A minimum of 25.5 units of course work and a comprehensive exam is required in the project-based MA program. The program of study includes the following required courses:

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

The MA degree is a minimum of 28.5 units of study and includes a thesis and its oral defense. The program of study includes the following required courses:

*Students choosing to conduct a thesis involving qualitative methodology are required to complete ED-D 519B or equivalent in addition to ED-D 560 and Ed-D 561A.

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

Each student's program of studies is individually planned. It is expected that there will be considerable variation between students as a result of differences in academic background and experience, research interests, and future professional goals. The program of studies requires that a broad knowledge of the field or fields of study be demonstrated through the successful completion of candidacy examinations. A major portion of the doctoral program is devoted to a research project culminating in a dissertation, which satisfies the requirements and standards of the Department of Educational Psychology & Leadership Studies and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

The minimum total number of units required for the PhD program is 48 units. The program requires:
a) a minimum of 15 units of coursework
b) a candidacy examination of 3 units, AND
c) a dissertation of 30 units

Of the 15 units of coursework required, all students must take:
a) ED-D 660: Doctoral Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology, AND
b) 4.5 units of advanced statistics/research methodology, which includes ED-D 562: Advanced Statistical Methods in Education (or its equivalent).

Students who wish to be eligible for registration as a psychologist with the BC College of Psychologists must make themselves familiar with the requirements established by this licensing body (e.g., required number of practicum hours) and ensure that their program of studies not only meets the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, but also the requirements of the College.

A minimum residency of one academic year is required. During the residency year, students are expected to be committed full time to their studies. Normally, a student proceeding toward a Doctoral degree will be required to complete all the requirements within seven years from the date of first registration in the program.

PhD students write candidacy examinations in research methodology and in their area of specialization within Educational Psychology. The format normally consists of two written papers followed by an oral examination. In the oral examination, the candidate will be examined on both research methodology and his or her area of specialization.

Students are required to submit a report of their progress to their supervisory committee each year. Failure to submit a report may jeopardize a student's subsequent registration.

A degree will not be awarded in less than 24 consecutive months from the time of first registration. Students are required to register in every term from the time of admission until the requirements of the degree have been met, or formally withdraw in accordance with regulations set out in the University of Victoria's calendar.