Education Requirements
Minimum Needed - NS, NB, NF, SK, AB
Masters’ Degree in Psychology.
Minimum Needed - PE, QB, ON, MB, BC
Doctorate Degree in Psychology.
Expert Advice
A Doctorate Degree is increasingly required in all parts of Canada.
Education Pathway Advice
To find out the admission requirements for master’s degrees in Psychology:
Download the Post Graduate Guide
Career Pathway Advice
Before Graduation
- Gain Work Experiences. (e.g., Co-op Education, Internships, Work Integrated Learning).
- Be Curious. Ask questions about the work environment and day-to-day tasks of a job. This includes reaching out to professionals in the field, faculty, counsellors/advisors, neighbours and friends.
- Develop Power Skills. (e.g., oral and written communication, teamwork & leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation & creativity, and engaging diversity).
- Know Your Transferable Skills. Understand how the skills you are learning in your program meet or transfer to the requirements of your intended job.
- Develop Digital Literacy. Be able to find, communicate, create, and edit files online (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe).
- Be Grade Point Average (GPA) Aware. Know the minimum grade point average needed for admission to your desired graduate or professional program.
- Pursue Mentorship and Network Opportunities. (e.g., information interviews, developing relationships with someone working in the field, joining professional organizations, job shadowing, or volunteering).
- Prepare Your Job Search Documents. (e.g., LinkedIn profile, CV/Resume, cover letter, and portfolio).
- Practice your Interview Skills. Research common interview questions employers use, develop short stories you can use to demonstrate your skills and experience, and seek help from a career centre, family, or friends to do mock interviews.
After Graduation
- Embrace formal ongoing learning and professional development. Regulated professions in Canada demand it.
- Seek mentorship from co-workers and supervisors.
- Build network relationships with other industry professionals.
- Keep your jobs search documents updated.
- Build your brand by using social media, LinkedIn and professional membership or associations.
Spotlight Requirements
- A period of supervised practical training is normally needed.
- Registration with a regulatory body.
- Membership in the appropriate provincial association for psychologists.
- Oral exams and board interviews are needed in some provinces.
Note: You should always confirm admission requirements for your desired program with your intended university.