Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Shape your future with research-based graduate programs in psychology
The University of Lethbridge recognizes the importance of quality graduate education for students and offers graduate degrees in diverse disciplines. Graduate degrees in Psychology are research-based programs that train students in research methods and data analysis in the Psychological Sciences. The goal of both programs is to train high-quality researchers and prepare students for Ph.D. programs in Psychology and related disciplines. The main difference between the programs is the area of focus.
Graduate programs in the Department of Psychology include:
- Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
- Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Evolution and Behaviour
Programs that may be of interest, offered outside of the Department of Psychology:
Inside our psychology graduate programs
The central experience of our Master's program is the creation of a thesis. At the Master's level, a thesis project involves close collaboration between supervisor and student. When applying for admission to our graduate program, students must also closely collaborate with potential supervisors. Consequently, it is necessary for potential students to establish contact with potential supervisors prior to application for admission to the program.
Summarized very briefly:
- A 40 course Baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, in Psychology or a related discipline from a recognized university is required for admission to our program.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university level semester courses is required for admission to our program.
- Other applicants will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Students who are not Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and who are graduates of universities where English is not the medium of instruction must also submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum requirement is a score of 600.
- Because the capacity of our program is limited, not all students meeting the general admission requirements can be admitted. Selection criteria include reference letters, the proposed project -- its timeliness and ability of proposed supervisor(s) to supervise it, availability of funding, availability of resources, etc.
- Our graduate program is only available on a full-time basis, and the maximum residence period for it is 24 months.
- Deadlines for receipt of application forms and all supporting documentation (reference letters, official transcripts, project proposal form filled out in consultation with prospective supervisor, etc.) are March 1st for admission to the Summer session or Fall semester, and October 1st for admission to the Spring semester.
The central experience of the PhD program is the pursuit of scholarship culminating in the creation of a thesis. Students also complete a limited number of courses (from 2 to 4 graduate-level courses in most cases), the number and details of which are determined at the time of admission and vary from student to student.
Application forms can be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies. Project proposal forms, reference letter forms, etc., can also be obtained through the School of Graduate Studies. Please note that in case of discrepancies between the information presented here and the information presented in the most recent University of Lethbridge calendar or on the formal application forms, the calendar and application forms will take precedence.
Meet your future mentor
Faculty in the Department of Psychology at the University of Lethbridge hold wide-ranging areas of expertise. Explore their interests and find the perfect mentor to guide your graduate journey:
- Faculty Research & Research Interests
- How to Find a Supervisor (only applicable for MA/MSc/PhD in Arts and Science)

Why choose our programs?
We hope that you will consider joining the Department of Psychology. Our students benefit from close, one-on-one interactions with faculty and access to well-supported research opportunities. Graduate training is individually tailored through Independent Studies and direct collaboration with supervisors, rather than through traditional coursework. If you're interested in learning more, we encourage you to reach out to a faculty member whose research aligns with your interests, or contact Erin to arrange a visit.
To find out more about Graduate Studies opportunities, please contact the School of Graduate Studies directly.
Ready to apply?
Whether you're beginning with an undergraduate degree or pursuing a graduate program, the Department of Psychology at the University of Lethbridge offers flexible, research-focused pathways to match your goals. Learn from leading researchers, build critical skills, and gain the tools to better understand — and influence — the world around you.