Applied Psychology, MSc

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Master of Science in Applied Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers a Master of Science in Applied Psychology in two streams:

  1. Industrial/Organizational Psychology (In Person) or Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Online); and
  2. Forensic Psychology.

Students are normally admitted with full-time status. Students may request consideration for part-time status in writing to the GPC. For definitions of full-time and part-time status, and minimum and maximum times-for-completion of the MSc in Applied Psychology, see FGSR Academic Regulations 8 and 19, respectively, in the Academic Calendar. Typically, part-time students are concurrently employed in an occupation related to Applied Psychology. Students may continue their graduate education in a Ph.D. or other graduate program. Further information can be obtained from the Graduate Program Coordinator. Students in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology stream of this program may also be permitted access to courses and supervisors in the Sobey School of Business.

1.  Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Industrial/Organizational Psychology Stream) prepares students to: (1) help organizations select and retain the best employees; (2) help train and support workers' functioning; and (3) help make workplaces healthy, positive, and productive environments. Graduates will have a solid understanding of research, practice, and research methods in the:
 
  • Psychological measurement of jobs and workers;
  • Organizational leadership and intervention, such as around culture, safety and wellness
  • Job-related behaviour and performance. 

Graduates will develop strong scientist and practitioner skills to study and improve work life and organizational performance to develop their own successful careers in academia, organizational consulting, government, and industry.

2. Forensic Psychology

The Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Forensic Psychology Stream) prepares students to examine and understand human behaviour directly related to legal processes. Note that this is not a clinical degree. Graduates will have a solid understanding of quantitative research methods that can be applied in:

  • basic forensic psychology research,
  • program evaluation,
  • the theory and psychometric properties of commonly used forensic measures, and
  • the development of forensic instruments.

Graduates will have evidence-based knowledge of the relationship between psychology and the law in the Canadian justice system, including understanding criminal behaviour and managing offenders. Graduates with this education and training in forensic psychology can contribute to the work of the justice system, public service, and to teaching and research in the academy.

Admission Requirements

The MSc in Applied Psychology follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar. In addition, admission to the program requires an honours degree in Psychology or its equivalent (the equivalent of sixty (60) credit hours in Psychology including an independent research project). Applicants must submit a completed online application form, official transcripts, and 3 recommendation forms to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research by December 15th. 

Consideration will be given to scholarly record as well as relevant work, research, and volunteer experience.  The admission materials are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research at http://www.smu.ca/academics/apply-to-grad-studies.html. Any application for change in status (i.e., full-time or part-time) must be made in writing directly to the Graduate Program Coordinator.  Change in status is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Department.

Financial Support

Full-time students admitted to the program may be eligible for funding administered by Saint Mary’s University. Funding recommendations are made by the program. All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships.

The competition for graduate fellowships is adjudicated by the Psychology Department on the basis of GPA, research experience, and recommendation forms. Graduate teaching assistantships are also provided by the Department as remuneration for assisting professors in course and lab instruction.