PhD in Psychology

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, life sciences, environmental sciences, business, and the arts. The university is committed to providing a transformative learning experience and fostering a supportive community for its students. With a focus on research, innovation, and community engagement, the University of Guelph prepares students to address global challenges and contribute to society.

The Department of Psychology offers programs in four fields of psychology: applied social psychology, clinical child and adolescent psychology, industrial/organizational psychology and neuroscience and applied cognitive science. Applied Social Psychology (MA, PhD) Applied Social Psychology is based on the investigation of social processes and problems of significance to the general community and to specific groups. Areas of investigation may include, but are not limited to, aging, ethics, health, policy, equity, community services, the environment, ethnicity, and gender. Diverse research strategies, including qualitative and quantitative methods, are used to answer questions related to social issues. Graduate study in Applied Social Psychology is designed to prepare students for academic and applied research careers in a wide range of settings. The graduate program has two emphases: the pursuit of advanced research, and the design and evaluation of programs that aim to reduce social problems and promote human welfare. Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (MA, PhD) The area of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology concentrates on understanding the development and treatment of psychological disorders experienced by children, youth and families. This includes a focus on the social, emotional, cognitive, and neurobiological features of normal and atypical development; risk and protective factors that influence the nature and progression of atypical development and response to treatment; and approaches to assessment, psychodiagnosis, and intervention. Also considered is the developmental impact of stressful life events such as divorce, illness, poverty, adoption, and death. Training in this field follows an integrated series of courses and practica which contributes to and mutually supports the students' acquisition of competence as both practitioners and researchers. Students participate in our on-campus clinic, the Centre for Psychological Services, and complete off campus practica in hospitals, schools and mental health settings under the supervision of registered psychologists. This training allows students to enter careers involving clinical and/or research positions in mental health centres, hospitals, schools, and the private sector, as well as careers involving teaching and research in university settings. It also prepares students for registration as psychologists with provincial licensing boards. Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MA, PhD) The objective of study in the area of Industrial/Organizational Psychology is to train future professionals in the area of Industrial/Organizational Psychology following the guidelines established by the Canadian Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Graduate students are expected to obtain a high level of proficiency in both research skills and practice in the core areas of Industrial/Organizational Psychology including personnel selection, organizational behaviour, work attitudes, performance appraisal, and measurement of individual differences. Graduates from this field of study will be in a position to enter careers in a wide range of private and public sector organizations, including universities, consulting firms, industries, and government agencies. Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science (MSc, PhD) This program encompasses: basic cognitive processes, behavioural neuroscience, cognitive ergonomics, cognitive neuroscience, developmental and life-span cognition, and foundations of cognitive science. Students in these disciplines have the opportunity to learn about the interdisciplinary work of other students, faculty and outside researchers in the weekly research seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science. Additionally, students take courses specific to their research. A unique feature of this area of study is the practicum that provides students with additional specific training in a research laboratory, hospital, government agency, or non-government agency. Note that the Masters programs are an integral part of the doctoral studies and students are admitted with the expectation of completing the doctoral degree. These areas of study, which are described below, provide training in both research and professional skills, as well as a firm grounding in theory and research in relevant content areas. See the department website at https://www.uoguelph.ca/psychology/ for additional information.