Masters in Clinical Psychology in Canada

Have you ever known someone who had a panic attack or post-traumatic stress disorder? Do you know whom to consult in such a case? A psychologist, you would say. But do you know which specialized psychologist to visit? Well, a clinical psychologist is your answer. Clinical psychologists are mental health specialists treating patients for emotional and behavioral difficulties. 

If you are someone who has always been intrigued by psychology or lending a hand to others in their difficult times, this field may have a lot to offer you while simultaneously satiating your willingness to help others. Now, if you are wondering which country to study in for this extensive research area, you can surely add Canada to your list. According to the Canadian government website, there will be a whopping demand for 18,800 psychologists during the period 2022-31. 

Read this article for in-depth information on pursuing a career in this field and the top universities offering masters in clinical psychology in Canada.

Masters in Clinical Psychology in Canada

The demand for clinical psychologists will continue to grow as more and more people shed away the taboos associated with mental health. To grasp the opportunities projected in this field, you must at least possess a master’s degree in the subject. To maximize employment opportunities and become a practitioner in clinical psychology, you must complete your doctoral research, gain supervised experience, and obtain the required license from the regulatory body. 

Numerous prestigious universities in Canada provide a variety of postgraduate programs in psychology specializations. Let us look at some of the best graduate clinical psychology programs offered at Canadian universities.

Top Universities Offering Masters in Clinical Psychology in Canada

University of Toronto – Scarborough:

One of the three campuses of the University of Toronto, Scarborough campus offers full-time and part-time study options. Students who want to work in research, education, or clinical practice can get a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the campus’ Department of Psychological Clinical Science.

Lakehead University:

Lakehead University is one of Canada’s top research universities, with campuses across Ontario. A two-year Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program is available. To pursue professions as competent researchers, doctors, and educators, the course assists students in acquiring and honing the necessary abilities.

Regina University:

The university’s psychology department provides a variety of options for its students, including an MSc in Clinical Psychology. Students with this degree have the opportunity to work with children, adults, or senior citizens in areas including mental health, acute care, rehabilitation, child psychology, and counseling.

University of Victoria:

The university is one of the oldest universities in Canada, dating back to 1963. It follows its unique philosophy of dynamic learning, strong impact and an extraordinary academic environment. It offers programs in streams like Ageing, Anthropology, Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, History, Physics, Statistics, etc.

University of Windsor:

The University of Windsor, another name on the list of best Canadian universities for clinical psychology, also provides a master’s degree in the subject. The curriculum successfully combines academic and practical knowledge. The university also provides opportunities for research and internships.

The University of British Columbia:

It is a public research university in British Columbia with campuses in Okanagan and Vancouver. The university offers several popular courses, including master’s degrees in computer science, mechanical engineering, data science, architecture, electrical engineering, computer engineering, etc., and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, business, and other fields of study.

Detailed Overview:

Eligibility

Admission to a master’s program in psychology in Canada requires international applicants to meet the standard as well as the program-specific requirements.

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a Psychology major equivalent to be eligible for the master’s program in clinical psychology in Canada. Most universities prefer applicants with an A– (80%) in the undergraduate study; some universities also accept applicants with a 70% score.
• Applicants from a country where English is not the primary language must provide results of an English language proficiency examination. These include TOEFL (minimum overall score of 90) or IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.5), etc.
• In addition, the GRE is required for admission to the MS in Psychology program in Canada. But some universities allow admissions even without the GRE. 
• Applicants are advised to visit the Canadian university’s official website for the specific program requirements.

Application Deadline for PG in Clinical Psychology in Canada

Depending on the university, the deadline for submission of applications for admission to master’s programs in psychology in Canada generally ranges from December to February.

Career Prospects After Masters in Clinical Psychology

After completing a master’s degree in psychology, over one-third of students seek further research and studies through PhD programs. Other students opt to work in government organizations, hospital facilities, rehabilitation centers, commercial businesses, schools and universities, community service centers, and similar establishments. 

Few Top Employers:

Novotech, CLINWest Research Inc., NeuroRx Research, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Montreal Therapy Centre, and the Universities of Toronto, McGill, and Ottawa are just a few of the top employers where a clinical psychology graduate can look for job prospects.

Top Job Roles: 

• Faculty at universities
• Clinical psychologist 
• Research scientists
• Psychometrists
• Clinical neuropsychologists 
• Forensic psychologist
• Addiction counselor 
• Learning specialist

Disclaimer: All fees and costs are indicative and subject to change at any time.

Conclusion

The universities in Canada offering masters in clinical psychology prepare aspirants to skillfully diagnose and treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders. We hope this article provided you with enough information required to choose the right course and be en route to becoming a clinical psychologist.