FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a degree from Athabasca University, Mount Royal College or Red Deer College acceptable for entrance into your graduate programs?
2. Can I apply to the PhD program directly from my undergraduate degree?
3. What can I do if I don't meet the minimal GPA requirements or if I have a bachelor's degree in a field other than psychology?
4. I’m an international student, how do I know if my GPA is equivalent to the entrance requirements?
5. Do I have to write the GRE and TOEFL test?
6. What is the GRE Institution Code?
7. What is the difference between clinical and counseling psychology?
8. Do you have a part time program or a distance learning program?
9. How long is your program?
10. What is your mailing address?
11. Who can I contact if I still have questions?
12. What is it like living in Calgary?

1. Is a degree from Athabasca University, Mount Royal College or Red Deer College acceptable for entrance into your graduate programs?

Yes, as long as you complete a four-year bachelor's degree in Psychology.

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1. Can I apply to the PhD program directly from my undergraduate degree?

No.  Only students who have completed, or are about to complete, a masters degree will be accepted into the PhD program.

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1. What can I do if I don't meet the minimal GPA requirements or if I have a bachelor's degree in another field other than psychology?

If you do not meet the GPA requirements, you may take additional courses in psychology to improve your GPA.

If you have a degree in another field other than psychology, you may take the After-Degree Program in Psychology.

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1. I’m an international student, how do I know if my GPA is equivalent to the entrance requirements?

Please contact the Graduate Programs Administrator at  psycgrad@ucalgary.ca

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1. Do I have to write the GRE and TOEFL test?

All applicants must write the GRE. If you have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, only the general test is required. If you do not have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, both the general and subject test are required.

Applicants whose background language is not English must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score greater than 550 (written test) or 105 (computer-based test), or successfully complete Level III of the English Language Foundation Program (ELFP).

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1. What is the GRE Institution Code?

The Institution Code is 0813.

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1. What is the difference between clinical and counseling psychology?

Both clinical and counseling psychology focus on helping people in distress, and some of the interventions used by clinical and counseling psychologists are similar. A major difference, however, is that whereas clinical psychologists deal with individuals suffering from mental and physical disorders, where the focus is on assessing, diagnosing and alleviating the disorder and restoring normal functioning, counseling psychologists tend to work with less severe problems, including adjustment difficulties, marital disorders, and so on. Further, counseling psychologists are more likely than clinical psychologists to be involved in helping people, without any particular problem, achieve goals they have set (e.g. career counseling, human development). Whereas clinical psychology programs are typically found in departments of psychology, counseling psychology programs are typically offered through departments of educational psychology, and some have an educational focus.

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1. Do you have a part time program or a distance learning program?

No. The Department of Psychology only offers full-time on campus programs.

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1. How long is your program?

The Master's typically takes two years, and the PhD typically takes three.

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1. What is your mailing address?

Department of Psychology
University of Calgary
c/o Christine Goodwin
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
CANADA

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1. Who can I contact if I still have questions?

Please contact the Graduate Program Advisor, Christine Goodwin
Phone: (403) 220-5659
Email:  psycgrad@ucalgary.ca
In person: Administration Building, Room 255

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1.  What is it like living in Calgary? 

Please see a guide put together by current and past graduate students on living in Calgary, culture in Calgary, etc.
A Guide to Calgary by Psychology Grad Students

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