Education Requirements
Needed
Master’s Degree in Psychology is needed to use the designation "Psychological Associate" in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
Expert Advice
The same level of education is recommended for employment in other provinces.
Education Pathway Advice
To find out the admission requirements for master’s degrees in Psychology:
Download the Post Graduate GuideCareer 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 training is normally needed.
- Oral exams and board interviews are needed in some provinces.
- Registration with a regulatory body is needed in some provinces.
Note: You should always confirm admission requirements for your desired program with your intended university.