinical psychologists to use evidence-based interventions to assist individuals experiencing mental health concerns or cognitive difficulties. This prepares you to become a registered clinical psychologist in provinces supporting master's-level accreditation such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Alberta, and also prepares you for continued study at the Doctorate level. Clinical psychologists registered in a province may transfer their licence to other provinces under the Mutual Recognition Agreement as outlined on the Canadian Psychological Association website.

To apply, you must have either an honours degree in psychology or equivalent (i.e. an undergraduate degree majoring in psychology along with sufficient and relevant research experience). If you are interested in counseling, but do not hold those qualifications, you may be interested in either our Master of Education in Counselling, or in completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

Be Inspired

Acadia is one of the only clinical master’s programs in Canada leading to eligibility for becoming a registered clinical psychologist. At Acadia, you will benefit from the small-school environment with small class sizes and individualized attention from your supervisor, while having access to faculty with a diverse set of research interests.

Acadia maintains relationships with health centres and large private practices in the region to provide you with the opportunity for practicum experience at a number of clinical settings such as NSHA Mental Health and Addictions, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Kentville, the IWK, True North Psychological Services, Seagram and Associates, and the IWK, with other placements possible through consultation with the practicum co-ordinator.

Research Interests

  • ADHD and learning disabilities
  • Attention and memory
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Development of attention and perception
  • Literacy and learning
  • Speech perception and production
  • Clinical neuropsychology
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Death and dying
  • Event-related potentials
  • Eye tracking
  • Human relationships and health
  • Child early social development
  • Infant attachment
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Interpersonal violence
  • LGBTQ+ relationships
  • Trauma, anxiety, and addictions
  • Intergroup relations
  • Prejudice
  • Prejudice reduction
  • Cross-group friendship
  • Computational neuroscience
  • Motor control, body self-perception
  • Brain-machine interfaces

Program at a Glance

Courses take place in-person at Acadia University.

Year One -
First Term

  • PSYC 5013
    Seminar
  • PSYC 5023
    Adult/Child Assessment: Foundations
  • PSYC 5043
    Ethical Decision Making
  • PSYC 5053
    Psychotherapy 1: Foundations
  • PSYC 5113
    Research Design and Statistics 1
  • PSYC 5960
    Thesis

Year One -
Second Term

  • PSYC 5013
    Seminar
  • PSYC 5033
    Adult/Child Assessment: Advanced Skills
  • PSYC 5063
    Psychotherapy 2: Intervention Skills
  • PSYC 5123
    Research Design and Statistics 2
  • PSYC 5960
    Thesis

Year One -
Third Term

  • PSYC 5960
    Thesis

Year Two -
First Term

  • PSYC 6073
    Clinical Practicum and Psychopathology
  • PSYC 5960
    Thesis

Year Two -
Second Term

  • PSYC 6083
    Clinical Practicum and Psychopathology
  • PSYC 5960
    Thesis

Year Two -
Third Term

  • PSYC 5960
    Thesis Completion
 
 

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Acadia

As a small university, we can provide you with an experience that you won't find in a large institution or research university.

Begin your application today. The application is a multi-step form that does not have to be completed in one sitting; simply make sure that you save your progress before exiting.

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