Master's of Arts

The MA degree is a course- and thesis-based research degree. It is most suited to students who seek careers designing and conducting research in schools, post-secondary contexts, government or community agencies. Thesis work typically advances theory, research, and practice in the field of Educational Psychology. Persons who anticipate proceeding on to a doctoral program should apply for the MA degree. Applicants who enjoy and wish to develop the skills of conducting research, writing, and presenting and publishing academic papers frequently select this degree.

Students are encouraged to review and consider faculty area of research & supervision. The faculty members in the Learning, Development and Instructional Sciences area are Dr. Lucinda Brown, Dr. Allyson Hadwin, Dr. Joan Martin, Dr. Mariel Miller and Dr. John Walsh. You are not required to contact a supervisor before you apply; instead you will list your preferred supervisor(s) in your Statement of Purpose. 

Important MA features

  • Progress through program together with your peers and community of learners
  • Two years full time (or three years full time with co-op option)
  • Individualized work with a faculty supervisor on your research thesis
  • Students with undergraduate psychology degrees are generally well prepared for this degree

MA course requirements

The MA is a 21 unit program consisting of 10 courses (1.5 units each) plus a thesis (6.0 units).

Course number and units

Course name
ED-D 505 (1.5) Advanced Concepts in Human Development

ED-D 506: A,B or C (1.5)

Cognitive Development; Social and Emotional Development; Adolescent Development
ED-D 508 (1.5) Theories of Learning in Educational Psychology
ED-D 509 (1.5) Psychology of Learning and Instruction
ED-D 560  (1.5) Statistical Methods in Education
ED-D 561A  (1.5) Methods in Educational Research 
ED-D 570 (1.5) Self-Regulated Learning
ED-D 572 (1.5) Motivation and Emotion Regulation 
Electives (3.0) To be chosen in consultation with student's supervisor
ED-D 599 (6.0) Thesis

Program courses and requirements are subject to change. Check the Academic Calendar for up-to-date information and course descriptions.

Master's of Education

The MEd degree is primarily a course-based, applied degree that culminates in a capstone project demonstrating your ability to read, evaluate, communicate and apply psychological research. It is especially useful if you're seeking advancement in applied educational settings, community organizations, or government education ministries. The program is also useful if you are interested in the development and evaluation of educational programs and services.

Important MEd features

  • A cohort based program; you progress through the program together with your peers creating a community of learners
  • The MEd requires two years full time (or three years full time with co-op option)
  • The MEd is primarily a course-based program that culminates in a time-limited capstone research review project that is designed to allow you to demonstrate what you've learned
  • The MEd focus is on developing skills for reading and interpreting both quantitative and qualitative research

MEd course requirements

The MEd is 10 courses (1.5 units each) plus a project (3.0 units) and final comprehensive exam (1.5 units) for a total of 19.5 units.

Course number and units

Course name
ED-D 505 (1.5) Advanced Concepts in Human Development

ED-D 506: A,B or C (1.5)

Cognitive Development; Social and Emotional Development; Adolescent Development
ED-D 508 (1.5) Theories of Learning in Educational Psychology
ED-D 509 (1.5) Psychology of Learning and Instruction
ED-D 560  (1.5) Statistical Methods in Education
ED-D 561A  (1.5) Methods in Educational Research 
ED-D 570 (1.5) Self-Regulated Learning
ED-D 572 (1.5) Motivation and Emotion Regulation 
Electives (3.0) To be chosen in consultation with student's supervisor
ED-D 597 (1.5) Comprehensive Exam
ED-D 598 (3.0) Project

Program courses and requirements are subject to change. Check the Academic Calendar for up-to-date information and course descriptions.

Program Plan

Please refer to Resources for EPLS students for the current program plan by term (subject to change).