Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Brock University's MA in Psychology program offers intensive research training in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, Lifespan Development, or Social/Personality. Students develop critical thinking skills through core courses, electives, and a thesis project supervised by experienced faculty. Graduates are prepared for careers in psychology, data analysis, counselling, education, and more.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology program at Brock University is designed to provide intensive research training and develop critical and scholarly thinking in various areas of psychology. The program offers three specializations: Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, Lifespan Development, and Social/Personality. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills for research, data analysis, and critical evaluation of psychological theories and research findings.
Outline:
The curriculum for the MA in Psychology program comprises core courses and electives tailored to each specialization. Core courses provide a foundation in research methods, statistics, and psychological theory. Elective courses allow students to explore specific areas of interest within their specialization. The program structure involves a combination of coursework, research, and a thesis project. Students typically complete the coursework in the first year and engage in research and thesis writing in the second year. The thesis project provides an opportunity for students to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Assessment:
The assessment methods used in the program include:
- Exams (written and oral)
- Research projects
- Presentations
- Thesis defense Students are evaluated based on their academic performance, research skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills.
Teaching:
The MA in Psychology program is taught by experienced faculty members with active research programs. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing students with opportunities to participate in research projects, attend conferences, and present their work. The faculty provides mentorship and support to students throughout the program.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in Psychology program are prepared for a wide range of careers in psychology and related fields. Potential career paths include:
- PhD programs in Psychology
- Data management and research design
- Data analysis
- Counselling, assessment, mental health, and healthcare
- Education and teaching
- Computer programming
Brock University: A Summary
Overview:
Brock University is a public university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, fostering a vibrant learning environment for its students.
Services Offered:
Brock University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Libraries, teaching and learning resources, academic integrity support.Student Life:
Student Union (BUSU), Graduate Students' Union (GSA), campus store, Brock Sports, campus safety, mental health and wellness services.International Student Support:
Dedicated resources and services for international students.Co-op Programs:
Opportunities for students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study.Professional and Continuing Studies:
Programs and courses for individuals seeking professional development or career advancement.Community Engagement:
Opportunities for students to connect with the local community and participate in various initiatives.Alumni and Donor Services:
Support and resources for alumni and donors.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Brock University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Student Clubs and Organizations:
Numerous clubs and organizations cater to diverse interests and provide opportunities for leadership development and social engagement.Campus Events:
A variety of events are held throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, workshops, and social gatherings.Athletics:
Brock Sports offers a wide range of varsity and recreational sports programs.Residential Life:
On-campus housing options provide a sense of community and support for students.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
Brock University offers a diverse range of programs, including highly regarded programs in areas such as business, education, health sciences, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is actively engaged in research, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects.Experiential Learning:
Brock emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge through internships, co-op programs, and community engagement.Supportive Environment:
The university provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students, with dedicated resources and services to help them succeed.Beautiful Campus:
Brock University is situated on a picturesque campus with modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.Academic Programs:
Brock University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 120 undergraduate programs across various faculties and departments.Graduate Programs:
Master's and doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines.Spring/Summer Courses:
Opportunities for students to take courses during the off-semester.Online Learning:
Flexible online courses for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
Location:
Brock University is located in the Niagara Region, offering easy access to the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area.Community:
The university is deeply connected to the local community, fostering partnerships and collaborations.History:
Brock University was founded in 1964 and has a rich history of academic excellence and community engagement.Entry Requirements:
For applicants with an undergraduate honors degree with a major in psychology or neuroscience:
Applicants need to request official hard copies that once received, need to be uploaded to their application. Please do not have hard copies sent to the University. Scores on the GRE Psychology Subject Test are NOT required for those with backgrounds in psychology or neuroscience.
- Personal Statement of Interest should be no more than one page and provide some indication of your research experience (i.e. thesis research, RA work) as well as your intermediate and long term goals. Although not a requirement for your application package, an updated CV, listing any publications, presentations, research assistant work, etc. would be considered an asset. Statement (and optional CV) must be uploaded.
- Complete the Applicant Interest Form , (Research and Faculty Checklist) and upload. On this, you will indicate, in order of preference, potential faculty members as supervisors in addition to indicating your interest in various research topics. If you are unable to fill out the form directly in the link provided, you can download the form and then upload it to your application.
- English language proficiency: If English is not your native language, an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English, must be scanned and uploaded.
For applicants applying with backgrounds other than psychology or neuroscience:
The Department will consider applications from applicants with backgrounds other than psychology or neuroscience. The applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s Thesis in another discipline that involved empirical research at a level comparable to a Psychology (or Neuroscience) Honours Thesis. Candidates must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and the GRE Psychology Subject test section.
- Transcripts
- GRE General Test scores
- GRE Psychology Subject Test Scores
- Personal statement of interest in pursuing graduate studies. It should be no more than one page and provide an indication of your research interests as well as your intermediate and long-term goals. If you are interested in including a CV (optional) indicating any relevant research, teaching, or work experience, please include 1-2 pages of CV at the end of the statement of interest document.
- Complete the Applicant Interest Form and upload. On this, you will indicate, in order of preference, potential faculty members as supervisors in addition to indicating your interest in various research topics. If you are unable to fill out the form directly in the link provided, you can download the form and then upload to your application.