Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Psychology, Specialization in Counselling Psychology

The deadline for the submission of complete applications is available on the Future Students website: http://ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/counselling-psychology-doctor-philosophy-thesis-based.

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, entry requirements include:

a) A completed thesis-based master's degree in Counselling Psychology or equivalent from an approved university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in the master's program, including 500 hours of practicum, with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

Note: If coursework or practicum from an applicant's master's program is not equivalent to the Master of Science in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary, the student may be admitted as a qualifying student (see G.A.3 Admission Categories). A qualifying student is required to take additional courses within the doctoral program to ensure equivalent training.

b) Two senior undergraduate or one graduate course (3 units each) in (i) biological bases of behaviour, (ii) cognitive-affective bases of behaviour, (iii) social bases of behaviour, and (iv) individual behaviour.

c) One senior undergraduate or one graduate course in the historical and scientific foundations of general psychology.

d) One graduate course in Indigenous Approaches to therapy (course) or equivalent.

Note: Students may be considered for admission to the PhD program in Counselling Psychology if up to 12 units of prerequisite courses outlined in b), c) and d) have not been completed at the time of application. Prerequisite coursework must be completed before the doctoral candidacy examination.

e) A curriculum vitae including information about previous employment and volunteer experience, and a concise rationale (500 words or less) for the application including a description of the applicant's research interests and potential supervisors from within the counselling psychology program area, if applicable.

f) Three references: two academic references and one from someone who has provided clinical supervision for the applicant (e.g., a practicum supervisor). It is recommended that one of the academic references be the applicant's master's thesis supervisor or a professor who is familiar with the applicant's thesis research.

g) For applicants required to present proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 97 (5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026), an IELTS (academic version) overall band score of 7.0 or a CAEL overall score of 70 (with no section less than 70). This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of A- in each course. The test must have been taken within the last two years. When requesting that official TOEFL test scores are forwarded to the University of Calgary, please indicate institution code 0813.

Note: A completed Pre-Admissions Checklist is required as part of the admissions process.