Educational Psychology (MA)
This program applies psychological theory and research to learning and instruction. You’ll use evidence-based practices and learn how to support specific educational needs. You’ll choose one of our focus areas:
- learning, development and instructional sciences
- special education
This MA degree is thesis-based. We also offer a project-based MEd degree.
Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
---|---|---|
(6 terms) of full-time study, or 4 years (12 terms) of part-time study | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study, Part-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in the LDIS stream will:
- examine, critique, and apply contemporary research in human learning, self-regulation, motivation and development
- apply psychological sciences to evidence-based practices across diverse instructional contexts
- critically read, interpret, synthesize and evaluate research
- communicate scholarly information in ways that are accessible to colleagues, clients and communities
- gain in-depth knowledge of scholarly theory and research in a chosen area of focus
- develop research competency and experience
Please note:
- this program is suitable for achieving advanced TQS standing for previously qualified teachers, but none of our programs lead to BC Teacher Certification
- this program does not allow you to become a school psychologist
Students in the Special Education stream will:
- meet the advanced training needs of current or prospective special educators on contemporary research and practice within inclusive education
- cultivate professional knowledge and skills in assessing, programming and supporting individuals with special needs, and to enhance consultative and administrative skills within special education and related health fields
- promote research and guide graduate students in empirically examining important issues in special education and related health fields
Please note:
- this program is suitable for achieving advanced TQS standing for previously qualified teachers, but none of our programs lead to BC Teacher Certification
- this program does not allow you to become a school psychologist
Find a supervisor
You do not need to contact a potential supervisor before applying. We will assign you a supervisor if you're selected for admission.
As part of your application package, please include a list of potential supervisors in your "statement of purpose" and a strong rationale for why you have selected those supervisors.
Breanna Lawrence
Associate Professor Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology
Catherine McGregor
Associate Professor and Associate Dean Graduate Programs and Research Leadership Studies
Doug Magnuson
Professor and Graduate Advisor (Educational Psychology, Leadership Studies) Educational Psychology
Fred Chou
Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor (Counselling Psychology) Counselling Psychology
Joan M. Martin
Assistant Professor Educational Psychology (Learning, Development, and Instructional Sciences)
Mariel Miller
Assistant Professor Educational Psychology (Learning, Development and Instructional Sciences)
Rose Vukovic
Professor and Chair of EPLS Educational Psychology (Special Education)
Program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Program details
Application deadlines
Admission requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in (a) psychology, (b) educational psychology or (c) education from an accredited university
- A grade point average of 6.0 (B+) in the last two years of academic work
You must demonstrate English language proficiency to attend UVic. Learn about language requirements for EPLS programs, including allowable exemptions and tests.
Review our general admission requirements for more information.
Program specific requirements
- Two references (assessment reports) from academic or field based contexts. You must give the names and email addresses of 2 assessors when you submit your online application
- An Educational Psychology application form
- Current curriculum vitae (resumé)
- Criminal record check in compliance with the BC Criminal Records Review Act
Applicants who hold the following (in addition to general requirements) will be given priority consideration:
- Undergraduate course in statistics and/or research methods
- Undergraduate honours thesis
- Senior undergraduate course in:
- Learning or cognition
- Development (childhood, adolescent, adult or lifespan)
- Behavioral interventions, psychological disorders, or learning differences
- GRE scores from the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the GRE
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in (a) psychology, (b) educational psychology or (c) education must satisfy the following pre-requisite course requirements:
- Two senior undergraduate courses covering content in educational psychology, learning, cognition and/or human development
- For the special education focus area: at least one of the courses must be in special education, developmental psychopathology or related course. Applicants with two years of related field experience providing services to people with special needs in school or community contexts can use their experience in lieu of the special education course prerequisite
- A bachelor’s degree in (a) psychology, (b) educational psychology or (c) education from an accredited university
- A grade point average of 6.0 (B+) in the last two years of academic work
You must demonstrate English language proficiency to attend UVic. Learn about language requirements for EPLS programs, including allowable exemptions and tests.
Review our general admission requirements for more information.
Program specific requirements
- Two references (assessment reports) from academic or field based contexts. You must give the names and email addresses of 2 assessors when you submit your online application
- An Educational Psychology application form
- Current curriculum vitae (resumé)
- Criminal record check in compliance with the BC Criminal Records Review Act
Applicants who hold the following (in addition to general requirements) will be given priority consideration:
- Undergraduate course in statistics and/or research methods
- Undergraduate honours thesis
- Senior undergraduate course in:
- Learning or cognition
- Development (childhood, adolescent, adult or lifespan)
- Behavioral interventions, psychological disorders, or learning differences
- GRE scores from the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the GRE
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in (a) psychology, (b) educational psychology or (c) education must satisfy the following pre-requisite course requirements:
- Two senior undergraduate courses covering content in educational psychology, learning, cognition and/or human development
- For the special education focus area: at least one of the courses must be in special education, developmental psychopathology or related course. Applicants with two years of related field experience providing services to people with special needs in school or community contexts can use their experience in lieu of the special education course prerequisite
Completion requirements
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Need help?
Contact Shaivya Arya at eplsgrad@uvic.ca or 250-472-5005.