Masters in Applied Psychological Science (Co-op)

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Overview
Admission
Program of Study
Work Term
Examples of Work Term Reports
The Research Project
Example Projects
Financial Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Primary Faculty

Overview: Bringing Science & Social Programs Together

This program has a distinct emphasis on application of science in real world settings. It offers a combination of training in basic scientific research methods and psychological theory with practical experience in a variety of work settings. The faculty provide training in methods and theory through the academic component of the program and the practical experience is provided by the co-operative, work-term component. Successful completion of the MPSc. degree qualifies students for a variety of employment positions or entrance into a doctoral program.

This is a two-year program, that consists of 4 academic semesters and 2 co-operative work placement semesters. Students also complete an independent research project in their final semester.

The key program goals include:

application of psychological methods and knowledge to the development and improvement of social programs and applied research.
application of critical thinking skills and evaluation technologies to evaluate social programs.
development of program evaluation skills that are broadly applicable across all types of programs (e.g., government, industry, community, health, education and justice systems).

Admission

A student must hold an Honours Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Psychology to be eligible to apply. Admission to this program is competitive and applicants should have a strong academic record. Though not required, GRE scores may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Application forms can be filled out on-line. The deadline to apply is February 1. Late applications may be considered if openings are available. Letters of reference should be submitted directly to the School of Graduate Studies on the appropriate forms. Admission decisions are normally made by April 1.

Program of Study

Year/Semester	Course	Title
Year 1/Fall (Academic Term 1)	6001	Research Design
	6400	Theory and Methods in Social Psychology
Year 1/Winter (Academic term 2)	6000	Advanced Statistics in Psychology
	6402	Group Processes
Year 1/Spring (Work Term 1)	601W	Work Term 1
Year 2/Fall (Academic Term 3)	6403	Program Evaluation and Applied Research
Year 2/Winter (Work Term 2)	602W	Work Term 2
Year 2/Spring (Academic Term 4)	6404	Project in Applied Psychological Science

Work Term

During each work term the student works for a participating employer and earns a competitive salary as if he or she were a regular employee. The Co-op Co-ordinator organizes the competition for work term employment and oversees the application process. (Students may also obtain their own work term jobs outside the competition but the position must be approved by the Co-op Co-ordinator and the Program Chair.). Employers conduct interviews and select candidates. Placements are not guaranteed, but every effort is made to ensure that appropriate employment is made available. In recent years, all students have obtained suitable placements.

The work term is evaluated by:

1. Student performance on the job.

The student and employer jointly review the student’s performance. The assessment is submitted to the Co-op Coordinator and to the Program Chair.

2. A work term report written by the student.

The report describes the work undertaken during the placement, including results from such work. Usually the report summarizes for the employer the activities/projects completed and the results of such work. The work-term reports are evaluated by the Program Chair.

Examples of Work Term Reports

Evaluation of the Enterprise Olympics Program, YMCA.

Evaluating the Arts, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of NL.

Strategic Planning for the Botanical Gardens, Office of Public Engagement, Memorial University.

R & D Vouchers program, Research Development Corporation.

Project for Enhanced Rural & Remote Training, Primary Healthcare Research Unit.

Curriculum Program Review, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of NL.

Evaluation of Harm Reduction Workshop & Webinar, NL Housing & Homelessness Network.

Food Security Initiatives, Food First NL.

Violence Prevention Initiative, Womens’ Policy Office, Government NL.

The Research Project

Students in their second year carry out an independent research project and write a report that demonstrates their ability to conduct research and to integrate theory, research, and practice. The project is similar to a thesis in that it is an independent piece of research. It is different from a thesis because it is usually based on data from an applied setting, concerning a social problem or issue.

The project will provide the "capstone" experience for students in the program. They will have the opportunity to produce a study integrating what they have learned in classes with what they have learned in their work terms. Projects may involve an analysis of data collected during a work term or the study of an applied problem from a psychological perspective. In all cases, the project involves the design of a study and the analysis of data. The data, which the student may collect, which may be part of a data archive, or collected on a work term, forms an essential part of the project. The research project must be separate from work term reports and cannot include material from the work term reports.

Example Projects

Assessing pre-licensure collaborative skills using a simulated interprofessional team consultation exercise.

Youth engagement in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada: A jurisdictional scan of agency approaches and best practices.

No child left behind: Attitudes towards redistributing donations made to US public schools.

Exploring the relationship between positive mental health and contact with police among Canadians.

Immigrants’ experiences accessing healthcare across provinces.

Eastern Health Community Health Assessment: Survey report.

Parkinson’s Society NL Exercise Program evaluation.

Incorporating students in public engagement assessment: An exploratory data analysis.

Police officer communication: Accommodation, trust and attitudes toward information provision.

Perception of healthcare services provided by the Gathering Place.

Financial Support

Students are automatically considered for financial support. Such support usually consists of a combination of Graduate School Fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. The two paid work terms provide additional financial support. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek outside support as well (e.g., SSHRC CGS-M). If you decide to apply for Tri-Council funding (SSHRC), please consult with a faculty member in the Department regarding a project and supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is my supervisor?

All incoming students are initially assigned to the Program Chair.

2. Who supervises my final project?

The supervisor is usually determined in the second year of the program. The Program Chair is assigned as the supervisor unless or until the student finds a supervisor who matches their interests. Depending on their research interest, students may seek any departmental faculty member to supervise their final project, although it is usually someone in Social Psychology.

3. How do I apply for work terms?

The application process is organized and administered by the co-op coordinator, who meets with students early in their first semester to provide the details for the process.

4. When do I start working on my final project?

Although the project is completed in Academic Term 4, students are encouraged to begin working on their project as soon as they have determined their interest and have supervision in place. This is normally early in the second year of the program or at the end of their first year.

5. Is this program only about program evaluation?

No. This program is designed to transfer psychological knowledge and research skills to real world settings so that graduates can conduct research across a range of settings to make evidence-based decisions and policies. Program evaluation is but one aspect of these more general research tools.

6. What are the chances of getting a work term?

Excellent. In recent years, all of our students have obtained placements.

7. What are the chances of getting a job?

Great. In recent years, all of our students have obtained positions in a range of work place settings, such as the Provincial Government (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Transportation and Work, Treasury Board), Federal Government (e.g., Statistic Canada, Immigration & Refugees), Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Research Development Corporation (RDC), Goss-Gilroy Consulting, Market Quest, M5 Marketing, a wide range of community organizations (e.g., Stella’s Circle, Community Services Council, Kids Lunch Program, Emmanuel House), and others.

8. Can I find my own work terms?

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to find work terms that match your interest. Note, however, that the placement must be approved by the co-op coordinator and the program chair.

9. Do the work terms have to be in Newfoundland and Labrador?

No. In fact, we encourage you to consider work terms in other provinces that broaden your experience and interests. We have had many students successfully complete work terms in other provinces.

10. How much money will I make on a work term?

It depends on the placement. The amount of financial compensation for each work term varies. On average, students earn approximately $6,000 to $7,500 for a work term.

11. How long are the work terms?

Work terms require a minimum of 12 weeks, but are more usually 16 weeks.

12. What is the minimum grade needed to pass a course?

A minimum grade of 65% is required to pass all graduate courses. Work terms are graded as: pass or fail.

13. How is the final project evaluated?

The final project is evaluated by the program chair and one other faculty member. The evaluation rubric is similar to that of a thesis.

14. Can I work full time while completing Academic Term 4?

No. Graduate student regulations stipulate that students can work a maximum of 24 hours per week during any given term.

15. How many students are accepted each year?

The number varies from year to year. In recent years, cohort sizes have ranged from 6-10 students, to a maximum if 12. Acceptance into the program is competitive and based largely on academic excellence (e.g., GPA, GRE Scores). Students must also have an interest in conducting research in applied settings.

16. Can work terms and academic terms be taken in any order?

No. The program must be completed in the sequence outline under the Program of Study.