Psychology (Developmental and Communication Science) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)

PAS Building

Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology (PAS) Building on Waterloo's South Campus, across from Laurel Creek.

Deepen your understanding of children’s cognitive and communicative development with the Master of Applied Science in Psychology (Developmental and Communication Science) program.

This program is designed to provide an intensive, applied research experience for serious students who have already built a strong background in developmental psychology or a related field but are not seeking to pursue further research at the PhD level*.  

Completed over one-year on a full-time basis, you can choose between the coursework or the master’s research paper study option, with additional options to complete a community practicum or a research lab internship to gain hands-on experience.  

You’ll be prepared for a career in early childhood education, teaching, speech-language pathology or any career where a more intensive background of the methodologies are required, like social work policy work, journalism and marketing.  

*If you’re interested in pursuing a PhD, please apply directly to the PhD program (link the words “PhD program” to that page).  

Program overview

Department/School: Psychology
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Research
Length of program: 12 months
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Coursework, Master's Research Paper

Application deadlines

  • December 1 (for admission in September of the following year)*

*NOTE: all relevant documents pertaining to your application must be uploaded by December 1.  See the Department of Psychology - Application procedures page for detailed information.

Key contacts

Emily O'Connor
emily.oconnor@uwaterloo.ca

Admission limitations

Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. Please contact the department's Associate Chair, Graduate Studies prior to applying to discuss your interest in this program.

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Applications for admission are open to individuals who will have completed an Honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related, approved equivalent (e.g., Linguistics, Computer Science) by the time of entrance to the program.
  • A 80% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • Applicants whose ultimate goal is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) should apply directly to the PhD program.
  • Students accepted to the MASc in Psychology - Developmental and Communication Science program cannot transfer to the PhD program in any of the divisions of the Psychology Department; they must reapply on the same basis as other PhD applicants and in competition with each other. Graduate Record Examination results are required when applying to the PhD program.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Personal statement (Letter)
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5).

Tuition and fees