The objectives of both our master's and PhD programs in Social Psychology are to develop competence in designing, conducting and evaluating research in the fields of social psychology.

Program Overview

Our Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Social Psychology provides an excellent foundation in research, and emphasizes the development and successful completion of a master’s thesis. Candidates complete five half-credit courses, in addition to the thesis, and upon successful completion of this program they are well prepared for doctoral studies, or for employment in an environment requiring research skills.

Required courses:

• PS600: Advanced Behavioural Statistics I
• PS601: Advanced Behavioural Statistics II
• PS670: Seminar in Social Psychology
• PS678: Research Seminar in Social Psychology
• PS699: a thesis that is supervised by of one of our faculty members

Pick one elective:

• PS660: Principles of Cognition
• PS663: Principles of Neuroscience
• PS675: Seminar in Developmental Psychology

Faculty with Supervisory Status

Eight full-time faculty members supervise theses and dissertations in our Social Psychology master's and PhD programs:

• Roger Buehler
• Justin Cavallo
• Mark Eys
• Mindi Foster
• Christian Jordan
• Frank Kachanoff
• Nancy Kocovski
• Pamela Sadler
• Anne Wilson
• Chris Alksnis 
• Judy Eaton 
• Erin Strahan

They research a wide variety of topics, such as:

• People's thoughts about themselves through time, including their identity, memories, predictions, goals, and motivation.
• Sociocultural influences on the self.
• Implicit and explicit self-esteem.
• Narcissism.
• Experiences of awe.
• Mindfulness.
• Gender discrimination and coping.
• Risk regulation in close relationships.
• Personality and temporal processes at play during people’s social interactions.
• Social anxiety and other anxiety disorders.
• Role ambiguity.
• Acceptance in sport and exercise groups.