The School and Applied Child Psychology program is designed to prepare psychologists who serve as researchers and leaders in school and applied child psychology both nationally and internationally through their work as practitioners, supervisors, researchers, and faculty in the field.
Reasons to do your graduate study with the School and Applied Child Psychology at UBC:
1
Welcoming Scholarly Community. Scholars Scholars in our program, the department, and university address a wide range of research interests and influence policy and practice. Social justice and providing a socially relevant scholarly environment are central to the approach taken by our faculty and students in the work we do. Active research grants allow many opportunities for student involvement, employment, and independent research. UBC is consistently ranking among the 40 best universities globally, and now places among the top 20 public universities in the world.
2
Commitment to Human Rights and Social Justice. The program is committed to preparing students in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusivity, Indigeneity, human rights, and social justice. These are considered not only in terms of the communities served and the students recruited and admitted, but also in terms of the varied theoretical and paradigmatic foci considered, the issues and elements of practice examined and taught, and the provision of skills and experiences in working with a broad range of clients, families, and settings.
3
Extensive practical experiences. From day one, you’ll apply what you learn in your courses in schools and communities. Students are involved in integrated practicum experience across cohorts (Master’s to Ph.D.) starting in their first semester. First year Master’s students work with advanced students in gaining and understanding of schools, schooling, and psychology in schools. Students then have practicum experiences in our in-house clinic, the Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre in Year 2 of their Master’s degree. Students in their Ph.D. are involved in a school-based placement in their first year Ph.D. followed by a community placement in settings such as mental health/health agencies, developmental and other community based clinics, There are also opportunities to develop skills in supervision skills in Year 2 of the Ph.D. program, along with opportunities for additional optional applied experiences in Year 3, culminating in a full-year (12 month) paid internship in Year four or five of the Ph.D.
4
Supportive and inclusive environment. We admit cohorts of students who progress through the program together. Students have close contact with program faculty members throughout their graduate training. A strong emphasis is placed on equity, diversity, inclusivity, and social justice in all aspects of our program through courses, seminars, practicum experiences, and other endeavors. You will also get support from your peers, the School and Applied Child Psychology graduate student assistants, and advanced student mentors. An abundance of professional, social, service, and support events exist not only within our department but also in the wider university community.
5
Location. Located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) people, this land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam people, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site. Vancouver is a diverse cosmopolitan city with a vibrant downtown, mountains and beaches, unmatched outdoor opportunities and a mild climate. It is regularly ranked within the top five cities to live in the world.