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Master of Arts, Master of Education
MA, MEd in Educational Psychology
| Method of delivery: In-person |
Applications open: October 1, 2025 |
Applications close: December 1, 2025 |
Next start date: September 2026 |
Please note: This program is currently under revision. Updates will be available soon.
Our Educational Psychology Master's program leads to the Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Education (MEd) degree. It applies theoretical perspectives and research on the psychology of social cognition, moral development, and health and wellness to the education of all persons, including those who identify with neurodevelopmental conditions, across the lifespan.
Designed for
Students interested in deepening their content specific understandings of current research and approaches in educational psychology that support mental health and wellness; cognitive, social and moral development; and learning of persons who collectively represent a neurodiverse population, beginning in early childhood and extending to later life.
Our Educational Psychology MA is a program of study that prepares graduates to apply to a PhD program in Educational Psychology that leads to a career in academia (universities, colleges). Graduates who exit the Educational Psychology program with a MA or MEd will be well prepared for careers that support the mental health, wellness, and education of neurodiverse populations as educational consultants, learning specialists and educators.
As this program of studies in Educational Psychology does not include clinical coursework or practice, graduates will not meet eligibility requirements for registration as a psychologist (school, clinical, counselling) with the BC College of Psychologists. If you have an interest in a career as a psychologist or counsellor in clinical practice, please consider applying our SFU Masters program in Counselling Psychology MEd/MA (offered in the Faculty of Education) or a PhD program in Clinical Psychology (offered in the Department of Psychology). This program of studies also does not lead to teacher certification in BC.
Program Structure
The Educational Psychology MA/MEd program is currently under revision and further information about the updated program will be available in October 2024.
Intake Schedule
This program typically takes applications on an annual basis; however, there will be no intake for Fall 2024.
Next Start Terms
Fall 2026
Program Design
Courses
The MEd program consists of the completion of a minimum of 24 units of core and elective course work and two extended essays.
The MA program consists of the completion of a minimum of 15 units of core course work and a Master's thesis.
2023/24 Academic Year*
MEd and MA Students Entering Fall 2023 Complete:
FALL EDUC 841-3 SEMINAR IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
A required seminar for first-year students in master programs in Educational Psychology that is also open to graduate students from any program of study. Each week we will explore seminal topics in Educational Psychology. Weekly meetings will consist of guest lectures by faculty members in Educational Psychology, group activities, and writing workshops.
FALL EDUC 860-3 THE LEARNING SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Theories and research about cognition, metacognition, motivation and self-regulated learning; applications to educational practice. Prerequisite: An undergraduate course in educational psychology or a cognate area of psychology.
SPRING EDUC 805-3 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE SCHOOL CONTEXT
This course involves an examination of theoretical, empirical and practical literature on social and emotional development in young children and its application to education and school settings.
SPRING EDUC 829-3 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Selective issues important and current in the fields of learning and developmental disorders are examined in depth. The objective is to enable students to master a significant body of knowledge in these areas and to identify areas of interest.
SUMMER EDUC 810-3 METHODS OF INQUIRY IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to major paradigms of inquiry in educational psychology including their inherent assumptions, central concepts and dominant procedures. The practices of ethical scholarship and presentation and dissemination of knowledge in educational psychology are additional foci.
MEd students entering Fall 2023 also complete:
9 ELECTIVE UNITS OF GRADUATE EDUC COURSES
As approved by Senior Supervisor
EDUC 885-6 MED EXTENDED ESSAYS
Students will develop two extended essays based on seminal topics presented in required courses. Graded on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
MA students entering Fall 2023 also complete
EDUC 886-15 MA MASTERS THESIS
The thesis is a research investigation designed to generate and/or critically examine new knowledge in the theory and/or practice of education. The thesis should normally be completed and approved in three terms. Students must also orally defend a written thesis proposal to their supervisory committee members prior to completing and defending the thesis. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Burnaby
Perched atop Burnaby Mountain, Simon Fraser University's original Arthur Erickson-designed campus includes more than three dozen academic buildings and a flourishing sustainable residential community.
Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Burnaby is located.
Vancouver
Our Vancouver campus transformed the landscape of urban education in downtown Vancouver. The campus comprises multiple facilities clustered in the core of one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories including, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Vancouver is located.
Where this program can take you: The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.
Occupations
- Faculty members at universities and colleges
- Advisory positions for teachers, social workers, parents
- Educational consultants and analysts
- Directors of instruction
- Training and development specialists
- Researchers
- Teachers
Further Studies
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"SFU's Faculty of Education offers a truly professional and diverse research and development program for anyone who seeks to research and develop innovative education theories and practices for Greater Vancouver and the world."
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"I have learned to look at things in a deeper, more analytical manner."
Alannah Wallace, 2019 Graduate
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Curious to know more about the program?
